Amberley Castle in Amberley, West Sussex — Castle Hotel

Amberley, West Sussex

Where England's History Sleeps

Ancient walls, open fires and the kind of stillness that only nine centuries can provide.

Ninety minutes from London and nine centuries from the ordinary, Amberley Castle rises from the Sussex countryside like a dream half-remembered. Ancient stone walls, a working portcullis and formal gardens enclosed within the original medieval fortifications set the scene for a stay that feels genuinely extraordinary — not merely a hotel that borrows the language of history, but a living piece of England's past that has been coaxed, with extraordinary care, into offering five-star comfort. This is a place where you arrive as a guest and leave feeling, briefly, like you have belonged here for centuries.

Dining at Amberley is an event in itself. The Queen's Room, with its 12th-century vaulted ceiling and crackling open fire, sets an atmosphere that no contemporary restaurant could manufacture, while the Great Room — a Norman hall dating to 1165, all soaring windows and warm oak floors — transforms even a weekday dinner into something approaching ceremony. The kitchen rises to meet its setting, with cuisine that is as considered and refined as the rooms that frame it.

For couples seeking a romantic escape with genuine substance, Amberley Castle is simply without rival in the south of England. Wander the garden walks as dusk settles over the South Downs, return to a room tucked within walls that have stood since the 12th century, and let the particular stillness of an ancient place do its quiet, restorative work. In a world of identikit luxury hotels, Amberley is the real thing — and it knows it.

Notable Features

What Sets It Apart

  • 900 years history
  • Castle setting
  • Luxury heritage

Gallery

Inside & Out

Amberley Castle — interior and exterior view 1
Amberley Castle — interior and exterior view 2
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Guest Voices

What They Say

Beautiful building with a rich history. Lovely grounds and interior decor to suit the building. Room (Rye Room) cosy & warm with a amazing comfortable bed 👌🏻 Stayed a single night but definitely will visit again! Breakfast was lovely (Best Black pudding ever!!) Also recommend the small walk around the local village for the heritage feel.

James Gray5/5

I stayed at Amberley Castle for their New Year’s celebration and would like to extend special thanks to Elizabeth, the Food & Beverage Manager, for her exceptional attentiveness throughout our stay, and to Diana for ensuring our dining experiences were consistently excellent. We booked the full New Year’s package and, overall, had a wonderful experience. The castle itself is breathtaking—a truly remarkable historic setting—and arrival and check-in were seamless. There were some last-minute changes to the first day’s schedule, and a few elements initially included in the package were later treated as extras. While slightly confusing, this did not significantly detract from the overall experience. Dinner was outstanding and worthy of Michelin recognition. Standout courses included the mackerel, venison, and especially the pork cheeks. We also enjoyed an excellent Rioja pairing. Our room, located in the front château, offered stunning views of the castle and felt wonderfully immersive, as if stepping into a medieval tale. The bathroom amenities were high quality, daily room refreshes were well executed, and the fresh cookies along with the excellent coffee and tea were thoughtful highlights. One notable drawback was a persistent foul smell in the bathroom, which appeared to come from the pipes. The bathroom itself was consistently clean, so this seemed to be a plumbing issue rather than a matter of hygiene. On New Year’s Day, the celebration leaned heavily toward communal dining and social interaction, including a medieval-style shared table. While this may appeal to some guests, others may prefer a more intimate dining experience. Elizabeth was very attentive throughout and made a genuine effort to ensure we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves. The fireworks display was spectacular, and watching it from the castle gates was a truly cinematic way to welcome the New Year. Overall, a beautiful and memorable stay in an extraordinary setting, elevated by a dedicated and thoughtful team.

Liz5/5

A fabulous afternoon tea for 4 people. The staff were marvellously attentive even rustling up a vegetarian option at zero notice. Thoroughly recommended for a relaxing afternoon.

Roger Evans5/5

Stayed here December 2nd for a wedding anniversary. From ease of checking in to checking out was perfection.Afternoon tea was superb.The wife can't have yeast.No problem.Superbly presented and the Irish lady who waited on us is amazing. Nothing was too much trouble.A credit to the castle.Evening meal only did main course.Luckily.We were stuffed.Steak was amazing, cooked to perfection and huge.The wife's advocado to die for.Rooms superb and spotless.Not a cheap stay, but well worth it and a great memory.

TonyTina Holland5/5

Visit - November 2025 for my partners birthday celebration. We had an afternoon tea for two. We have been here several times over the years - it is always a real treat for us to come here. A totally unique and historic venue... The food is fantastic and beautifully presented. The staff are very professional and always helpful - you always get excellent service with a smile here. If the weather allows it - its lovely to explore the grounds quite thoroughly- fantastic views. Even just the drive up the long straight driveway to the car park is an experience in itself! We will be back as soon as we can - probably for a light lunch and to view the Christmas decorations...

robert neave5/5

Amberley Castle

Amberley Castle, Amberley, Arundel BN18 9LT, UK

Guest Rating

4.7/ 5

Based on 794 reviews

Category

Luxury

Location

Amberley, West Sussex

Price Range

£350-700/night

Style

Castle Hotel

Best For

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