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Pevensey Castle

Pevensey Castle (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography
Aerial view (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography

With a history stretching back over 16 centuries, Pevensey Castle chronicles more graphically than any other fortress the story of Britain's south coast defences.

Beginning in the 4th century as one of the last and strongest of the Roman 'Saxon Shore' forts - two-thirds of whose towered walls still stand - it was the landing place of William the Conqueror's army in 1066.

During the century after the Conquest a full-scale Norman castle, with a great square keep and a powerful gatehouse, was built within one corner of the fort. In the 1250s the towered bailey wall was constructed, and soon put to the test during the great siege of 1264. Later still the castle was strengthened to face the threat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. This was not Pevensey's last military service: during World War II, pillboxes and machine gun posts were cunningly camouflaged among its ancient walls.

An exhibition with artefacts found on site and an audio tour tell the story of the castle.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec and 1 Jan CLOSED

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£4.30 until 31 Mar 2010 / £4.50 from 1 Apr 2010
Children:
£2.20 until 31 Mar 2010 / £2.30 from 1 Apr 2010
Concession:
£3.70 until 31 Mar 2010 / £3.80 from 1 Apr 2010
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £10.80 until 31 Mar 2010 / £11.30 from 1 Apr 2010

How do I get there?

Address:
East Sussex - BN24 5LE
Road Access:
In Pevensey off A259
Train Access:
Pevensey & Westham or Pevensey Bay, both 1/2 mile
Bus Access:
Stagecoach in Hastings 99 from Eastbourne
Map Location:
Telephone:
01323 762604

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Guidebooks Dogs allowed on leads Audio tours (included in admission price) Shop Hazardous Family Learning Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Restaurant Tea Room Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Adapted unisex WC near car park but RADAR key is needed.
Refreshments: Castle Cottage Tea Room (near car park) has level access.
Access:
Access to castle and grounds: Inner and outer bailey accessible to wheelchair users via mainly impacted gravel paths and some rough grass; assistance may be necessary. Many steps to the towers. Ambulant disabled visitors can usually use steps to towers and dungeons with assistance; handrails in North and South Towers. Benches provided. Wheelchair users must retrace their steps to avoid exit turnstiles.
Parking:
300m from entrance. Uneven brick surface and narrow gravel track
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Special audio tour available. Cannon, grave stones and catapult balls to touch. NB Steep stairs in north tower, otherwise reached via external staircase.
Hearing Impaired Visitors:
Audio tour with hearing loop available.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
Coaches can set down or pick up in Hormworks car park. Parking for disabled drivers only in the castle precinct.
Group Booking:
Contact the site for a Group Booking Form and for opening times and prices from 1 April 2010.
Average Length of Visit:
2 1/2 hours

Further Info

For nearby attractions, visit www.visiteastbourne.com.
Castle Cottage Tearoom is open daily 10am - 5.30pm. Tel. 01323 460970; Tearooms (call 01424 775705 for opening arrangements).
Audio also available for the visually impaired and those with learning difficulties.
There is a charge payable for the parking; Dogs on leads only in restricted areas; Toilets (nearby).
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