If you’re planning an upcoming trip to England, we highly recommend you stay at the Amberley Castle hotel. It’s a true medieval castle turned hotel in the West Sussex countryside. Staying here is both a time capsule and a luxury stay that very few places offer up. We think it’s the coolest thing ever that you can stay in a castle that’s older than some countries! Here’s what to know before you book Amberley Castle in England.
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What Is Amberley Castle?
Amberley Castle is a medieval fortress in Amberley, West Sussex, with tons of history, dating back about 900 years, and is now an intimate luxury hotel that hasn’t lost its medieval charm. Plenty of “castle hotels” are newer buildings dressed up to look old. Amberley’s history is real, and that’s what you’re paying for. The hotel only has a small number of rooms, which keeps the whole property feeling private and not touristy.
Getting to Amberley Castle
Amberley sits in the South Downs, about 1.5 to 2 hours by car from London. If you’d rather skip the drive, Amberley has its own train station, an easy walk from the castle gates, with regular direct trains from London Victoria (journey time just over an hour). Either way, we’d still recommend having a car once you’ve checked in, since it makes exploring the surrounding countryside much easier.
Amberley Castle Rooms
You’re getting lots of character in the rooms here. Which is to be expected given the age and history of the castle. Some rooms sit in the oldest sections of the fortress and keep more original architectural details, while others are more updated. The most expensive room isn’t automatically the best one. What matters more is how much historic character the room has, since that’s the reason to book Amberley in the first place.
Rooms are limited, and weekends book up fast, so this isn’t a property to leave until the last minute.
Dining at the Castle
The Amberley Castle restaurant serves seasonal British cuisine sourced from the surrounding Sussex countryside. Eating dinner here, inside a medieval castle, is a big part of why people book Amberley in the first place. We’d plan for at least one dinner on site. Ask about the seasonal Amberley Castle menu when you book. Plus, make sure to book the Amberley Castle afternoon tea service!
start planning your trip today
Things to Do at Amberley Castle
The main draw of a stay here is getting to explore a real castle’s grounds and immerse yourself in the history. There isn’t a ton to do on-site outside of that. Instead, we recommend slotting in some time to explore the castle, but also treating Amberley as a base to explore the surrounding areas. Arundel Castle is close enough for an afternoon visit and is one of England’s more impressive historic castles in its own right. The South Downs National Park surrounds the hotel and is perfect for countryside walks. Petworth House, a grand historic estate with a significant art collection, is also within easy reach.
If you’re looking for a castle hotel with tons to do on-site, we recommend checking out our post on Ashford Castle.
What to Know Before Booking
Amberley Castle is a splurge. Rooms typically run several hundred pounds per night, with suites and peak dates costing more. You’re paying primarily for the setting and the history, not a long list of amenities. Rates shift by season and room category, so it’s worth checking current Amberley Castle prices directly.
You can check the latest prices here.
If you’re trying to decide whether you should book Amberley Castle, it comes down to what you’re looking for in your trip. If you want a unique hotel to base yourself at in the English countryside, it doesn’t get much better than this! Or if you love staying in places with tons of history, you’ll really enjoy a stay here. If you’re comparing it to a modern resort with a spa, a pool, and a full amenities list, Amberley won’t win on paper. But that’s not what this hotel is selling. You’re paying to sleep inside an authentic medieval fortress, not a modern recreation of one.
It’s a strong fit for anniversaries, honeymoons, proposals, and even weddings.
Amberley Castle is one of England’s more memorable stays for travelers who want the hotel to be part of the trip, not just a place to sleep. Pair it with a night or two exploring the South Downs, and it holds up as one of the best countryside escapes from London.
Looking for more unusual places to stay? Check out our Explore and Book page for more memorable stays around the world.
