Bolebroke Castle

Bolebroke Castle at Hartfield, the village made famous by Pooh bear, was built around 1480 and is the earliest brick built building in Sussex.

Henry VIII used Bolebroke when he went hunting for wild boar and venison in the nearby Ashdown Forest. Anne Boleyn, who lived at Hever Castle 5 miles away was courted by Henry VIII from there.

Set in a stunningly beautiful location on a 30 acre estate away from main roads and noise where pheasant and deer roam the meadows and woodlands.

Each season provides its own beauty - in Springtime the carpets of daffodils and bulbs, the rhododendrons of May/June, the mantles of water lilies on the lakes in July/August and the turning of the Virginia creeper to red on the castle and the autumn tints of September/October.

The castle has been loved and cared for through the centuries and has a wealth of history having been owned by the Earls and Dukes of Dorset.

There are many fine rooms with original beamed ceilings and wood panelling. Everywhere in the castle is 16th century furniture and tapestries depicting scenes of the period.

The Elizabethan staircase carved from solid oak is one of the finest in existence.

This has the second largest fireplace in England where we have roaring log fires in winter, though we are fully centrally heated.

There is a fine collection of arms and armour displayed here.

Banqueting

Our banqueting hall contains fine wood panelling and a very unusual ceiling, decorated with motifs of animals of the forest.

These rooms have magnificent ornately carved four poster beds, a lounge suite & en suite bathroom. There is a sauna nearby.There is a choice of well appointed rooms which overlook the lakes

Join in the revelry and fun hosted by our wandering minstrels in the oak-beamed and panelled banqueting room. Mulled wine is served by wenches before a roaring fire in the second largest fireplace in England.

Costumes

Medieval costumes are available for hire if required, which can be chosen on the day, but must be booked in advance.

Menu example

• Endored spare ribs marinated in wine served with apple and salad
• Quarter roast chicken with honey, apricot and almond sauce. Vegetables mediaeval style
• Apple pie and cream
• Baskets of fresh fruits

Vegetarians can be catered for if notified when booking. For every 10 persons paying, another person is admitted free of charge

Inclusive of

• 5 course banquet
• 3 free goblets of wine

Conferences

Bolebroke Castle in its tranquil setting is an exclusive venue undisturbed by other activities or events and is ideal for sales meetings and conferences in conjunction with banqueting.

Private Dinners

There is certainly a very friendly, homely atmosphere at Bolebroke, with just the right ambience for special occasions, such as birthday celebrations, anniversaries and wedding receptions. If you wish you can hire the castle exclusively, so the public are excluded.

We arrange all banqueting requirements, whether it be for canapés, for an informal reception, a full silver service dinner or a barbecue with spit roast