Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [1] The castle is not open to the public, but is used as a wedding venue. Your email address will not be published. For non-UK citizens, we require copies of two foreign passports. You'll then be taken to a map showing results. Please visit our catering partner Invicta Food Design. It is a grade I listed building and is used as a wedding venue, though there is no public access other than occasional tours involving trips from Maidstone town centre on the Kentish Lady river boat. The river walk was very good, though. A gatehouse, incorporating the remains of the original manor house from which the castle developed, stands on the north-west side. Various alterations and expansions were made . Visited the castle on a Kentish Lady boat trip from Maidstone. Our on-site events company have plenty of extra props and items available for hire, such as a candy cart, cake cart, lockable gift box, outdoor furniture, lanterns etc. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. The property was developed into a fortified compound with six towers at irregular intervals along the curtain wall and domestic buildings in the interior, including one of the first long galleries built in England. Allington Castle and Gardens have been used in both Series 8 and 9 of Horrible Histories, playing a variety of historical locations, including Samuel Pepys home, The Tower of London, The Palace of Versailles, and a Tudor Castle. As a private residence, IMPORTANT NOTE BEFORE CONTACTING US FOR SMALL PRIVATE TOURS: To ensure the safety and security of all staff and visitors, it is necessary for at least one person in the tour group to provide a copy of their basic DBS check, which can be obtained at, . Our wedding day. Allington Castle Castle Road Near River Medway, Maidstone ME16 0ND England Best nearby Restaurants 247 within 3 miles The Yew Tree Inn 943 0.5 mi - Bar British Pub The Little Old Toll House 85 0.3 mi - Quick Bites British Vegetarian Friendly The Running Horse Harvester 928 0.2 mi British Grill Vegetarian Friendly The trip is by boat on the Kentish Lady which only adds to the charm of the visit. North-west of the car park is the site of Cardiff Bowls Club (indoor and outdoor). If filming requires setup and knock-down time beyond twelve hours, please allow additional time to be charged at a rate of 450 per hour or part thereof. Cash bar on site. Our dedicated team members include Will, our maintenance expert, who works tirelessly to keep the castle running smoothly. Allington Castle is a private residence and is not open for viewings without an appointment. Today it is owned by Sir Robert Worcester as a private residence and is not open to the public. 1. We WANT to work with you to make your dreams come true. The house is set in 450 acre of garden landscape . A lodge was present on the north side of the Sophia Close turning circle which is still extant, having been converted into a wine bar. Please suggest a date and time you would like to arrange a viewing - we may be able to help on weekends but our preference is weekdays between 10:00 and 14:00. public; all viewings are by prior arrangement. A beautiful Steinway piano is available for your chosen pianist to play, adding an extra touch of sophistication to your event. For nearly 50 years, the castle was the home of a Carmelite convent. The cost for a two-hour tour, which includes the gardens and some of the more restricted areas of the castle, is 750 + VAT for the entire group. Our wedding day. 1:500 scale Ordnance Survey Town Plans published in 1880 show the area east of the main avenue to be subdivided by paths into four areas, a triangular piece south and east of the lodge, two square shaped areas north of this between which, in a central location, stood the fountain and a more elongate area leading up to the lake. [8] By this time, the restoration work had ceased for lack of funds and the castle was leased between 1936 and 1946 to the politician and architect Alfred Bossom. The first castle on the site was an unauthorised fortification, built during "The Anarchy" (11351153) and torn down later in the century when royal control was reasserted. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Allington Castle is one of Kent's most exclusive wedding and civil ceremony destinations. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It is on the south bank of the River Medway. more, Call the Midwife Location Tour in Chatham, Private Day Tour to Historic Hever Castle from London, Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Cliffs of Dover Custom Day Trip, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle & White Cliffs Guided Day Tour from London, Early Access Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, and Greenwich from London, Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour to vineyards and castles in Kent, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Salisbury Cathedral, Private Day Tour to Chartwell House from London, Leeds Castle Admission - Ultimate Explorer Tickets, Private Day Tour to Beautiful Leeds Castle, Kent, from London, Full-Day Tudor Tour to Hampton Court Palace and Hever Castle from London, Village Grill @ Village Hotel - Maidstone, Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. They were replaced with planted poplars and gardens built under Philip Tilden. Please let us know if you have any further questions or would like to discuss your filming project in more detail. It was saved and restored by the efforts of Sir Martin Conway and his wife during the first half of the century. more, Call the Midwife Location Tour in Chatham, Private Day Tour to Historic Hever Castle from London, Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Cliffs of Dover Custom Day Trip, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle & White Cliffs Guided Day Tour from London, Early Access Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, and Greenwich from London, Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour to vineyards and castles in Kent, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Salisbury Cathedral, Private Day Tour to Chartwell House from London, Leeds Castle Admission - Ultimate Explorer Tickets, Private Day Tour to Beautiful Leeds Castle, Kent, from London, Full-Day Tudor Tour to Hampton Court Palace and Hever Castle from London, Village Grill @ Village Hotel - Maidstone. A lovely beautiful tour of the castle. Our grounds are home to a diverse array of thriving wildlife. A must see, you will not pleased with what you see. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. As a private residence not open to the general public, we delight in offering invited guests a distinctive and memorable experience when they book an event with us. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. There has been some storm damage, mainly affecting conifers. The barns ambience, combined with this spaces convenience, makes for a truly special experience. Their most illustrious member, Sir Thomas Wyatt, received a whole batch of properties in the area at the dissolution in 1538 (Boxley/Malling Abbeys, Aylesford Priory) but he then lost his head for his part in the anti-catholic Kent Rebellion (1554). Ask PaulG3835 about Allington Castle . The first castle on the site was an unauthorised fortification, built during "The Anarchy" (1135-1153) and t orn down later in the century when royal control was reasserted. If you are planning a corporate event in Maidstone, our barn is the perfect space for you. . This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. In these years, however, Wyatt was much abroad, returning home on visits in 1538 and 1539 and for good in May 1540. Our castle, with its manicured gardens, fountains, great hall, long gallery, battlements, portcullis, moat, castle towers, and fairy-tale charm, provides a unique and versatile atmosphere for your castle film shoot. We only were able to take a glance of one of the gates from the river. It took the form of a moated mound (possibly a motte and bailey) built on a site adjoining a bend in the River Medway about one mile (1.6km) north of Maidstone. An early 17th-century lessee named John Best pulled down the battlements and added a half-timbered gabled second storey to the east and west wings as a replacement for the fire-damaged areas of the castle. A fantastic experience to see the castle at Allington and its wonderful gardens. [8], The castle and manor were granted in 1568 to John Astley, Queen Elizabeth's Master of the Jewel House, though he did not live there. A. If you are interested in arranging an exclusive tour for a group of up to eight people, please get in touch with us to discuss your requirements. [9], Most of the Great Hall and the north-east wing were destroyed in a disastrous fire in the second half of the 16th century. [11], The top of the Long Gallery was destroyed in another fire in the early 19th century and the rest of the castle was nearly demolished a few decades later by Charles Marsham, 5th Earl of Romney. Please contact us using the contact form at the bottom of this page to ask questions or arrange a viewing. North of this is a car park. 6. The only remains of the original castle is a section of wall and the kitchen fireplace built in 1174. Contacted Allington to enquire into a wedding venue. In 1281 the present stone castle was built, which was converted to a mansion in the 15th century. It works really well as a combination although its a little pricy. Available Monday to Saturday. In the past, it was used as a war polygon, a graveyard and a nursery garden. The site is in the Maidstone Borough. At some stage in the early-20th century the lake was filled in. North-west and south-west of the Bowling Club compound is another small area of grass and trees crossed by a path joining the Taff Trail to Sophia Close. The moat surrounding the castle was once flooded and was crossed by a drawbridge, with a portcullis closing the entrance to the castle. Our eco-friendly gardens and wildflower meadows demonstrate our commitment to the environment, providing a sustainable setting for your special day surrounded by natural beauty and biodiversity. Borisova Gradina / Borisova Garden. Italian gardens, Lavender walk, rose arbor with temple and a walled Tiltyard garden. For nearly 50 years, the castle was the home of a Carmelite convent. Security to ensure the safety of equipment and crew. Fabulous location, wonderful organisation and great food. Search for the name, locality, period or a feature of a locality. [7] The ruins of a barbican can be seen on the far side of the moat. It consists of a 200 yard long yew walk running north-west south-east with a circular basin pool (pool now rather choked with weeds) at the north-west end. The Western Mail, Tuesday, September 22, 1891, reported that up to 15,000 people attended the first performance. Over the years the park became the favoured location for a wide variety of functions and shows. Catering: You can use our catering partner Invicta Food Design, or we can cater for smaller buffet styles in-house. The two guides were very informative and kept the group engaged. Restoration continued for the next 25 years using skilled local craftsmen to carefully rebuild and renovate the castle. After one email exchange I asked to make a booking on the weekend and the email was ignored as well as my telephone message. Brand new rustic dance floor. Fabulous location, wonderful organisation and great food. The building's development was continued in the early 13th century by Sir Henry de Cobham, incorporating the remains of the old manor house into the new castle. Important Note: Allington Castle is required to inform visitors that we are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) to record CCTV footage, both inside and outside the premises, to prevent and detect crime. Allington Castle Castle Road Near River Medway, Maidstone ME16 0ND England, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites British Vegetarian Friendly, $ British Grill Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Bar British Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Steakhouse British Gluten Free Options. It was formally opened on June 5th 1878. Allington Castle is not open to the public - so the only way to get a glimpse of this stunning building is from the River Park. However, the restoration programme was halted when funds became exhausted (unlike Hever where they did not). Recommended. The National Sports Centre for Wales (now Sport Wales National Centre) and associated car park and hockey and football pitches was constructed on the remainder of the recreation ground and was officially opened by Prince Charles on June 12th 1972. , the two castle courtyards and the gre Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. The 4th Bellfry has a chest with the key for the waypoints. Allington Castle has a rich history of hosting film and television shoots, including: Whether you are looking for a castle film location, a stately home, or haunted property, Allington Castle is a perfect choice. Delve into our pages to discover all we offer, from one of Kents best film locations to our luxurious upmarket wedding venue services. Allington Castle is a private residence. Review should read be pleased with what you see.. is castle wheelchair friendly thank you A popular choice for music videos and pop videos. Allington Castle is a one thousand year-old edifice and is oozing with history. 99% of travellers recommend this experience. Managed to visit this beautiful castle while attending a wedding, the grounds were amazing and you were able to walk around these in the evening. [13] It is now the home of Sir Robert Worcester, the founder of the MORI polling company. As a private residence, we must remind you that we are not open to the public. Search for the name, locality, period or a feature of a locality. It is named after Sophia Rawdon-Hastings, the widow of the 2nd Marquess of Bute who oversaw the creation of the park, which was built to compensate for the withdrawal in 1855 of public access to Cooper's Field and Castle Green. A must see, you will not pleased with what you see. With its breathtaking architecture and picturesque surroundings, its no wonder that our castle has become synonymous with Kents cinematic charm. Allington Castle is one of the most secretive and romantically beautiful castles in Kent. Will be recommending this place to friends and family. Please also note that we are legally obligated to inform visitors that we are registered with the, Allington Castle A Captivating Film Location, Allington Castle has been featured in numerous films and television productions, making it a sought-after location for filmmakers. The festoon-lit lawns, overlooked by our enchanting alpaca paddock, add a touch of whimsy and charm to our idyllic setting. [12] Conway and his daughter Agnes, an archaeologist, also undertook extensive research into the history of the castle. The Great Hall, an extraordinary symbol of Allington Castles grand past, features towering ceilings and serves as a striking focal point at the heart of the castle. [1][2] According to historian Sidney Painter, it was one of at least 21 castles demolished on Henry II's instructions. (unfortunately) is not open to the public, but it can be hired as a wedding venue and for film shoots. [12], Conway decided to purchase the castle's freehold from Lord Romney at a cost of 4,800 and spent the next 30 years restoring it with the assistance of the architects W. D. Caroe and Philip Tilden. The Great Hall, barn, and gardens are available for exclusive weddings, corporate events, and filming. You need too use Kentish Lady to be able to access this, this adds enjoyment to the trip, cruise up the river, visit caste and cake and hot drink on the return journey. Please note that catering is not included in the package prices. We walked by the river from Maidstone to Aylesford, a town far prettier than Maidstone, and back (about 16kms). Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. If you are planning a . At Allington Castle, we pride ourselves on offering a variety of garden styles to suit all preferences. The strip of land between the avenue and the Cathedral Road properties is grassed over. Steeped in history and charm, our medieval castle provides an unforgettable backdrop for elegant civil weddings and civil partnerships, drawing couples from surrounding towns in Kent and beyond. Original manuscript version consulted. Perhaps the most notable performance ever staged at the park was Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, which came for a week in September 1891. The castle can be seen from Allington Path the stretch of towpath betweenthe marina and the lock. Recommended, A fantastic experience to see the castle at Allington and its wonderful gardens. Together with Pontcanna and Llandaff Fields, which opened later, Sophia Gardens forms a huge public open space in the heart of Cardiff, mirrored on the east bank of the river Taff by Bute Park. He is not known to have been justice of the peace in Kent, although he had a year as sheriff and he was named to a commission of sewers. Corbens, a local building firm, was hired to carry out the work and provided traditional craftsmen to undertake the restoration in an architecturally and historically sympathetic style. Any, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, All Saints The Parish Church of Maidstone. Allington Castle is a one thousand year-old edifice and is oozing with history. Then we both gasped out, Of course we must have it. Breathtaking views of Allington Castle provide the most spectacular backdrop for your next corporate event, and we will work with you to make it memorable. As you enjoy the magical ambience indoors, our charming, picket-fenced lawns at the rear of the barn offer a delightful space for guests to unwind during summer evenings. Nestled in 42 acres, the castle dates back to Medieval times and is surrounded by a moat. Bute Park, Cardiff Castle and Sophia Gardens were gifted to the City of Cardiff by the fifth Marquess of Bute on September 10th 1947. Visited with a group, what a lovely place, very interesting talk from 2 very funny guides Colin and Adrian. Event Now Sold Out If you have any queries please call 07484 527992, thank you. [8] Its decaying appearance was recorded by J. M. W. Turner in sketches and watercolours made in 1798. I went on a trip arranged through the Kentish Lady River Tours. Allington Castle (Maidstone) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Hotels near Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats, Hotels near Borough Green and Wrotham Station, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Maidstone, Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Maidstone, Game & Entertainment Centres in Maidstone, Three Island Tour from Split (Shipwreck, Blue Lagoon, Maslinica) LUNCH INCLUDED, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour from Sedona, Ocean Empress Dinner Cruise Dubai Including Pickup and Drop off, Arrival Meet & Assist service at Delhi Airport with optional Private transfer, View all hotels near Allington Castle on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Allington Castle on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Allington Castle on Tripadvisor. The Great Hall also features a minstrel gallery, perfect for harpists, string quartets, jazz, blues, or swing ensembles, taking advantage of the amazing acoustics. A lovely beautiful tour of the castle. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. A full day or any part thereof is considered to be a twelve-hour booking. Othello at Allington Castle Our summer open air theatre Start Date - Sunday 7 August 2022 End Date - Sunday 7 August 2022 Venue - Allington Castle, ME16 0NB Time - 2:30 pm - The Importance of Being Earnest (SOLD OUT) | 7:30 pm - Othello (SOLD OUT) Tickets are now sold out! The beauty of it all was entrancing. Located in a glassed-off area of the barn, guests can sit down and relax without feeling separated from the party. The castle entered a state of decay that was accelerated by fires, neglect and vandalism, until it was largely ruined by the start of the 20th century. The park has also been used as a cricket ground for the Kent County Cricket Club. You will need to check if they have a visit during your stay. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. For enquiries, please see our dedicated, Host Your Dream Wedding at Allington Castle, As an upmarket wedding venue, Allington Castle provides a romantic and luxurious setting for your special day. Allington castle tour with the kentish lady. Catering is not included in the price, but an. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The extensive gardens are a photographic dream set out in a Medieval style with Italian gardens, Lavender walk, Parterre, Courtyard & formal ponds. It is enclosed by a circular hedge and massive stone pergola piers at the south end (cross members all missing). Evening receptions take place in our beautifully restored 17th-century barn as the lit-up castle provides a stunning backdrop to the festivities. Disappointing customer service. The cheapest way to get from Strood to Allington Castle costs only 4, and the quickest way takes just 18 mins. Allington Castle is a Private Residence and is NOT open to the public. It was replaced by a manor house, which was fortified with royal permission in the 13th century. Various alterations and expansions were made by successive owners over the following two centuries. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Further renovations were undertaken to provide accommodation and facilities for the castle's inhabitants. The castle was then purchased by Sir Martin Conway, who partially restored it. It was replaced by a manor house, which was fortified with royal permission in the 13th century. We want your special day to be memorable and enjoyable, which is why we take care of the details so you can focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location. [15], Allington Castle takes the form of an irregular parallelogram with a curtain wall incorporating six round towers of various sizes. Enquiries can be made by visiting allington-castle.com Max 100 for the ceremony in the Great Hall and up to 150 for the evening reception in our Barn, with Allington Castle lit up as your backdropcash bar on site. Kerrie Gibbons, our events manager, masterfully orchestrates unforgettable occasions, while Jen takes care of housekeeping and cooking for the castles owners, ensuring their comfort and satisfaction. The tour lasts about an hour and a half and you get to see most of the grounds, the two castle courtyards and the great hall. Trees, and screenery were planted, including poplars (some fine Populus nigra) and a tulip tree. This was used for many years to stage large entertainment functions and shows, though its last function was a night club. These thriving ecosystems reflect our dedication to preserving the castles natural surroundings. Tickets cost 13 - 19 and the journey takes 1h 45m. Allington Castle has been featured in numerous films and television productions, making it a sought-after location for filmmakers. The Castle was the site of filming the 1965 episode Castle Death of The Avengers TV series. Allington Castle. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location . Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. It was Cardiff's and Wales' first public park. [6] It seems to have been neglected subsequently; it is described by documentary sources as being in a very bad condition by 139899. The castle was then purchased by Sir Martin Conway, who partially restored it. PLEASE NOTE: Allington Castle is a Private Residence and is NOT open to the public. {The Buildings of England: West Kent and the Weald} (London: Yale University Press, 1976), http://www.hha.org.uk/Property/788/Allington-Castle. [12] There was a certain amount of historical irony in this, as the Wyatts of Allington Castle had obtained Aylesford Priory and dispossessed its occupants during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries; now the tables were turned. As the park grew considerably in size at the very start of the 20 th century, it caused an uprising of local peasants who wanted the terrain to remain a grassland for . . Henry VIII also visited in 1527, 1530 and 1536, as did Cardinal Wolsey in 1527 and Catherine Parr in 1544. Unlike many other venues, we include a range of cost-saving things to ensure that your day is as stress-free as possible. The castle is privately owned, so access is limited to certain pre arranged trips. The castle was the site of the filming of the music video for "Lover Chanting" (released in 2018)[16] by the Swedish band Little Dragon. This historical gem provides a fascinating glimpse into Englands rich past, surrounded by the natural beauty of its woodland and riverside setting. The few dwellings around the castle had a population of 49 in 1841. Close to the north-east corner of the car park the Millennium footbridge crosses the Taff into Bute Park. , the two castle courtyards and the gre 100% of travelers recommend this experience. [9] There is still a priest hole in the lodge of the gatehouse, a sign of the persecution that Catholics faced at the time. Our eco-friendly gardens and wildflower meadows demonstrate our commitment to the environment, providing a sustainable setting for your special day surrounded by natural beauty and biodiversity.