Bader College, UK | Queen's University

Study, create, and collaborate

Bader College at Herstmonceux Castle is an extraordinary, inspirational place.

It is where students, scholars, and learners of all kinds gather — to study, create, and collaborate in an incredible setting, at Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, UK.

It is the ideal place to learn and to discover, where examining the castle's medieval brickwork, walking through ancient woodland — dotted with 800-year-old oak trees, swallows, swifts, and song thrushes overhead — or touring the telescopes at the on-site observatory, are part of the learning and teaching experience, enriching the work done in any classroom or office.

All are invited to come explore and learn at Bader College.

A medieval castle, a living laboratory

At Bader College, lived experience easily and fruitfully intersects with the intellectual.

You learn, study, and research in a 15th-century moated castle, surrounded by hundreds of acres of English countryside, set to be transformed and rewilded through an ecological restoration project (more on this project coming in the next few months). Right on site, too, are a cluster of impressive telescopes, part of the Observatory Science Centre.

This is your living laboratory, and while it is directly connected to the fields of architecture, history, ecology, and astronomy, Bader College has something for everyone — it is a door to our global community.

College life, a castle community

For those teaching or studying here, there are modern, comfortable accommodations just a short walk from the historic castle, and both students and faculty have access to an onsite gym, optional meal plans, and kitchen and dining areas. Walking trails criss-cross the landscape, lush with woodland, ponds, and wildflower meadows.

Bader College is part of Queen’s University, but it is also an important fixture in the local community. The connections run deep (hundreds of years deep), and the grounds, the castle itself, and the observatory together hold a meaningful place in the hearts of those living close by. Throughout the year, the castle hosts various activities and events, and visitors enjoy picnics on the grounds and walks through the gardens and woods, and stop by the café and farm shop.

people celebrating Canada Day at the castle

[aeiral view of the Tower Bridge in London, England]

A gateway to London and Europe

Bader College is a welcoming and inclusive environment — a place where all are invited to visit and benefit from its rich learning environment and beautiful surroundings.

Bader College is also a place for global connections. It is a gateway for students at Queen’s and other institutions to engage in hands-on, experiential learning and explore their links to the wider world. And it is a launching-off point into the larger cultural centres of the UK and Europe. For scholars and educators, it is a place for focused, in-depth teaching and learning, and an opportunity for retreat — to delve deeply into research and creative projects.

Excellent transport links make it easy to travel to towns and cultural centres in the UK, including London, Oxford, and Cambridge, as well as to other European destinations.

What's coming to Bader College

Bader College was previously focused on undergraduate programming for Queen's University students. The college is now in the midst of a transition, following a period of suspended activity due to necessary repairs to the castle building. These repairs will be fully complete by December 2025.

Moving into 2026, Bader College will offer:

Academic courses and field studies

Principal Patrick Deane invites proposals from Queen's faculty members to develop innovative courses at Bader College. Learn more about the Bader College Academic Programming Development Initiative and teaching at the castle.

Research and writing (sabbatical) retreats

Beginning in January 2026, scholars from Queen's and other institutions are invited to attend a Scholars Retreat at the castle.

Continuing education and lifelong learning

Bader College is developing a variety of continuing education courses for learners of all ages. Learn more about studying at Bader.

College News

My time studying at the Castle changed my life; I was tremendously inspired by what it offers: the open-minded community, the serene environment and endless opportunities that ultimately guided me to find my true passion.

Josh Lu
former Bader College student