Do you need to order tickets ahead of time or can you get them the day of? We will be there the second week of October.

Could I visit only the grounds at Hurst Castle?

We bought them at the visitor centet ticket box office the same day, but you can buy tickets ahead of time if you know which tour you want. They have something like three or four different options for the tour. They have the upstairs, down stairs and different rooms in the mansion. You are free to roam around the gardens outside but not inside. On the inside you can only go in with a tour guide.

We booked as we were driving up. The site tells you the times and how many tickets are left. We booked as we neared the castle so we didn't have to rush.

It is possible to get them the day of, but they could be sold out so u may want 2 book in advance.