Visited by Henry 8th, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth 1st and Cardinal Wolsey among others it is now a private residence and (unfortunately) is not open to the public, but it can be hired as a wedding venue and for film shoots. Wodehouse's . You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. South Eastern Trains Service. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Please Note: Allington Castle is a private residence. A short distance to the south-west of the castle is a low mound, which is all that survives of the 12th-century motte.[4]. As a private residence, we must remind you that we are not open to the public. Full-Day Package. , the two castle courtyards and the gre Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. Adjacent to Cowbridge Road there is still a small area of grass with some trees. Security is an additional charge and will be quoted based on specific requirements. The third is the place you want to go to. [1][2] According to historian Sidney Painter, it was one of at least 21 castles demolished on Henry II's instructions. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. The layout was planned by the architect Alexander Roos. The only remains of the original castle is a section of wall and the kitchen fireplace built in 1174. Allington Castle, Maidstone Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. Some pretty good surprises on the way. 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. TV series The Royals (20152018). 2} (1926) 99-130, Pettigrew, A., {The Public Parks and Recreation Grounds of Cardiff, Vol. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The Great Hall also features a minstrel gallery, perfect for harpists, string quartets, jazz, blues, or swing ensembles, taking advantage of the amazing acoustics. Most of its moat had been filled in, but its reflection lay upon the calm face of the remaining fragment. [3], The present castle was built between 127999 by Stephen de Pencester, the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, who was granted a licence to crenellate the existing manor house by Edward I. The barns ambience, combined with this spaces convenience, makes for a truly special experience. At Allington Castle, we pride ourselves on offering a variety of garden styles to suit all preferences. 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. [12], Lord Conway died in 1937, whereupon Agnes inherited Allington Castle. Country House: Yes The House from a 1923 postcard . 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. You can book a private visit with the Kentish Lady boat company, but the don't do them often. The area had always been at risk of flooding, serious floods having occurred in the 20th century in 1927, the 1960s and 1979; the latter prompted the instigation of an extensive flood protection scheme in 1982, when the present day river banks were engineered. 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. Includes a professional Dance or Disco with our professional DJ. As this is a private residence it has a very unique feel to it and is all the better for it. Then we both gasped out, Of course we must have it. The strip of land between the avenue and the Cathedral Road properties is grassed over. The Castle was the site of filming the 1965 episode Castle Death of The Avengers TV series. However, this proved too expensive for his resources. A popular choice for music videos and pop videos. Set in 42 acres near the town of Maidstone, Allington Castle boasts a moat, lakes and extensive gardens. According to Pettigrew, Sophia Gardens was first noted as a public walk for Cardiff around 1857 and opened in 1858. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location, Your email address will not be published. It is not open to the public The only remains of the original castle is a section of wall and the kitchen fireplace built in 1174. 07920832611. 1530, and 1536. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. All you need to do is book your photographer, liaise with our catering team from Invicta for your catering needs, and sort out your decorations. Guests joining one of the pre-booked and exclusive Kentish Lady boat toursto arrive at the castle via the River Medway can enjoy a private tour around our vibrant, eco-friendly garden and the magnificent Great Hall. Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our. The Wyatt family acquired the castle in 1491 and converted it into a mansion house. [8] He was able to draw on his own and his wife's wealth, and his efforts were also supported by his wife's wealthy stepfather, a businessman named Manton Marble. State of the Art Magic Mirror photo-booth. The tour lasts about an hour and a half and you get to see most of the. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Admission is By Appointment Only. We make the process simple and convenient for you. An elaborate lodge was built on the east side of the entrance. Search for the name, locality, period or a feature of a locality. It was saved and restored by the efforts of Sir Martin Conway and his wife during the first half of the century. lake. 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. The staff on the Kentish lady were also lovely and do anything they can to help. It works really well as a combination although its a little pricy. The extensive gardens are a photographic dream set out in a Medieval style with Italian gardens, Lavender walk, Parterre, Courtyard & formal ponds. 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. According to Pettigrew the green had been laid down with "Cumberland turf" in 1877/8 for the use of Cardiff Bowling Club. Visited by Henry 8th, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth 1st and Cardinal Wolsey among others it is now a private residence and (unfortunately) is not open to the public, but it can be hired as a wedding venue and for film shoots. Date of experience: June 2018. Please visit our catering partner Invicta Food Design. The castle, likely mostly constructed of timbers, was built on a motte [earthen mound] next to the River Medway about 3 miles (by road) from Maidstone. The two guides were very informative and kept the group engaged. Allington Castle is the private residence ofSir Robert Worcester, the founder of the MORI polling company. The range dividing the two courtyards contains the Long Gallery on the upper floor, with offices below. Review should read be pleased with what you see.. is castle wheelchair friendly thank you Selected as the location for BBC Children in Need 2019. 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. The festoon-lit lawns, overlooked by our enchanting alpaca paddock, add a touch of whimsy and charm to our idyllic setting. 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. You wont need to worry about outside contractors as we take care of everything for you. Cant think of a better place to get married in the area. 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 Visited with a group, what a lovely place, very interesting talk from 2 very funny guides Colin and Adrian. Disappointing customer service. Any, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, All Saints The Parish Church of Maidstone. Among the many grand spaces within the castle is the Great Hall, where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn dined with Sir Thomas Wyatt around 1530. For nearly 50 years, the castle was the home of a Carmelite convent. The house is set in 450 acre of garden landscape . The castle is privately owned, so access is limited to certain pre arranged trips. [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 castle is nestled in 42 acres next to the Medway river it is surrounded by a moat and fronted by two lakes which are split by a causeway leading you the castle gates. 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. Will be recommending this place to friends and family. Bute Park, Cardiff Castle and Sophia Gardens were gifted to the City of Cardiff by the fifth Marquess of Bute on September 10th 1947. Please note that ALL prices quoted EXCLUDE catering. Find the travel option that best suits you. It has been open to the public since 1976. . See our packages on our wedding page. Get your early bird discount! PLEASE NOTE: Allington Castle is a Private Residence and is NOT open to the public. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location . If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Date of . Allington castle tour with the kentish lady. Unlike many other venues, we include a range of cost-saving things to ensure that your day is as stress-free as possible. Our wedding day. Let Allington Castle provide the perfect setting for your fairytale wedding, surrounded by eco-friendly gardens and a commitment to sustainable practices. It is on the south bank of the River Medway. A lovely beautiful tour of the castle. The largest and most significant of the towers, the four-storeyed Solomon's Tower, projects from the south-west side of the curtain wall. In January 1537 Henry VIII decided to send him as resident ambassador to the Emperor and . A lovely beautiful tour of the castle. This historical gem provides a fascinating glimpse into Englands rich past, surrounded by the natural beauty of its woodland and riverside setting. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. Contact our team today to start planning the wedding of your dreams. We are committed to being a diverse and welcoming venue for all couples, proudly celebrating love in all its forms, and are happy to offer a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ weddings and civil partnerships. Although once a formally laid out public park occupying about 18 hectares (see history section), the vast majority of this area has been developed, mostly for sporting activities. Cant think of a better place to get married in the area. In 1281 the present stone castle was built, which was converted to a mansion in the 15th century. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Although much of the original framework of Sophia Gardens has been lost, some original features remain. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location. However, the restoration programme was halted when funds became exhausted (unlike Hever where they did not). [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. 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. As a film-friendly venue, we have extensive experience working with film crews and understand their specific needs. After the war, Lord Conway set about clearing the exterior of the castle from the ramshackle collection of rural buildings that had accumulated over the centuries just outside the walls. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. The extensive gardens are a photographic dream set out in a Medieval style with Italian gardens, Lavender walk, Parterre, Courtyard & formal ponds. 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. With its breathtaking architecture and picturesque surroundings, its no wonder that our castle has become synonymous with Kents cinematic charm. Security to ensure the safety of equipment and crew. 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. Catering: You can use our catering partner Invicta Food Design, or we can cater for smaller buffet styles in-house. It's been suggested that Sir Martin Conway's restoration of Allington Castle (converting it from a derelict medieval castle into a modern country house using his wealthy wife's money) was the model for Dreever Castle in P.G. The castle before restoration goes back to 1281 when Stephen de Penchester was granted a licence to embattle the manor house at Allington. Just to its north, adjoining the west curtain wall, is the Penchester Lodgings, one of two surviving ranges of early buildings, which may incorporate remains of the earlier manor house. 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 4th Bellfry has a chest with the key for the waypoints. The first castle on the site was an unauthorised fortification, built during "The Anarchy" (1135-1153) and torn down later in the century when royal control was reasserted. To learn more about how we handle your personal information and protect your privacy, please review our privacy policy. Our dedicated and experienced team will work closely with you to bring your dream wedding to life, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned and executed. Successive owners in the 18th and 19th centuries never seem to have loved the castle, which sank further and further into dilapidation. At some stage in the early-20th century the lake was filled in. 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. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. The site is in the Maidstone Borough. Allington Castle. North-east of the SWALEC Stadium there is a stone wall which marks the boundary of Sophia Gardens. O. ur outstanding garden team, led by Head Gardener Adrian and his skilled team members Jacqui and Alec, diligently maintain our enchanting, sustainable garden and conduct our private tours. You can invite extra guests to make up a maximum of 150 guests. These thriving ecosystems reflect our dedication to preserving the castles natural surroundings. [1] Henry was said to have been so concerned for his personal safety while staying in the castle's north-east tower that he had the single entry, a spiral staircase, blocked off by a dry stone wall each night that he was there. In 1554 it was seized by the Crown in the course of dispossessing its owner, Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger, after the failure of his rebellion against Queen Mary. The main entrance gateway was close to the junction of Cowbridge Road East and Cathedral Road, from which an avenue of lime trees lead northwards to a lake at the northern end of the park. In 1895, a retired London barrister named Dudley C. Falke rented the castle from Lord Romney and began the lengthy task of restoration. He undertook major alterations, dividing the courtyard into two unequal parts by constructing a two-storeyed building which contained what may have been one of the first long galleries in England. The cheapest way to get from Strood to Allington Castle costs only 4, and the quickest way takes just 18 mins. Allington Castle (Maidstone): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. 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. Both tour guides were very knowledgable and friendly. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. 6. An old dovecot on the castle grounds was restored for use by Agnes Conway as a study. Italian gardens, Lavender walk, rose arbor with temple and a walled Tiltyard garden. Various alterations . Today it is owned by Sir Robert Worcester as a private residence and is not open to the public. Contact Venue. However, when we open our doors for weddings, film shoots, and boat tours, we are committed to maintaining the highest service standards and ensuring our guests feel welcomed and cared for. Today, Allington Castle is a beautifully restored example of a medieval dwelling with stunning gardens, towers, and a breathtaking courtyard. The castle was depicted as the Locksley (or Loxley) Castle of Lord Gilbert during the Crusades era. Recommended. Start at the intersection of Ivan Vazov Street and 6ti Septemvri Street. 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. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location. Please also note that we are legally obligated to inform visitors that we are registered with the Information Commissions Office (ICO) and utilize CCTV surveillance both inside and outside the castle for the purposes of crime detection and prevention. Please use this box to ask questions and to request a viewing. 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. With its breathtaking architecture and picturesque surroundings, its no wonder that our castle has become synonymous with Kents cinematic charm. 100% of travellers recommend this experience. Our wedding day. What restaurants are near Allington Castle? Over the years the park became the favoured location for a wide variety of functions and shows. Your email address will not be published. [1] The plotters had held their first meeting at the castle before marching to London; after the rebellion had been crushed, many of the failed rebels were imprisoned in the castle. Allington Castle. The park was extended northwards by a further 28 acres (11.3 hectares) into "Sophia Field" around 1879 and this area became a recreation ground with gravel tracks laid down for cycling around the edge. It was Cardiff's and Wales' first public park. Allington Castle is a one thousand year-old edifice and is oozing with history. The castle was then purchased by Sir Martin Conway, who partially restored it. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 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. After one email exchange I asked to make a booking on the weekend and the email was ignored as well as my telephone message. Allington Castle has been featured in numerous films and television productions, making it a sought-after location for filmmakers. [9] There is still a priest hole in the lodge of the gatehouse, a sign of the persecution that Catholics faced at the time. It works really well as a combination although its a little pricy. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. A fantastic experience to see the castle at Allington and its wonderful gardens. Allington Castle is exclusively opening the gates to this private residence on Sunday 23rd June for Heart of Kent. Allington Castle Castle Road Near River Medway, Maidstone ME16 0ND England Full view Best nearby Restaurants 246 within 5 kms The Yew Tree Inn 940 0.8 km$$ - $$$ Bar British Pub The Little Old Toll House 84 0.5 km$$ - $$$ Quick Bites British Vegetarian Friendly The Running Horse Harvester 928 North of this is a car park. Jackie was very lovely. This was used for many years to stage large entertainment functions and shows, though its last function was a night club. If youre on one of our tours, Jacqui and Adrian will likely point out the putlog holes in the castles towers, which now provide sanctuary for nesting kestrels. Available Monday to Saturday. You can take a train from Stratford to Allington Castle via Strood and Maidstone Barracks in around 1h 40m. 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. 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. [10], Allington Castle was bought in 1720 by Sir Robert Marsham, the 2nd Baron Romney and a descendant of the Wyatts, but he did not live there and let it deteriorate. Around 1600, two farm houses were subsequently built in the grounds of Allington Castle while the rest of the castle gradually fell into ruin. 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. Fabulous location, wonderful organisation and great food. [7][5], Allington Castle was acquired in 1492 by Sir Henry Wyatt, a prominent supporter of Henry Tudor, who was later to become King Henry VII. Open in Google Maps . 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 Allington Castle is a private residence and is not open for viewings without an appointment. The castle can be seen from Allington Path the stretch of towpath betweenthe marina and the lock. It also showed there to be an island at the northern end of the lake upon which there was a boat house. Allington Castle was originally built in the 11th century. We only were able to take a glance of one of the gates from the river. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. $$ - $$$ Quick Bites British Vegetarian Friendly, $ British Grill Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Bar British Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Steakhouse British Gluten Free Options. There was a church . It doesn't matter whether you would like uninterrupted sessions or a full day of activities with tours of the castle and gardens; we can meet most of your needs. 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. 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. Visited the castle on a Kentish Lady boat trip from Maidstone. It was threatened with demolition in the late-19th century before being rescued by Lord Conway. 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. Required fields are marked *. What attractions are near Allington Castle? Important information. Train operators. The park was accessible from the northern end via a driveway off Cathedral Road which terminated in a turning circle. [6] It seems to have been neglected subsequently; it is described by documentary sources as being in a very bad condition by 139899. 15 15x 15 rustic dance floor. The first castle on the site was an unauthorised fortification, built during "The Anarchy" and torn down later in the century when royal control was reasserted. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. 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. Please contact us if you cannot find a package that suits your requirements. Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. It doesnt matter whether you would like uninterrupted sessions or a full day of activities with tours of the castle and gardens; we can meet most of your needs. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. The Taff Trail from Cardiff to Brecon also passes through the park. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. 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. 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.
allington castle open garden
