Kent Castles

Chiddingstone Castle

Transformed into a fantasy castle by Henry Streatfield in 1803 is considered to the "fairest house" in Kent. The castle has a number of themed collections thus: The Royal Stuart and Jacobite Collectionwith pictures and memorabilia about this tragic dynasty. The Egyptian Collection With objects from pre-dynastic to Roman time, The Japanese Collection with lacquerware, swords, and armour and the Buddhist Collection with images and relics from various Eastern countries.

Edenbridge, TN8 7AD  Tel: 01892 870347

Deal Castle 

An English Heritage site.Henry VIII’s austere fortress once carried 119 guns, it is fascinating to explore the battlements, dark passages and a huge basement with an exhibition of England’s coastal defences. Free taped tour in Dutch, English, French, German and exciting new exhibition "The Story of Deal Castle”

Victoria Road, Deal CT14 7BA Tel: 01304 372762V

Dover Castle 

One of English Heritage’s pemier sites, strategically placed on the famous White Cliffs of Dover. The Castle is the “Key to England” and has 2000 years of history contained within the walls. The Secret Wartime Tunnels provide a World War II hospital and operation centre where Vice Admiral Ramsey and Sir Winston Churchill planned the evacuation of Dunkirk. See the medieval keep with its recreation of the castle, in preparation for a visit from Henry VIII.

Don’t miss the sound and light "1216 Siege Experience”, medieval underground works, Roman Lighthouse, Saxon Church, Norman Keep, Battlements walk, Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment Museum, Land train, shops and restaurants.

Dover, CT16 1HU  Tel: 01304

Hever Castle & Gardens

Romantic, 13th century, double moated castle, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Furnished with impressive collections of furniture, paintings and objets d’art. Award winning gardens including Italian, Rose and Tudor gardens with yew maze & water maze and lake. Restaurants & Shops. “From Castles to Country Houses” miniature model houses exhibition.

Edenbridge TN8 7NG  Tel: 0 1732 865224    Email

Leeds Castle

Open all year. "The loveliest castle in the world", with superb furnishings and glorious setting, offers a memorable day out for all the family. Within the 500 acre park there is an Aviary, Maze and Grotto" Vineyard; Greenhouses, Duckery and a charming woodland walk. A programme of Special Events runs throughout the year.

Maidstone  ME17 1PL  Tel:  01622 765400   Email

Rochester Castle 

The great keep towers above the river Medway, well known as one of the best presented and finest examples of Norman architecture in England, the keep is also one of the tallest. A new feature is the large scale model of the castle and its environs in the 14th century.

The Lodge, Rochester ME1 1SX   Tel: <> 01634 402276    Email

Scotney Castle 

A  Victorian country house set in one of England's most romantic gardens surrounded by a beautiful wooded estate and is one of England's most romantic gardens. Based on a ruined 14th-century castle in a tranquil lakeside setting with an unusual heather-thatched Ice House. There are Superb displays of rhododendrons and azaleas

Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 8JN   Tel:  01892 893868  Email

Tonbridge Castle

England’s finest example of a motte and baliley castle with a splendid 13th century gate house, Tonbridge Castle is set in landscaped gardens overlooking the River Medway. The site is well interpreted and there are audio tours of the gatehouse, bringing to life the story of kings and archbishops, tyrants and heroes, murderers and mercenaries.

Tonbridge TN9 1BG Tel: 01732 770929   Email

Walmer Castle and Gardens 

Discover the Tudor Castle, now a country residence of the Lord Wardens of the cinque Ports and its beautiful gardens, including the Queen Mother’s Garden. Former residence of the Duke of Wellington and was used by Her Majesty Queen EIizabeth the Queen Mother. Inclusive audio tour of the castle. Shop, plant sales. Tearoom.

Walmer, Deal, CT14 7LJ  Tel: 01304 364288

Upnor Castle 

An Elizabethan fort, best known for its part in the Dutch raids. A new interpretative feature illustrates graphically the progress of the 1667 raid

High Street, Upper Upnor, Rochester, ME2 4XG Tel: 01634 718742