Chiddingstone Castle

About

The history of Chiddingstone Castle can be traced back to the early 1500s. During its life, the castle has undergone a number of architectural changes and has been owned and lived in by an eclectic mix of people and families.

Chiddingstone Castle was the home of Denys Eyre Bower between 1955 and 1977. Denys was a gifted collector who devoted his life to collecting art and antiques, many of which are on display. Denys wanted to share his passion with the public and bought the castle in 1955 to display his collection. At his death, he bequeathed it to the National Trust, but they refused it as it didn’t come with an endowment. A private trust was then created with the mission of preserving his collections in their present setting “for the enjoyment and learning of future generations”. The castle currently holds 4,000 objects, including: Japanese lacquer, armour and swords; Ancient Egyptian artefacts; Royal Stuart and Jacobite portraits, letters, manuscripts, pamphlets and memorabilia; and Buddhist objects. Other miscellaneous objects comprising barrel organs, tapestries and furniture complete the collection.

With breathtaking views of the Greensand Ridge below the North Downs, a stroll in the gardens of Chiddingstone Castle is a delight in all seasons. 35 acres of informal grounds give visitors a choice of wandering along woodland walks; crossing the wooden bridge over the lake that leads to the picturesque village of Chiddingstone or pausing to admire the Grade II* Victorian Orangery which features white roses and an award-winning contemporary glazed roof. The gardens are evolving all the time, and visitors are guaranteed an amazing display of roses, peonies and lavender in the summer. All the roses in the gardens have been identified and labelled by the castle’s volunteers, and some have been discovered to be important, heritage varieties. The formal Rose Garden within the central courtyard is particularly fragrant and beautiful (admission to castle ticket holders only).

A warm welcome awaits visitors to the delightful Tea Room, situated on the south side of the castle, where you will find a choice of comfortable seating either inside beside the range cooker in the former Buttery, or outside in the sunny, sheltered Grade II listed courtyard. We are proud to serve delicious homemade cakes, scones, light lunches, cream teas, coffee, and tea and locally produced wine, cider, fruit juices and ice creams. There is no obligation to pay for admission to the castle to visit the Tea Room or the grounds, so we have many regulars! Dogs are welcome, on leads, in the Tea Room courtyard.

Chiddingstone Castle is open every Sunday to Wednesday, including Bank Holidays, from 1st April until the end of October from 11am until 5pm (last admission 4.15pm). We welcome wedding and function bookings, pre–booked groups and school visits at any time throughout the year, be it the open or closed season. Pay us a visit – you’ll be surprised how much we have to offer!