HERSTMONCEUX Castle members and visitors have been left disappointed after the Estate announced the sudden closure of its on-site café and shop.
Upset castle fans took to Facebook calling the decision ‘brutal’ and ‘sad’, with many declaring they will no longer visit the 15th Century moated castle.
Herstmonceux Castle, which is owned by Queens University and Bader College, announced the immediate closure of the café and shop on its Facebook page on January 15 while it explores interim solutions.
Following over 100 comments slamming the move, the Castle Estate said in a statement: “We hear the disappointment from our community about the closure of the café and shop, and we sincerely thank everyone who has shared their thoughts and suggestions.
“This was not an easy decision, but rising operational costs and structural challenges made the current model unsustainable. We’re actively exploring alternative options—including community partnerships, seasonal offerings, and improved accessibility—to restore these amenities in the future.”
The Estate added: “The café and shop ran at a considerable loss last year and were projecting a further loss this year and this could not be sustained by Bader College, which is a charity.”
Visitors can bring their own food and beverages and use the studio space next to the café. Toilet facilities will remain open.
Previously, Herstmonceux Castle trialled having the café and shop open to non-visitors but found it difficult to keep track of who had paid to access the grounds and castle and who had not.
The Estate, which reopened on January 5 after closing for the Christmas break on December 19, is offering refunds to those who purchased an annual membership this month before the announcement was made.
The café and shop closure comes after a castle restoration project costing more than £3 million. Developers said plans were afoot to turn the Estate into a top East Sussex attraction, which makes the decision all the more surprising.
The Castle Estate remains open Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am – 4pm with last admission at 2pm.
