Greetings From Amberley Castle

One of the greatest joys of working for Celtic Castles is that "research" occasionally involves a moat, a portcullis and a five-course dinner. Our team frequently visits the castles we are proud to represent, and February 2026 brought me to Amberley Castle - a medieval retreat nestled in the West Sussex countryside near Arundel, just 90 minutes from London yet a world away from the capital's clamour. By the time the dramatic stronghold appeared at the end of its strikingly straight, tree-lined drive, it felt less like arriving at a hotel and more like stepping into the opening chapter of a storybook.

A Welcome Worthy of the Walls

Stepping through the doors, we were greeted with the warmest of welcomes from Sally, Sales and Revenue Manager. There was something rather special about arriving at a place that instantly made you exhale. Within the 900-year-old stone walls, Amberley felt wonderfully alive - not preserved behind glass, but lovingly lived in.

As Sally later explained, the castle has been carefully maintained over the centuries to ensure that its remarkable history continues to be enjoyed by future generations.

Echoes of a Historic Era

As I write, I am seated in the King Charles I Room - an intimate private dining space with views of the South Downs that whispers of candlelit feasts and royal intrigue. Wood-panelled walls, Tudor-style windows with wooden shutters, and a beamed ceiling frame the room, reflecting Amberley's evolution from a defensive residence into a comfortable home. A metal guard surrounds the grand fireplace (blazing last night as we dined, now resting), while a magnificent model ship stands proudly encased in glass.

Even the bookcase hides a secret door - because what is a castle without a little mystery? Portraits gaze down from the walls, from Lord Nelson to monarchs past, while suits of armour, antique firearms, ornate mirrors and oil paintings line the corridors beyond.

It is impossible not to feel completely transported into another era.

Amberley Under the Stars

After a quick freshen-up in our rooms - all ensuite, ranging from spacious four-posters with open fireplaces to cosy chambers with exposed stone walls - and a moment spent admiring the views, we reconvened in the lounge. Settling into low, comfortable settees beneath an ornate ceiling, we were handed glasses of the local Amberley village sparkling wine while Sally offered a charming and insightful overview of the castle's history.

The evening then took a cosmic turn with a stargazing presentation from Dr John. Amberley lies within the South Downs Dark Sky Reserve - one of only a few such designated areas in England - where the quality of the night sky is carefully protected and often excellent for star visibility on a clear, moonless night.

A Dining Experience Fit for Royalty

Dinner was served at a long oak table, softly illuminated by silver Gothic candelabras. Elegant music played gently in the background as glasses were topped up and conversation flowed as easily as the wine.

To accompany the meal, we were offered a paired red and white selection. I chose a velvety Argentinian Malbec - rich, generous and wonderfully comforting.

The menu was indulgent without being overwhelming; refined yet hearty, and impeccably presented. We each enjoyed warm sourdough with indulgent beef essence butter before our chosen courses were served.

My selections were:

• Slow Braised Pig Cheek - Apple Puree, Pork Crackling, Cider Sauce
• Cured Salmon - Cucumber, Salty Fingers, Sea Fennel, Nori Rice Crisp
• Coffee-Coated Venison Loin - Piccolo Parsnip, Beetroot, Red Cabbage
• Baked Alaska - Mango & Ginger Parfait, Passion Fruit Cake
• Apple Cake & Calvados - Hazelnut, Calvados Caramel Sauce, Thyme Ice Cream

Each course was beautifully presented, the plates hot, the service seamless. Amberley Castle serves less a dinner and more a carefully orchestrated dining experience.

Seamy at Celtic Castles heartily agrees:

"A real highlight of our trip to Amberley Castle was the food. There were a variety of delectable options to choose from that make revisiting to try them all a must!"

Louisa at Celtic Castles adds:

“A true castle experience, with outstanding service and a fine dining meal to die for!”

Sleeping Within the Battlements

My room for the night was a Junior Deluxe Suite tucked within the castle walls. From my fairy-tale window alcove, I looked out over the old dry moat, now transformed into a grand, manicured lawn. Accessed by a series of cascading stone steps, it serves as a breath-taking setting for wedding ceremonies in the shadow of ancient stone.

The bathroom offered a delightful surprise: an ancient arched doorway revealing an original spiral staircase curling up one of the turrets. To brush one’s teeth beside medieval masonry is not an everyday experience - and therein lies the magic.

There is something deeply comforting about sleeping within walls that have witnessed nine centuries of stories. The castle does not feel old; it feels timeless.

From my own bedroom, the heavy door opened into the courtyard that weaved through the castle’s buildings; an enchanting mosaic of informal flower beds, sculptures, ponds, graceful blossom and magnolia trees. This all unfolded into a stunning lawned area - used for weddings - framed on one side by weathered stone ruins and on the other by perfectly trimmed hedging.

Lizzy at Celtic Castles was immediately taken with the morning scene:

“The view from my room was out over the gardens and parkland beyond. Waking in the morning to the sound of the many birds chirping was truly joyous. A simple glance outside showed an estate buzzing with life, and encouraged me to get myself up and about.”

Louisa reflected on her own Amberley experience:

“Simply stunning. My room was spacious, beautiful and very comfortable.”

A Morning in The Queen's Room

Breakfast was served in The Queen's Room - a setting complete with a roaring open fireplace, mullion windows set deep within ancient stone, and views over award-winning gardens.

The menu offered everything from fresh yoghurts and fruit to eggs cooked precisely to one's liking. I began virtuously with a vibrant green smoothie, its ginger tang providing a lively wake-up call, before surrendering happily to eggs royale and a perfectly brewed pot of tea.

It was English tradition at its most elegant.

A Turn About the Rooms

Happily satiated, we set off on a tour of Amberley Castle with Sally as our guide. From the lobby, we first entered Adam’s Room, a harmonious blend of ivory wood-panelled walls and soft furnishings, gilded mirrors and antique coffee tables. Next came the Great Room, built in 1165 by Bishop Luffa of Chichester - a fine example of Norman architecture, with high lancet windows, an open fireplace, oak floors, tapestries and suits of armour.

From there, we were led into the courtyard, over the land bridge across the moat and to the charmingly renovated Gatehouse Suites, set in the 17th-century Bishopric dairy just outside the castle walls.

Lizzy at Celtic Castles then adventured further afield:

“My early morning exploration of the castle led me to Tony who was arranging the weekly flowers in one of the lounges. A wonderful chat with him gave me an insight into the local area, and how the wildlife affects his flower growing just 12 miles away; a castle connecting with the local village and surrounding area to ensure the heart of the building remains true.”

Hospitality That Makes a Castle a Home

What truly defined Amberley Castle was its people. From reception to restaurant, the team carried themselves with an ease and warmth that cannot be trained - only nurtured.

As Julie at Celtic Castles observed:

“The service at Amberley was second-to-none. The team at the castle made you feel like ‘family’, yet all staff were incredibly professional and knowledgeable at all times.”

That sense of genuine care filtered effortlessly through the entire experience, settling around us like a well-tailored cloak.

Roger fondly reflects on his numerous visits to Amberley Castle:

“There is something about a castle with an ancient portcullis that really sets the historic scene for me. Enclosed by medieval walls and rich in history, the castle combines privacy, romance and character in equal measure.”

Until the Next Portcullis…

As we departed later that morning, I found myself already nostalgic for the flicker of candlelight against stone and the reassuring thud of ancient doors closing softly behind us.

A castle stay allows for moments like this - stepping beyond the everyday and into places where history is not merely remembered, but felt.

Amberley Castle is not simply somewhere to stay. It is somewhere to belong, if only for a night. And if castle walls could talk, I suspect this one would invite you back.

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