History

Wadhurst Castle is a private family home and is not open to the public except for private events and pre arranged appointments.

A Regency castle, just to the west of the village of Wadhurst, it is built on the site of a much older house which was mentioned in records of the 14th Century. In an elevated position, the castle commands magnificent panoramic views of the glorious Sussex countryside to the South and West.

First built in 1818-20 by James Louis West, on the site of the farmhouse of Maplehurst, the castle was bought by Benjamin Harding in 1838, for whom it was remodelled to its present appearance by the architect Edward Buckton Lamb. The drawings were exhibited at the Royal Academy. It was at this time that the Winter Garden was added, and as is typical of Lamb's style of architecture, the outside of the castle was embellished with further turrets, odd shaped spires and window tracery. The existing parkland was also developed, and the terraced gardens and entrance lodge on the present B2099 were added. The castle was purchased by Edward Watson-Smyth in 1844 who enlarged it to the north-east and also further extended the parkland.

In 1933 the castle was badly damaged by fire and the following year the estate was purchased by Alfred Matthews. Matthews was an architect and set about repairing the fire-damaged interior. During the Second World War the castle was commandeered for use by the Canadian Army.

In 1955 the Fitzgerald family purchased Wadhurst Castle and the estate is now in the joint ownership of the Fitzgerald and Clough families who have done a great deal to return the gardens and grounds to their former glory.

The provision of a commercial kitchen space and the upgrading of the car park and access (a project known as “Wadhurst Castle Infrastructure Improvements”) and the conversion of the Victorian Barn into a modern function suite and the building of toilets in the castle (a project known as “Wadhurst Castle Estate Ballroom 2”) was part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

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Brochures

Wadhurst Castle, its beautiful gardens and Carriage Barn are ideally suited to celebrating weddings and the milestones in life; from naming celebrations, special parties and anniversaries, to the gathering of those marking a family member’s passing. At Wadhurst Castle, we pride ourselves on the care and attention we take over every event.

Each occasion is planned with our clients to ensure that every detail is perfect and your guests will always remember the day.

Weddings & Civil Partnerships

This brochure includes venue hire price information for Weddings & Civil Partnerships. Click the button below to view the information.

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Celebrations & Special Events

Click the button below to view information for Celebrations and Events at Wadhurst Castle including exclusive hire pricing.

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Corporate Events

This brochure includes venue hire price information for corporate meetings, hospitality and other events. Click the button below to view the information.

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Accommodation

On the Wadhurst Castle Estate - Castle Cottage
Wadhurst Castle Cottage

Wadhurst Castle Cottage is a charming Regency self catering holiday cottage set in its own secluded garden full of cottage flowers, within the Castle estate. It has well proportioned rooms, and is a light, spacious and welcoming self catering holiday home for up to 6 guests in 3 bedrooms.

There is a wood burner in the spacious sitting room where there is also a sofa bed available. A stone's throw away from the castle, this is the perfect location for your wedding night or for guests looking to have a holiday in East Sussex.

During your stay we can introduce you to our Wadhurst Castle Experiences which include tailored wine tours to the glorious boutique vineyards of Kent and East Sussex. We also host lovely Owls and Birds of Prey which you can meet against the stunning backdrop of the castle estate.

Accommodation local to Wadhurst

Please follow the link to a variety of local accommodation suggestions available close to Wadhurst Castle. Every effort is made to keep this up to date but the main booking sites may offer new and additional suggestions to suit your wish list.

FAQ

Directions

Wadhurst Castle is on the outskirts of the village of Wadhurst, just seven miles from Royal Tunbridge Wells and 45 miles from central London. Maidstone is 20 miles away, Gatwick 30 miles and Brighton 25 miles.

By Road

Take the M25 (exit Jct 5) on to the A21 (signed to Sevenoaks – do not turn off at Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells) to the Lamberhurst bypass. At the roundabout take the B2162 to Lamberhurst and then the B2100 to Cousley Wood and Wadhurst. This road ends in a “T” junction, left to Wadhurst, right to Tunbridge Wells. Go straight over through an entrance marked “private” with cast iron railings and a stone gatehouse to the left hand side of the gates and follow the drive round to the main courtyard or car park.

Although the postcode for Wadhurst Castle is TN5 6DA, some sat navs may take you to a nearby road called Castle Walk – this is incorrect as there is no access to Wadhurst Castle from there.

By Train

Wadhurst Station is on a Main Line route from London Charing Cross, Waterloo East and London Bridge – journey time approx. 1 hour – with regular trains.

Wadhurst Castle is 1 mile from the station. If you require a taxi do book this in advance.

By Air

The nearest airport is London Gatwick.

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