VISIT  OVER  400  HISTORIC  SITES  WITH  ENGLISH  HERITAGE  MEMBERSHIP

- Up to 6 Kids go free

- Free Parking at English Heritage

- Receive our Handbook

- Unlimited access to over 400 days out

Image
More Information

Quick Navigation

Visiting Bramber Castle

Overlooking River Adur, Bramber Castle, is a ruined Norman castle resting on a high natural mound. The Castle was a Norman fortress built to protect William I’s conquered territories. Today, Bramber Castle is a tourist attraction providing great views of the neighbouring countryside, and it’s under the care of English Heritage.

Parking

There’s a car park with limited spaces at the Castle. It’s free for English Heritage members with a valid car sticker. Non-members pay £2.00 for parking.

 

Price

Entry to Bramber Castle is free of charge for both members and non-members of all age groups.

 

Opening

Bramber Castle is open daily during the daylight hours.

Plan Day Visit

Location and Access

Bramber Castle is on Castle Lane, Bramber. It’s near the town of Steyning, West Sussex, England. The Castle sits on a gap in the South Downs and overlooks the River Adur.

Bramber Castle is only a walking distance from the centre of Bramber Village. It’s accessible by road and rail. Hence, you can cycle, drive, take a bus, or board a train to Bramber Castle.

Available bus services include the Brighton and Hove (2A, 20) and the Compass Bus (100 and 106). The nearest train station is the Shoreham-by-sea, and it’s 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from the Castle. The road access to Bramber Castle is on the west side of Bramber village, off the A283 road.

Since there are limited parking spaces at the car park, you can leave your vehicle in the village and walk to the Castle.

Know Before You Go

  • Bramber Castle grounds are uneven. Thus, they’re not suitable for wheelchairs.
  • You don’t have to book in advance to visit the Castle since there are no entry charges.
  • The Castle’s management doesn’t allow drones on-site, except by licenced contractors or partners with a valid reason for flying them.

Places To Stay Nearby

The Castle Inn Hotel

Distance from Bramber Castle: 0.48 km (0.3 mi)

Situated on The Street, Bramber, The Castle Inn Hotel is a 3-star guesthouse offering high-quality services. The smoke-free hotel entails a bar (lounge), a restaurant, and a conference area.

Book

Best Western Plus Old Tollgate Hotel

Distance from Bramber Castle: 0.32 km (0.2 mi)

One of the most popular hotels in Bramber, the Best Western Old Tollgate Hotel, is just 4 minutes away from Bramber Castle. The 3-star hotel offers an ancient worldly charm that enhances the guests’ comfort.

Book

Delightful Cottage

Distance from Bramber Castle: 1 km (0.5 mi)

Located along River Adur and close to Brighton and the South Downs, Delightful Cottage is a historic cottage with a romantic touch. The facility has a beautiful garden and barbecue grills for its guests.

Book

History of Bramber Castle 

Despite being a ruined castle with only a single remnant of the gatehouse, Bramber Castle was a key stronghold of the Norman Invasion. It’s an example of an early Norman motte and bailey castle. Though Bramber Castle was initially located on the coast (where River Adur joins the sea), it’s now far inland.

Time Line

-1066

William the Conqueror sub-divided Sussex into six administrative units (Rapes) to enhance control and safeguard its natural harbours. He then granted each Rape to an associate who’d construct a fortification in the area.

Bramber was among the six Rapes, including Chichester, Arundel, Lewes, Hastings, and Pevensey.

-1073

William I granted William de Braose large pieces of land around Bramber. He also appointed him the associate in charge of the Bramber administrative unit. William de Braose built Bramber Castle at Bramber. Its initial location on the coast was to secure the “Adur Gap” up to the South Downs.

He also constructed a church on the slanting hill and established the administrative unit in Bramber.

The original structure of the Castle was a motte and bailey timber fortification. It sat on a high hillock, and its 9-metre (29.54 ft) motte was constructed using materials from an encircling ditch. A wide bailey surrounded the motte, extending south-eastwards, through a stone gatehouse.

A stone keep later replaced the wooden structure which the motte had supported. The keep was three-storey high, and a ditch surrounded it. The keep’s floor levels had joint slits in the masonry.

The de Braose family owned and resided in Bramber Castle from 1073 to the 14th century (apart from a short period when King John captured the Castle).

-1199 to 1216

William de Braose, a descendant of the First Lord of Bramber Castle, was suspected of disloyalty to King John. The King confiscated the Castle and demanded that William’s wife and two sons be held hostage.

The Lady de Braose initially refused to hand over her son, but they were both captured. The Lady and her eldest son were imprisoned at Windsor Castle and later died of starvation.

The King’s harsh treatment of the de Braose family caused an uproar and led to the Baron’s revolt. The rebellion eventually resulted in the signing of the Magna Carta.

-1216 to 1326

The de Braose family regained Bramber Castle and lived there until the mid-14th century. The Castle remained the property of the de Braose family until the last male heir died in 1326.

Bramber Castle was passed down to the Mowbray family, but they did not live there. Though Bramber was still an administrative unit, it was one of the poorest. Hence, the Mowbrays preferred to reside elsewhere.

-1550s

The Castle’s structure deteriorated due to large-scale subsidence in the area. Moreover, the locals used some of its materials to construct roads, bridges, and houses. However, Bramber Castle might have been refortified during World War II when two pillboxes were installed.

-1642 to 1646

There’s an assumption that Parliamentary troops used Bramber Castle during the First English Civil War. John Temple was the leader of this Parliamentary garrison.

-1966 to 1967

Archaeological excavations occurred on Bramber Castle’s grounds. Findings revealed that the Castle was a Norman motte and bailey castle built between 1073 and 1130. They also determined that adding a ditch in 1209 could have contributed to the Castle’s ruinous phase of the 16th century.

Bramber Castle’s remaining structures are now under the care of English Heritage.

Bramber Castle Occupants

During its existence, Bramber Castle didn’t belong to royalty. The Castle was only in the King’s possession for a few years before the Baron revolt.

Here are notable occupants of Bramber Castle:

  • William de Braose, the founder of Bramber Castle and an administrator of the Bramber Rape
  • William de Braose, a descendant of the First Lord of Bramber Castle
  • Lady de Braose, William de Braose’s wife who was captured with her eldest son by King John

Images of Bramber Castle

Image
bramber castle

Images Supplied and licensed from Shutterstock Standard Licence Package

Bramber Castle Facts

Bramber Castle is a Grade 1 listed building and a scheduled monument protected by law. The Castle derived its name from the Saxon word “Brymmburh,” which means a fortified place. It was also a result of the Normans’ interest to safeguard the Adur estuary.

What started as a motte-and-bailey structure evolved into a stone building and later a ruin when the Castle’s defence function elapsed. Though what remains of Bramber Castle is a 14-metre (45.93 ft). tower wall, the grounds are perfect for sightseeing and picnics.

Here’s what to expect when you visit Bramber Castle:

  • The original castle motte (a raised ground) that provides great views of the surrounding countryside
  • A section of the gatehouse tower (14-metre or 49-feet wall)
  • A section of the curtain wall (about 3-metre or 10-feet high)
  • A small church near the Castle’s entrance
  • Service building foundations
  • The defensive ditch encircling the motte and bailey

Bramber Castle Q&A

Are Pets Allowed in the Castle?

English Heritage allows pets at Bramber Castle. However, all pets must be kept on a lead at all times while visiting the castle grounds.

Can I Bring a Picnic?

You can bring a picnic to Bramber Castle. The castle boasts beautiful grounds that are perfect for picnics (when the weather is favourable). However, there are no benches on-site, so be sure to bring a picnic blanket.

Are There Accessible Toilets at Bramber Castle?

There are accessible toilets at Bramber Castle near the entrance (about five minutes away). You’ll also find toilets for persons with disabilities in the car park.

How do I get to Bramber Castle from London?

You can get to Bramber Castle from London by driving (1 hour 15 min), taking a bus (2 hours 50min), or riding a train (1 hour 21min). However, driving is the cheapest alternative, and it’ll cost you £11 to £17.

Location of Bramber Castle

Bramber Castle is situated at Bramber, Steyning in West Sussex. Bramber is a historic village with fascinating sceneries and tourist attractions. The village lies on the west side of River Adur, the northern edge of the South Downs. It neighbours the town of Steyning and Upper Beeding village.

Bramber has remained unchanged for ages since it became an administrative unit under the Normans. It was also a busy port before the siltation and change of course of River Adur. However, it’s a renowned village due to its beauty and attractive sites, including Bramber Castle and St Mary’s House and Gardens.

Bramber Castle’s mailing address is Castle lane, Steyning, West Sussex, BN44 3EW.

Other Places To Visit Near Bramber Castle

St Mary’s House and Gardens

St Mary’s House and Garden is a gem with an extensive history. Initially built in the 15th century, the half-timbered house is a rehabilitated pilgrim inn. It rests on a five-acre (2.02 ha) piece of land in Bramber village, and it provides an enchanting atmosphere.

The house has captivating and uniquely decorated rooms dating to the Tudor era. Moreover, the friendly owners have dutifully restored and taken care of the gardens. Thus, they create a picturesque charm for the guests.

The beautiful gardens at St Mary’s entail fascinating features resembling renowned gardens. These include the prehistoric Ginkgo Biloba 'living fossil' tree, terracotta garden, the unusual circular English poet garden, Landscape Water Garden, and Rural Museum.

St Mary’s House and Gardens are open to the public on Sundays and Thursdays (May-September). However, it’s advisable to book your visit in advance for guaranteed entry.

Marlipin’s Museum

Located on High Street, Sussex, Marlipin’s Museum is one of the oldest buildings in the county. The Museum is popular due to its fascinating flint and chequerboard façade. It also has a vast composition of historical collections, including ancient pictures.

Marlipin’s Museum dates back to the 12th century, according to findings from the demolition of the adjacent building. The Museum’s northern wall was initially built between 1167 and 1197. However, it was brought down and rebuilt later in the 15th century.

If ancient knowledge intrigues, then you’ll be awed by the display of Shoreham’s essential maritime past. The museum also provides the rich history of Sussex. Marlipin’s Archaeological Gallery tells of the state of prehistoric and medieval Sussex.

Worthing Beach

Worthing Beach, West Sussex, is an ideal place to unwind after a long day of hiking, walking, or site-seeing. Situated along the Marine Parade, Worthing, the sand and shingle beach is perfect for family, group, or solo adventures.

You can either stroll along the beach or make sandcastles with your kids. Moreover, you may choose to explore the seafront in search of rock pools. Other exciting activities on Worthing Beach include windsurfing, swimming, and fishing.

Worthing Pier

For generations, local and foreign tourists have visited Worthing Pier. The attraction in West Sussex was designed by Richard Rawlinson and built in the 1800s. Initially, the pier was a simple strolling area measuring 960 feet (292.6 m) by 15 feet (4.5 m).

Years of rebuilding and enlargement have led to the addition of attractive features on the pier. These include The Pavilion Theatre and The Denton (on the northern edge), an amusement arcade (in the middle), and the South Pavilion (on the sea end).

Fishing is the most exciting activity on the Worthing Pier, and it’s free of charge. Coloured discs on the upper mark available fishing areas. They include the green, orange, and red zones.

Chanctonbury Ring

Situated in Pulborough, West Sussex, Chanctonbury Ring is a prehistoric landmark along the South Downs. The site where Chanctonbury sits originally served as a burial site in the Bronze Age (around 1500 BCE).

Chanctonbury Ring is an Iron Age hillfort that was built about 1000 years after the Bronze Age. Its occupants may have abandoned it in 50 AD after the Roman Invasion. Eventually, the Romans used the site to conduct their religious practices.

Today, Chanctonbury Ring is renowned as one of the best cycling trails in West Sussex. It also serves as a landmark due to the presence of a ring of beech trees. The Goring family planted the trees amidst earthworks after the reign of Elizabeth I.

It takes about half an hour to walk to the Ring, and it offers a breath-taking view of the surrounding countryside.

Sources