In the 12th century, the site was a manor house, and by the 15th century, it had attained castle status.

With their entertaining audio tour, you can learn about the castle’s colourful past. Hear how Lord Hastings, Edward IV’s Chamberlain, built the chapel and the magnificent keep-like Hastings Tower — a castle inside a fortress.

Despite sustaining extensive damage during the Civil War, visitors may still climb the tower today. The views from the summit are spectacular! Then, make sure you find the subterranean tunnel from the kitchen to the tower, which was presumably built during the war and may still be explored today.