Our top 5 Sussex castles for a splendid day out

Sussex is a fantastic destination full of rich cultural history and stunning landscapes. Here we pick our 5 favourite Sussex castles - which are all the more splendid for their incredible locations in the beautiful Sussex Downs and coastline.

1 Bodiam Castle

We'll start with the romantic and impressive Bodiam Castle near Robertsbridge. This beautiful 14th Century moated castle brings fairy tales to mind with its idyllic setting, battlements and spiral staircases. As you wander the ruined interiors of the castle you get a strong sense of history - walking paths trodden by people for hundreds of years prior to your visit. Outside there is an impressive gatehouse where you can see the original wooden portcullis. Adult tickets cost £7.20 and child tickets cost £3.60.

2 Arundel Castle

The most stunning castle in Sussex has to be Arundel. This impressive building is located high up on the hill overlooking the picturesque town and the beautiful River Arun flood plain. The castle is quite the feature in this landscape and can be seen for miles around. With over 1000 years of history, the gatehouse, grounds and castle itself are in spectacular condition. The castle is the official seat of the Duke of Norfolk and a flag flies when the family are in residence. The extensive castle grounds are open to the public and make for wonderful walking. Ticket prices begin at £9, dependant on how much you wish to explore.

3 Herstmonceux Castle

Both imposing and historically significant, Herstmonceux Castle was built in the 15th century and at the time was the largest private home in England. Fast-forward to the 1950s and the castle was fast becoming an important base for scientific research. Skip to today and you can visit not only the impressive castle and gardens, but the Observatory Science Centre. The site was home to the Royal Greenwich Observatory until 1992 and is now a fantastic science museum with amazing historic telescopes and over 100 hands-on exhibitions. Really fun and interesting for both children and adults. Tickets to visit all the attractions cost £12.70 per adult, £8.15 per child aged between 5 and 16 - with under 5s entering free.

4 Lewes Castle

The Norman castle at Lewes offers panoramic views over the town and the East Sussex countryside. The castle is now owned by the Sussex Archaeological Society and adjoins Barbican House which houses the Museum of Sussex Archaeology. You can get combined admission both of these plus another interesting house which was the home of one of King Henry VIII's wives, Anne of Cleves. Located within walking distance, the house shows how the Tudors lived and worked. Combined tickets cost £7 for adults, £3.60 for children.

5 Hastings Castle

Although now ruined, Hastings Castle played an important role in the battle of 1066. Located high on the cliffs, the castle was originally built by William of Normandy as one of 3 coastal fortifications (the others being Pevensey and Dover). The castle has a fascinating history, with the remaining walls surviving battles, wars and its own personal battle with the coastal elements. You can visit the castle alone for £4.35 for adults and £3.60 for children. If you want to make a day of it, you can purchase a ticket which also gives you access to 2 other local attractions, Smugglers Adventure and the Blue Reef Aquariem, for £17.50 and £13.50

A visit to a castle makes for a great day out, allowing you to see amazing architecture and wander paths trodden by our ancestors for 1000s of years. With their fascinating histories and stunning settings, these impressive castles in Sussex should not be missed.