Amberley Castle

Part of the AA Hotel Group of the Year 2017-18, Amberley Castle is a unique luxury hotel located in the picturesque village of Amberley at the foot of the South Downs.

Privately owned by Andrew and Christina Brownsword, this magnificent 900-year-old castle is enclosed by a 60 foot high curtain wall and portcullis that remains open, behind which you will discover an enchanting hotel offering the highest standards of food and service.

Bedrooms are resplendent with the luxurious facilities you would expect from a country house hotel. History encompasses every part of this wonderful building and the many acres of gardens it stands in.

Enjoy discovering our tennis courts, 18-hole putting green and croquet lawn, and even our resident peacock roaming the grounds. For those seeking tranquillity and relaxation, there are many quiet corners to discover under the shade of a tree or by the fireside.

THE HISTORY
The land where Amberley Castle stands was gifted to Bishop Wilfrid in 683 AD by Caedwalla, King of Wessex and the castle’s current buildings owe their origins to a timber-framed hunting lodge built in 1103 by Bishop Luffa.

The following 400 years saw this lodge transformed into a fortified manor house complete with crenelations, battlements and a portcullis under the supervision of a number of resident bishops.

In the wake of the English reformation, the castle was leased to a series of tenants and during the Civil War it became a royalist strong hold. Oliver Cromwell sent General Waller to destroy the defences in 1643 and 20 to 30 feet was lost from the Curtain Walls and the Great Hall was destroyed, creating a ruin.

After the Civil War, Amberley Castle was seized from the Church by Parliament and sold by the Office of Sequestration of Estates to Mr John Butler, a cloth merchant from London who built the Manor House out of the ruins which had been the Great Hall.

RESTORATION
With the restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, King Charles II visited Amberley twice and in 1660 gave the castle back to the Bishopric.

No mention of reimbursement to Mr Butler was made, however they eventually did negotiate a long lease and the Butler family continued to live at the castle for a further two generations.

In 1872, the castle was sold by the church commissioners to Lord Zouche, owner of Parham House. It was used as a hunting lodge and continued in this employment when it was sold on to the 15th Duke of Norfolk in 1893 who subsequently initiated the repair of the stone work over the portcullis.

THE EMMET FAMILY
In 1926, Amberley Castle was bought by the Emmet family. In 1982, the castle was sold by the family and with this sale, the Castle Farm and the castle grounds were divided.

Hollis Baker then owned the castle from 1982 -1987 and reinstated the 2.5 ton ancient portcullis. In 1989 the castle was converted into a hotel which has enjoyed an international reputation for luxury ever since.

ROOMS
All 19 bedrooms at Amberley Castle are luxuriously appointed. Every room is unique in design, furnished with antiques and fine fabrics. Naturally all come with crisp white linen, plumped up pillows and sumptuous Vispring beds to guarantee that perfect night’s slumber.

PREMIER DELUXE ROOMS
Our sumptuous Premier Deluxe Rooms boast original features and fabulous views, luxurious bathrooms and each is unique, designed with individual character, perfect for a relaxing castle getaway with style.

Homemade biscuits and mineral water greet you in your room. L’Occitane skin care and bath lotions along with slippers and fluffy robes and a Vispring bed complete your stay.

Rooms in this category; Chichester, Arundel, Amberley, Lewes, Herstmonceux and Hastings.

Chichester: located on the top floor of the manor house with an opulent four-poster bed, antique furnishings and an original fireplace. The luxuriously appointed bathroom has a separate walk-in shower with a raised bath that looks out on the grounds and countryside beyond from leaded windows.

Arundel and Amberley: both appointed with luxurious bathrooms have separate walk-in showers and baths. These bedrooms are complimented by original granite fireplaces.

Both rooms are located off the Gallery Landing on the first floor of the Manor House. Arundel boasts stunning Cathedral windows and Amberley a feature window seat offering views from the leaded windows onto the castle grounds.

Lewes: featuring a four poster bed and luxurious bathroom with separate walk-in shower and bath this room also offers its separate lounge area with panoramic south facing views of the dry moat, lakes and countryside beyond.

Herstmonceux: with access to the 14th century battlements and views of the castle grounds alongside a luxurious bathroom with a separate walk-in shower and bath, this is a unique room. Both Lewes and Herstmonceux are located on the top floor of the Tower House mews.

Hastings: located on the top floor of the 17th Century Manor House, with exposed original beams, views from out of the leaded windows look upon the castle grounds.

CLASSIC ROOMS
For style and comfort, stay in one of our Classic Rooms which embrace the charm of the castle, each located in the heart of the building in the Tower House Mews.

Homemade biscuits and mineral water greet you in your room. L’Occitane skin care and bath lotions along with slippers and fluffy robes and a Vispring bed complete your stay. Each room benefits from complimentary Wi-Fi access. Rooms in this category; Bramber, Camber and Knepp.

Bramber: a contemporary room, located on the top floor of the Tower House Mews offers views on to the 17th Century Manor House and flowerbeds.

Camber: located on the ground floor of the Tower House Mews with original 14th Century lancet windows offering south facing views looking over the dry moat, lakes and towards the South Downs.

Knepp: located on the ground floor of the Tower House Mews, with a modern and contemporary feel, with a luxurious walk-in shower.

Camber can be requested as a twin bedded room.

RESTAURANT

Amberley Castle has a long held reputation for delivering outstanding cuisine.

Enjoyed on the first floor of the castle in either the magnificent Queen’s Room, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling dating back to the 12th century and open fire or The Great Room, built in 1165 by Bishop Luffa of Chichester, a fine example of Norman architecture with its high lancet windows, open fireplace, oak flooring, tapestry and suits of armour.

The dress code for the dining room is smart casual, with no shorts or trainers.

LUXURY HAMPER
Served all day, enjoyed anywhere. A carefully curated and perfectly prepared hamper celebrating the best of British food producers. Featuring cold meats, cheeses, bread, salad, sweet treats and a bottle of wine that can be enjoyed any time, day or night and anywhere within Amberley Castle or out and about.

Find a special spot on the lawn, get comfy in one of the lounges, lay out a spread in your room or even take it with you on your day trip to the seaside.

AFTERNOON TEA
Served in our lounges, the Great Room & the terrace. Enjoy a sumptuous home-made afternoon tea of finger sandwiches, fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and seasonal preserve, and a selection of delicious cakes, quiche and sausage rolls. Served with your choice of tea or coffee.

Full Afternoon Tea
Selection of finger sandwiches, sweets and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Served with tea or coffee.

Laurent-Perrier Champagne Flight Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea consisting of exquisite cakes, delightful savories and finger sandwiches, served with your choice of Newby Tea or freshly ground coffee. Laurent-Perrier Champagne is matched to each course giving you 3 different glasses of Champagne.

AFTERNOON TEA HAMPER
Enjoy a famous Amberley Castle afternoon tea wherever you wish. Featuring all of the treats expected, even served with your choice of tea or coffee, kept warm all day in a hot flask. Find a spot within the castle grounds, in the lounges (if the weather’s not on your side), take to your bedroom or with you for a day trip.

PRIVATE DINING

Amberley Castle has an award-winning restaurant, renowned for its food and service. Choose from our selection of sample menus, crafted by the talented kitchen team using the best of British and local produce, cooked to perfection.

Their approach is simple and contemporary, utilising a variety of techniques, to create an unfussy, elegant dining experience in which exceptional ingredients are cooked to the highest standards.

THE GREEN ROOM
Offering a truly unique setting with a medieval backdrop for an intimate event. With views of the castle grounds and rolling Sussex countryside beyond through leaded windows The Green Room offers total privacy and is furnished with fine fabrics and antiques.

Both the hotel’s main restaurant and private dining rooms have a unique ambience, ideal for that special private dining occasion.

There are three rooms available for private dining; the Great Room which seats up to 40 guests, the King Charles Room which seats up to 12 and Green Room which can accommodate up to 14 people. These are perfect for more intimate celebrations.

THE HEAD CHEF PAUL PETERS
An Australian, Paul grew up in Sydney where he embarked on a four year apprenticeship, before taking his first job at Bogart Restaurant as Chef de Partie, later experiencing roles in various kitchens before being appointed to his first head chef role at Victoria Hotel in the Hunter Valley.

Moving to the UK in January 2000, Paul’s first UK role was as a Junior Sous Chef at the Lygon Arms Hotel, then undertaking stages at restaurants including with heroes Nico Ladenis at Chez Nico and John Burton Race, before taking roles working with Marco Pierre White and at Raffles ‘Browns Hotel’, Green Park.

Leading the kitchens at Amberley, Paul describes his style as classically trained, with modern and Asian twists.

His dedicated approach to his menus, serving the freshest of ingredients, cooked in innovative and exciting ways, draws praise from guests, and has seen the kitchen awarded 3AA rosettes since 2018, placing it in the top 10% of all AA rated hotels across the UK to hold such an accolade.

Originally planning on staying in the UK for a year when he arrived in 2000, Paul fell in love with the food industry in the UK and then also met his wife, while working at Swisshotel London, and he has lived in the UK ever since.

They now have four children, three boys and a girl, which keeps Paul very busy when he’s away from Amberley Castle!

YOUR WEDDING
Nestled safe and secure behind a portcullis, Amberley Castle lies waiting to be discovered as a truly unique wedding venue.

On the doorstep of the South Downs National Park, with its green rolling pastures, open spaces, ancient woodlands and river valleys Amberley Castle has been used exclusively by royalty, politicians and VIPs throughout its history.

12 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens (roamed by a resident white peacock) set the scene and the castle is still completely enclosed by a high curtain wall, with the medieval stonework forming an evocative backdrop to your special day.

Venture inside and you are greeted by 900 years of history – suits of armour stand to attention, intricate coats of arms tell tales of previous residents and original stonework frames every aspect.

Fine fabrics and beautiful antiques complete the setting along with roaring log fires in the winter months. Fill the rooms with your nearest and dearest and you have all the ingredients for a truly magical wedding day.

Ceremony
You and your guests will be welcomed to Amberley Castle by our professional and attentive team prior to your ceremony which would take place in the Great Room.

Able to accommodate up to 56 guests, this beautiful space is entered through an archway dating back to 1103, with stunning views across the hotel’s courtyard and direct access to the gardens outside.

Alternatively, for those who prefer a more intimate ceremony, the King Charles I Room is able to accommodate up to 12 of your nearest and dearest. With its superb wood-panelled walls, fireplace and views across the South Downs, this characterful space forms a perfect backdrop to exchange your vows.

Drinks Reception
Let your celebrations begin: choose from either of our lovingly-tended courtyards or our charming lounges. Savour Champagne and canapés while taking full advantage of the photo opportunities that Amberley Castle provides.

Wedding Breakfast & Evening Reception
After your first introduction as a married couple, enjoy an outstanding three-course wedding breakfast surrounded by loved ones. Choose from three truly unique dining rooms, each offering individual character and style.

Should you wish to opt for our exclusive use package, you and your guests are welcome to continue your special day with celebrations until the early hours.

MEETINGS & OCCASIONS

Fine dining, attentive service and elegant spaces flooded with natural sunlight, Amberley Castle’s meeting rooms provide the perfect platform and environment for those key decisions to be made or to encourage creativity.

Whether you are looking to organise a small corporate meeting, a training day or an incentive meeting, Amberley Castle’s team will ensure that you are well taken care of.

We are ideally located for Goodwood House and Racecourse, Fontwell Racecourse, Chichester Theatre, Petworth House, Arundel Castle and the Polo at Cowdray Park.

With high lancet windows, open fireplace, tapestries and suits of armour, The Great Room will seat up to 40 delegates. Alternatively, The King Charles Room with its superb panelled walls and views of the South Downs, offers a more intimate environment for organisers seeking private surroundings and can accommodate up to 12 delegates.

There are also three delightful lounges to be used for breakouts, morning coffee or afternoon tea.

18-HOLE PUTTING COURSE
In 2003, to celebrate the castle’s 900th anniversary, Amberley Castle welcomed a professional standard 18-hole putting course to the property, designed by renowned golf architects Weller Design.

Guests can enjoy a round of golf on this putting course or wander through the garden with its impressive water cascade, two lakes, and sublime views of the South Downs.

GARDENS
With over 12 acres, many visitors simply wish to wander through the beautiful formal gardens contained within the Castle walls. The medieval stonework, rose-covered arches and topiary, dating from the 1920’s, form an evocative backdrop to the colour and fragrance within the perennial borders.

The upper courtyard provides a delightful setting for afternoon tea or aperitifs. Camelias and magnolias grow proudly here and Koi carp bask in the charming ponds.

LOUNGES
Guests are invited to step into a time capsule on arrival; suits of armour stand to attention, intricate coats of arms tell tales of previous owners and fine fabrics sit alongside beautiful antiques brought together by the Brownsword family.

Warm, inviting drawing rooms with roaring log fires in cooler months encourage guests to relax and unwind.

TENNIS
A hard tennis court can be found tucked away beside the lake with only the views of the South Downs countryside to distract you.

CROQUET
Located in front of the castle battlements within the grounds, croquet is available to all our guests. The equipment can be found at reception. If you need any assistance or help with the rules, our reception team are happy to help.

THINGS TO DO IN SUSSEX
Enjoy a trip to a historical site, or a day in the countryside. Find the best places to shop or experience the local wildlife. Perhaps you fancy a day trip to enjoy the quieter pace of the small towns of Sussex or to visit a garden.

Maybe you’re up for a day trip to a mysterious place or one of the or many other great days out in West Sussex. Below are a few of our best picks in the area.

CASTLES & STATELY HOMES

With a vast selection of Castles and Stately Homes in the West Sussex area, we are spoiled for choice, so here are a few of our must-see recommendations while you are in the area…

Arundel Castle – Situated across the beautiful countryside of Arundel and overlooking the River Arun, Arundel Castle was built at the end of the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel. With old existing features, such as the motte, dry moat and gatehouse, history really comes alive here.

Experience the rich and grand interiors and the stunning walled gardens also add another aspect to the Castle’s beauty. With tours, workshops and events available, visitors are able to learn about the history of the Castle in great detail. Furthermore, there are places to eat and shop.

Petworth House – This magnificent country house and park has been a family estate for over 800 years and contains internationally important art collections with numerous works by Turner, Van Dyck, Reynolds and Blake, ancient and Neo-classical sculpture, fine furniture and carvings by Grinling Gibbons.

Continuing to pass through wealthy family owners, the estate has become the grand and beautiful place it is today, displaying a rich decor and neatly landscaped grounds.

Parham House – Originally belonging to the Abbey of Westminster, King Henry VIII granted the manor of Parham to a London mercer called Robert Palmer. The foundations were then laid in 1577 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

The Parham Estate today spans across 875 acres and has different parts to it. There is a historic deer park which encompasses rare and protected pieces of nature including trees, animals and insects and has limited access to visitors.

The Royal Pavilion – The spectacular seaside palace of the Prince Regent, who later became King George IV, is inspiring for its exotic and oriental style both internally and externally.

Now housing some of the finest collections of art and furniture, including examples of Chinoiserie style, original pieces lent by The Queen and a magnificent display of Regency silver-gilt.

Uppark House & Gardens – This elegant 18th Century House poised on the South Downs portrays the lifestyle of wealthy Britain, showing rich Georgian interiors and a beautifully landscaped garden.

With links to fame, such as the garden being inspired by Capability Brown and Humphry Repton, and the mother of H.G Wells once being a housekeeper here, many stories can be found within these walls.

MUSEUMS

With a rich history, West Sussex has many museums and sites of historical interest to enjoy.

Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre – Just a few moments from the Castle, is the Amberley Working Museum. With a large 36 acre site, there is a lot to explore, from railways and bus services (both of which freely carry you around the site) to printing workshops and much more.

The museum is dedicated to the industrial heritage of the South East but is also home to traditional crafts people such as the stained glass makers, black smiths and potters. There is also a great restaurant and many picnic sites from which the beautiful surroundings can be savoured.

Bignor Roman Villa – Bignor Roman Villa, situated just minutes away from Amberley Castle, lies in the centre of the South Downs National Park. Explore the Villa on your own, or maybe take the tour as staff are always available.

Enjoy the tea rooms with lovely homemade cakes or take a look around the shop. The site’s beautiful mosaics are not the only thing that may capture the eye due to the unrivalled views and access to walks along the South Downs.

A short distance from the Villa lays the quaint village of Bignor, with houses, gardens and a 13th Century Church to explore.

Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens – If you wish to venture further than Bignor, then you can take your mind back and imagine what would have been the luxury of this extravagant Roman residence at the largest Roman villa in the country.

Stroll around the recreated Roman gardens – the earliest gardens found anywhere in the country – and enjoy the largest collection of mosaics in situ in the UK.

Goodwood House – At the heart of the beautiful Sussex countryside lies the opulent English country house that has been home to the Dukes of Richmond for centuries. Goodwood House has picturesque views of the surrounding scenery, as well as charming woodlands to explore.

They serve a sumptuous cream tea in the Ballroom on Open Days for visitors taking a tour of the House.

Weald & Downland Museum – Discover rescued traditional rural buildings set in a beautiful landscape, which tell the stories of the men, women and children who lived and worked in them over a 950-year period.

Enjoy the Museum’s 40-acre site and visit the collection of historic buildings – with 50 to explore and many of the exhibit houses furnished to recreate historic domestic interiors.

There is a regular programme of domestic and craft demonstrations, including cooking in a Tudor kitchen; blacksmithing in a Victorian smithy; plus seasonal demonstrations. Take a walk in the woods, visit the café kiosk or enjoy your own picnic.

LOCAL TOWNS & VILLAGES
The beautiful market towns and cities of West Sussex, set in the heart of the south downs national park leave so much to explore. We have chosen a short selection of our favourite places to see before you leave, near to the castle and a little further afield!

Arundel – Charming, stylish and full of history, the picturesque market town of Arundel in West Sussex is probably most famous for two stunning landmarks – Arundel Castle and Arundel Cathedral.

Enjoy a great range of things to do for families, couples and groups including fishing, boating, wildlife watching, outdoor swimming and walks on the nearby South Downs.

Shop at independent boutiques, antique markets and art galleries or eat out overlooking the River Arun in one of Arundel’s pretty waterside pubs, cafés and restaurants.

Petworth – The beautiful market town of Petworth, a centre for arts and culture, is set in the heart of the south downs national park and surrounded by the walls of Petworth house and park.

Chichester – The City of Chichester, shaped by its unique heritage, is made for exploring. Blending old and new, Chichester offers an enticing mix of designer label boutiques, high street shopping, renowned art galleries and stylish restaurants and contemporary cafés.

Home to the beautiful Bosham Harbour, only a ten minute walk from the city centre.

Brighton – Discover attractions such as the Brighton Pier, the Royal Pavilion and the brand new British Airways i360. The city is also home to a cornucopia of cultural delights as well as big name shops and hundreds of independent boutiques.

There are many award-winning restaurants in Brighton & Hove catering for all tastes from classic fish ‘n’ chips to creative vegetarian restaurants and even a zero waste restaurant.

Bognor & Littlehampton – Traditional seaside towns with many rides and amusements for the children. Be sure to enjoy the towns many parks and gardens, or just relax at one of the town’s café’s or public houses.

Take in a show at the Alexandra Theatre, or enjoy some live music at one of the towns many music pubs. The town is proud of its clean beaches and relaxed welcoming atmosphere.

If relaxing on the beach isn’t for you, the town is ideally positioned to explore the surrounding towns, historic sites and natural beauty of the South Downs National Park.

WALKING
There are short rambles, beach side walks and longer trail walks with stunning views for you to enjoy in West Sussex, here are a small selection of what we recommend to get you started. For more ideas, shorter local walks or for any maps to be printed, please speak with our Reception team who will be happy to help.

Amberley – Amberley is a chocolate box village with many old buildings, thatched cottages, a castle, a church, two pubs and a shop. There is also a working pottery. Amberley Wild Brooks is a large area of flood meadows, one of the richest wetlands remaining in the UK.

Amberley to Arundel – This linear West Sussex walk explores the River Arun from Arundel upstream to Amberley. The start is Arundel railway station (grid ref. TQ024064) where regular trains connect with the end of the walk at Amberley.

South Downs Way – Experience some of our finest countryside between Winchester, the first capital of England, and the white chalk cliffs at Eastbourne. If you’re looking for attractive wildlife, visible prehistory, fine pubs and pretty villages, or if you just fancy a challenge, the 100 miles of the South Downs Way awaits you.

Centurion’s Way – The Centurion Way was once the Chichester to Midhurst Railway line. The section between Lavant and Chichester was used for the transportation of sugar beet and was closed completely in 1957.

The tracks were removed in 1993. The name Centurion Way was suggested by a local schoolboy and is based on the fact that the path crosses the course of a Roman road.

The easy access trail (1.5km) runs from Chichester to West Dean Estate and is available for cyclists and walkers to use. The easy access trail runs on a section of the Way, close to West Dean.

Halnaker Windmill – Visit this Grade 2 listed building, World War 2 Observation Post and Neolithic Earthworks in Halnaker village near Chichester. This iconic Sussex landmark, perched on Halnaker Hill and visible from a wide surrounding area, is well worth the climb to admire close up.

The wildflower-rich chalk grassland at the hilltop is a great spot to get away from it all and enjoy fine views of the coast across a patchwork of woods and farmland. Access is only possible by foot, it is possible to park 2 miles away in a lay-by and make the picturesque walk to the windmill.

DAYS OUT
There are so many interesting days out, places to visit and leading tourist attractions in West Sussex. Here’s our selection of some of the best places to go for a good day out…

Wey & Arun Canal – The Wey & Arun Canal runs through Surrey and West Sussex in Southern England. This rural waterway is recognised as a national heritage asset, as well as providing a haven for wildlife.

The Trust has several ongoing restoration projects, and lengths of the canal are now in water. Trip boats with up to 50 seats run cruises on the idyllic Loxwood section of the canal.

West Dean Gardens – Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, West Dean Gardens is one of the greatest restored gardens open to the public today. Visitors can explore a wide range of features on a gentle walk around the grounds.

From surreal trees to the restored walled garden, West Dean Gardens proudly presents its rich creative and social heritage. Complete with its own Visit England endorsed restaurant, it is the perfect way to end a day out with a well-deserved afternoon tea!

WWT Arundel Wetlands Centre – See the wild side of Arundel! WWT Wetlands Centre is a beautiful reserve nestled in the South Downs National Park. Take a free guided boat safari to glimpse a rare water vole or see vividly coloured kingfishers.

Hand feed our collection of birds, including the nene, one of the world’s rarest water birds.

South Downs Heritage Centre – A unique attraction in a stunning oak-framed barn. Independent artists showcase their work, local award winning food producers are in the food hall.

St. Mary’s House & Gardens – St Mary’s is an enchanting historic 15th century timber-framed house, with magnificent gardens, and charming cottage-style tea rooms, in the picturesque award-winning downland village of Bramber, West Sussex…a place of fascination and mystery.

Website: www.amberleycastle.co.uk

Rooms: 19

Price: from 416 EUR per night