South East What's On

Archaeology and Autumn at Herstmonceux

As we move into autumn, there is plenty to see across Herstmonceux Castle Estate. Discover Halloween Ghost Tours, a hands-on Experimental Archaeology workshop, and a special wine-tasting and stargazing experience.

Experimental Archaeology

Discover how people made fire, crafted strong cordage from natural materials, and developed hunting technologies thousands of years before modern tools.

Led by experimental archaeologist and former Head of Science Rupert Loch, this hands-on day explores the science, archaeology, and practical skills behind some of humanity’s earliest technologies.

Designed for adults, the day combines demonstrations, practical activities, discussion, and experimental testing across three sessions.

Monday 26th October
10 am to 3 pm
Herstmonceux Castle Estate

Please note: Due to the practical nature of this workshop, attendance is limited to those aged 16 and over.
 

Halloween Ghost Tours

For three nights this October, experience Herstmonceux Castle after dark.

Join our guide for a special evening tour exploring ghost stories, reported sightings, and some of the more unsettling tales associated with the castle.

With much of the building in darkness and jump scares along the route, this is a very different experience from our daytime castle tours.

Tours last at least one hour, with only 30 places available per tour.

Dates and times
Wednesday, 28th October
5.30 pm and 7.30 pm

Thursday, 29th October
5.30 pm and 7.30 pm

Friday, 30th October
5.30 pm and 7.30 pm

Tickets: £16 per person

Age: 12+
 
Headless Drummer autumn update

From 1 October, the Headless Drummer will move to a new autumn schedule and will no longer be open to the public every weekend.

The final regular opening weekend will be 25th to 27th September.

Over the autumn and winter, the team will focus on a programme of planned events from October to December, with more details coming soon. The pub will also open for selected events at Herstmonceux Castle Estate, including our Halloween Ghost Tours.

The Headless Drummer is also available for private hire, offering a characterful setting for birthday parties, celebrations, and smaller Christmas work gatherings.

 
Wake up surrounded by the beauty of Herstmonceux Castle Estate.

Whether you’re visiting East Sussex for business, leisure, a family break, or a longer stay, our comfortable accommodation offers a peaceful base within the estate’s historic grounds.

Book with ease for one night, a weekend, a week, or longer. Choose from fully equipped self-catering studios or comfortable guest rooms, each with everything you need for a relaxing stay.

We are accredited with a VisitEngland Four Star Campus rating, recognising the quality and comfort of our accommodation.
Discover more
 
Wine tasting and star gazing experience

This unforgettable experience, in partnership with Henners Vineyard and Observatory Science Centre & Museum, includes a glass of Henners English sparkling wine on arrival, plus a mini wine-tasting session in the Headless Drummer Pub.

Following this, the event will move to the Observatory, where the Astronomy Team will guide you through the stars with a unique planetarium experience.

The evening will conclude with stargazing through our historic telescopes (weather permitting).

Tickets: £36pp

For full details of everything on offer this autumn head to www.herstmonceux-castle.com