Amberley Castle

Amberley Castle stands in the village of Amberley in West Sussex. Built in the 12th century as a manor house, it was fortified in 1377 to protect against French raids during the Hundred Years War. The castle’s stone walls form a rhomboid shape with high curtain walls and four corner towers. It served as a summer palace for the bishops of Chichester for centuries. Two of the original towers and the gateway remain today as a Grade I listed building. The castle has passed through many hands, from bishops to dukes and finally to hotel owners. It now operates as a privately owned hotel. The castle’s history begins with Cædwalla of Wessex, who endowed the site to the See of Selsey in AD 683. The first timber-framed lodge was built by Bishop Ralph de Luffa in 1103. Bishop Seffrid I replaced it with a stone hall in 1140, and Bishop Seffrid II added the East Wing in 1200. Bishop John Langton expanded the site with a larger Great Hall between 1305 and 1337. Bishop William Reade replaced the Great Hall again before the fortifications were added in 1377. Visitors to Amberley Castle find a grand country house hotel with medieval walls and towers. The castle’s interiors feature modern comforts while retaining historic charm. Guests can explore the high curtain walls and corner towers that once defended the site. The award-winning hotel offers elegant rooms and fine dining in a setting shaped by centuries of history. The surrounding village of Amberley adds to the peaceful atmosphere. The castle remains a member of Relais & Châteaux, recognised for its hospitality.