Amberley Castle, Nr Arundel, West Sussex

Several hundred years ago, a young girl (Emily) working at the castle fell in love with a Bishop who was in residence at Amberley. In the early stages of the relationship, Emily fell pregnant and was rejected by the Bishop. Emily was heartbroken and fled up to the spiral staircase to the top of the battlements and jumped to her death.

It is Emily’s presence that is reportedly sensed in and around the Herstmonceux room, which does have access to the battlements.

Brief History

The very first building on the beautiful Amberley Castle site back in 1103. During turbulent times in the 14th Century, the manor house was fortified. The castle has played host to several Royal guests in its past, including Queen Elizabeth II, who’s namesake, Queen Elizabeth I was the owner between 1588 and 1603. Oliver Cromwell destroyed the castles’ defences in 1643 and this set about Amberley’s gradual decline.

In 1893 the Duke of Norfolk took over the lease of Amberley Castle and begun the gradual resurrection of this romantic site. In 1988 the Cummings’ took over the property and built on its history with stunning luxury and comfort to bring it back to its illustrious best.

About

One of the Top Ten Hotels in the World…

Hidden away for 900 years near the picturesque village of Amberley in the chalk South Downs, Amberley Castle is a magnificent historical treasure that offers a truly unique experience. Through the Portcullis and 60 ft curtain walls, you will find beautifully landscaped gardens, fine examples of medieval architecture and an unrivalled atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.

Since 1988, the Cummings family have made Amberley Castle their home, and with flair and imagination have transformed this splendid hideaway into a luxurious, multi-award-winning Country Castle Hotel and Restaurant with an international reputation. Amberley Castle offers 19 luxurious bedrooms and suites, many with four-poster beds and all featuring Jacuzzi bathrooms.

All the rooms in the castle have been individually designed to retain their historic character whilst providing the highest standards of luxury and comfort. The 5 suites in the Bishopric, a conversion from two seventeenth-century stone buildings, also have sitting rooms.

Features

12 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens
Tennis courts
The 18-hole professional putting course
Magical tree-house
En-suite whirlpool bathrooms
TV DVD/Video player
Radio Telephone/Modem Biscuits, chocolates, fresh fruit, tea and coffee facilities
Two renowned restaurants