Our journey begins in the northern part of West Sussex, where three extraordinary castles, each with a unique character and history, await us.

Bramber Castle is the first place on our list. Located in the small village of Bramber, this picturesque ruin catches the eye with its majestic silhouette towering over the surrounding area. The castle was founded shortly after the Norman Conquest in 1073 by William De Braose. Although today only fragments of the walls and a 14-meter tower remain, the site still exudes a medieval atmosphere. Admission to the castle is free, making it an ideal destination for family outings. Visitors praise the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Note the nearby historic church, which is also worth a visit.

The next point on our trip is the impressive Hever Castle. This magnificently preserved mansion, known as the place where Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, grew up, offers much more than the typical castle ruins. Hever Castle impresses not only with its rich collection of antiques and artwork inside, but also with the beautiful gardens that surround the structure. It's the perfect place for a day trip, where you can combine sightseeing with relaxing outdoors. The castle offers many attractions for children, including mazes and playgrounds, making it a great destination for family outings.

Last, but not least, a fascinating place on this part of our trip is Knepp Castle. This place stands out from the rest because, in addition to medieval ruins, it offers a unique experience of communing with wildlife. Knepp Castle is part of a pioneering 'rewilding' project that aims to restore natural ecosystems. Visitors can admire not only the remains of the historic building, but also observe wild animals such as deer, wild boar and rare bird species. This is an ideal place for nature and history lovers.

Each of these castles offers different experiences and attractions. Bramber Castle is the perfect place for a short, leisurely walk and picnic with the family, while Hever Castle provides a full day of entertainment with the opportunity to explore the rich interiors and gardens. Knepp Castle, on the other hand, combines history with ecology, offering a unique experience of communing with wildlife. All of these places are easily accessible by car, and in the case of Bramber Castle and Hever Castle, also by public transportation. Admission prices vary considerably, from free admission to Bramber Castle to more costly tickets to Hever Castle, but which include access to all attractions. Regardless of your choice, each of these places guarantees an unforgettable experience and a fascinating history lesson for the whole family.

Continuing our journey through the castles of West Sussex, we move on to the central part of the county, where other fascinating buildings await, each with its own unique history and character.

We begin with Lewes Castle and Museum, which is the true historical heart of the region. This Norman fortress, towering over the town of Lewes, offers not only impressive ruins to explore, but also a rich museum full of exhibits related to local history. A climb to the top of the castle's towers rewards visitors with spectacular views of the surrounding area. The museum is a great place to explore the region's history, and interactive exhibits ensure that even the youngest visitors won't be bored. It's the perfect place for families who want to combine learning with fun.

Another point on our map is the majestic Herstmonceux Castle. This 15th century castle, built of red brick, stands out from other fortresses with its unique architectural style. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and a moat, Herstmonceux offers visitors a trip back in time to the Tudor era. Although the interior of the castle is only accessible on a limited basis due to the fact that the building is now used as a university campus, a walk through the extensive grounds and gardens provides an unforgettable experience. The former Royal Observatory is also nearby, making the site particularly attractive to science and astronomy enthusiasts.

We then move on to the Amberley Castle Hotel, which offers a unique experience - the opportunity to stay overnight in a real medieval castle. This 12th-century fortress has been transformed into a luxury hotel while retaining its historic character. Even if you don't plan to stay overnight, it's worth a visit to admire the impressive architecture and beautiful gardens. The hotel also organizes afternoon teas, which allows you to feel the atmosphere of the old aristocracy.

The last point on this part of our trip is Pevensey Castle, whose history dates back to Roman times. This impressive fortress, which witnessed the Norman invasion of 1066, offers a fascinating journey through various historical eras. The castle ruins are extensive and well-preserved, allowing visitors to imagine what life was like in the medieval fortress. A museum on the castle grounds displays artifacts found during excavations, and interactive exhibits help visitors understand the complex history of the site.

Each of these castles offers different attractions and experiences. Lewes Castle is ideal for families interested in history, with its interactive exhibitions and panoramic views. Herstmonceux Castle attracts architecture and science lovers with its beautiful gardens and proximity to the observatory. Amberley Castle Hotel is a luxurious experience for those who want to feel like medieval aristocracy, while Pevensey Castle is perfect for archaeology and military history enthusiasts.

In terms of accessibility, all of these sites are relatively easy to reach by car, and Lewes Castle and Pevensey Castle are also well connected by public transportation. Admission prices vary considerably, from moderate entrance fees for Lewes Castle and Pevensey Castle, to higher prices for Herstmonceux Castle. Amberley Castle Hotel, being a luxury hotel, offers the most expensive experience, but even a short visit to its gardens can be fascinating.

Regardless of your choices, each of these places guarantees an unforgettable experience and a deep immersion in the rich history of West Sussex. This is the perfect opportunity to travel back in time and experience the magic of medieval England.

In the final part of our fascinating journey through the castles of West Sussex, we will discover three more remarkable buildings, each offering unique experiences and insights into the region's rich history.

We begin with the mysterious Lodsworth Castle (Motte), also known as Lodsworth Motte and Bailey. This place, although less well-known than other castles in the region, has its own unique charm. Lodsworth Castle is a typical example of early Norman defensive architecture, consisting of a high mound (motte) and an adjoining courtyard (bailey). Although little remains of the original structure, the site itself exudes an atmosphere of mystery and history. It's the perfect place for those who like to explore the less-traveled trails and want to experience authentic contact with early medieval English history. Admission to the castle is free, making it an attractive destination for families and history buffs on a tight budget.

Our next destination is the famous Bodiam Castle, one of the most picturesque and best-preserved medieval castles in England. Built in the 14th century as a combination of a defensive fortress and a comfortable residence, Bodiam impresses with its symmetrical design, surrounding moat and majestic towers. It's a place that takes you straight into the heart of the Middle Ages. The castle offers a rich educational and entertainment program, including knightly combat demonstrations, archery workshops and many other activities for children and adults. A tour of the interior of the castle allows you to understand what life was like in a medieval fortress, and the views from the ramparts are breathtaking. Bodiam is the perfect place for a full-day family trip, combining education with entertainment.

Last, but not least, a fascinating place on our list is Bolebroke Castle. This 15th-century residence, although less well-known than other castles in the region, has an interesting history related to Henry VIII. According to tradition, it was here that the king planned his meetings with Anne Boleyn while she was staying at nearby Hever Castle. Although Bolebroke Castle is now privately owned and not regularly open to the public, its exterior architecture and surroundings are well worth seeing. It's an ideal place for those interested in lesser-known aspects of Tudor history and who like to discover hidden gems.

Each of these castles offers different experiences and attractions. Lodsworth Castle is ideal for adventurers and lovers of authentic, non-commercial sights. Bodiam Castle, on the other hand, offers a full spectrum of tourist attractions, combining historical education with entertainment for the whole family. Bolebroke Castle, though the least accessible of the three, attracts visitors with its mysterious atmosphere and ties to royal history.

In terms of accessibility, Bodiam Castle is the easiest to visit, with a well-developed tourist infrastructure and regular opening hours. Lodsworth Castle, while always accessible, requires some effort to reach and does not offer tourist facilities. Bolebroke Castle, due to its private nature, is the least accessible and requires advance planning for a visit.

Admission prices also vary. While Lodsworth Castle offers free admission, Bodiam Castle has moderate admission fees that include access to all attractions within the castle grounds. Bolebroke Castle, if open to the public, may charge for special events or guided tours.

All in all, each of these castles offers a unique look into the history of West Sussex and medieval England. From the mysterious ruins of Lodsworth Castle, to the majestic and vibrant Bodiam Castle, to the intimate atmosphere of Bolebroke Castle, each of these places has a unique story to tell. Whether you're passionate about history, looking for a family activity, or just want to spend a day in beautiful surroundings, West Sussex castles have something to offer for every visitor.