Experience Herstmonceux Castle Estate

Wednesday 30th June – Thursday 1st July 2027
Herstmonceux Castle Estate, East Sussex

Join us for an exclusive two-day familiarisation visit and Group Travel Networking Event at Herstmonceux Castle Estate, created especially for group travel buyers.

Set within hundreds of acres of beautiful East Sussex countryside, Herstmonceux Castle is one of England’s most impressive red-brick castles. Surrounded by formal gardens, woodland and parkland, the historic estate offers groups much more than a traditional castle visit.

Across two days, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the Estate first-hand, discover its potential for future group visits and events, meet fellow travel professionals and explore some of its more unexpected attractions – from falconry and science to the nearby Observatory Science Centre.

The programme combines a familiarisation visit with valuable networking opportunities, giving you the chance to experience both the visitor journey and the Estate’s wider group travel offering.

DAY ONE

EXPERIENCE THE ESTATE

10:30am – Arrival & Welcome

Arrive at Herstmonceux Castle Estate for tea, coffee and pastries.

You’ll be welcomed by the Herstmonceux Castle Estate team and introduced to the Estate, including its vision and future opportunities for the group travel market.

11:00am–12:30pm – Guided Castle & Gardens Tour

Discover Herstmonceux Castle and its beautiful surroundings on a fully guided tour taking in the castle, gardens and key visitor areas.

An accessibility-friendly route will be used where possible, allowing guests to experience the Estate while also considering its suitability for their own groups.

12:45pm–1:45pm – Showcase Lunch

Enjoy a buffet lunch served in the atmospheric Cloisters.

1:45pm–2:00pm – Transfer to Bader Hall

Guests will transfer to Bader Hall ready to check into their accommodation.

2:00pm–3:00pm – Check-in & Free Time

Time to settle into your accommodation and enjoy a short break before the afternoon programme.

3:00pm–4:00pm – Falconry Experience

Meet at the Cricket Ground for an interactive falconry display and the opportunity to experience another of the activities that can form part of a visit to the Estate.

4:15pm–5:30pm – Laboratory Experience

Discover another side to Herstmonceux with an interactive visit to the laboratories, showcasing the Estate’s academic and scientific offering.

5:30pm–6:30pm – Free Time

An opportunity to relax and freshen up before the evening.

6:30pm–8:30pm – Evening Dinner

Dinner will be served in the Fiennes Room.

The evening may also feature hosted entertainment, demonstrating how Herstmonceux Castle Estate can create memorable evening experiences for groups and private events.

DAY TWO

BUSINESS & DESTINATION SHOWCASE

8:00am–9:00am – Breakfast

Breakfast will be served in the Great Hall.

9:30am–12:30pm – Group Travel Networking Event

The morning's dedicated networking event will take place in the Fiennes Room.

This is an opportunity for exhibitors and suppliers to meet directly with Group Travel Organisers and buyers, develop new relationships, exchange ideas and discuss future group visits.

12:30pm–1:30pm – Networking Lunch

Continue conversations over a relaxed buffet lunch, served on the Terrace, weather permitting.

1:45pm–3:30pm – Observatory Science Centre Visit

The final experience of the programme will be a visit to the Observatory Science Centre.

Enjoy a guided tour and presentation highlighting the Observatory's visitor experience and the opportunities available for group visits.

3:45pm – Departure

Our two-day programme comes to an end.

We hope you leave with plenty of inspiration, new contacts and a much greater understanding of everything Herstmonceux Castle Estate and the surrounding destination can offer your groups.

COST

£150 per person

Includes:

• Overnight accommodation at Bader Hall
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Programme of tours and experiences
• Networking event
• Lunches and refreshments as detailed in the itinerary

WHO CAN ATTEND?

Please note: this event is for group travel buyers only.

Places are limited to a maximum of two guests per group/organisation.

This visit has been specifically designed for those responsible for researching, planning, organising or purchasing group travel and excursions.

REGISTRATION

Places are limited and advance registration is required.

To request your place, please complete the online registration form.

Registration is subject to confirmation.

CANCELLATION POLICY

The cancellation deadline is Friday 28th May 2027.

Please only register if you are committed to attending both days of the event.

Cancellations received after the deadline, or failure to attend without prior notice, will result in guests being removed from our future invitation list.

EXPERIENCE. CONNECT. DISCOVER.

Two days. One remarkable Estate.

Discover the history, hospitality, experiences and group travel potential of Herstmonceux Castle Estate – while making valuable new connections with the people shaping the group travel market.

30th June – 1st July 2027

Register now to request your place.