Chiddingstone Castle
A historic house with with Tudor origins, which features the eclectic collections of its last private owner, Denys Eyre Bower (1905-1977), including Asian art, Egyptian artefacts and Stuart relics, and a beautiful Buddhist collection.
near Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7AD
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Facilities for children
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Shop
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
A historic house and former family home for the Streatfeild family, Chiddingstone Castle has Tudor origins, Victorian rooms and was remodelled in the 19th century to resemble a medieval castle.
The house is set in 25 acres of informal grounds, with breathtaking views of the North Downs, conservation woodlands, lawns, lake and courtyard rose garden.
The castle is an accredited museum and houses the collections of its last private owner, Denys Eyre Bower. Denys was an art dealer and collector who moved into the Castle in 1955 and filled every spare space with artefacts from cultures and civilisations around the world. The collections fall into four main categories – Japanese, Buddhist, Ancient Egyptian, Stuart and Jacobite.
There is a tearoom located near the Victorian Kitchen, Gift Shop, and activities for children.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Chiddingstone Castle is a historic house and museum located in Kent, featuring unique collections including Japanese, Egyptian, Stuart & Jacobite, and Buddhist artifacts. It also serves as a venue for private events such as weddings and corporate functions.
Opening Hours
Castle, Collections, Tea Room, and Gift Shop: Open Thursday to Sunday from 12 March to 31 October 2026, 11am to 5pm (last entry at 4:15pm). Closed for private events on specific dates, including 28 March (all day), 2 April (early closure at 3pm), and 3 April (closed for a village fundraising event).
Grounds and Lake: Open daily from 7am to 6:30pm throughout the year, except during private functions. Fishing is available.
Parking: Free for the first hour, £1 for up to 2 hours, or £3 for the full day (+20p Ringo fee).
Special Notes
- The Japanese Room is temporarily closed for repairs due to a ceiling collapse. Visitors with single-use tickets receive a voucher for a free return visit.
- Annual ticket holders can return as often as they like within 12 months.
Additional Attractions
- The Tea Room offers light lunches, cream teas, and homemade cakes. It is accessible without paying castle admission.
- The grounds feature a Victorian Orangery, woodland walks, a fishing lake, and scenic views.
Group Visits
Groups of 10 or more qualify for discounted admission. The castle offers tailored tours and dining options for groups, with facilities such as the Goodhugh Room available for use.
Educational Visits
Schools and educational groups are welcome to explore the collections and participate in activities aligned with the curriculum. The Goodhugh Room serves as a base for educational activities.
Events
The castle hosts various events throughout the year, including live music, collection talks, and seasonal activities.
Castle and collections:
Free entry for Historic Houses members. No booking required. Access to the castle itself is free, however there may be a charge for special event days.
For regular admission prices and to buy tickets, see the castle’s website
Fishing:
Adults: £10 (up to 2 rods) for a day permit
Under 14s: free if accompanied by a paying adult
Parking is free for the first hour, then charged at £1 for up to 2 hours, or £3 for the full day (plus 20p Ringo fee).
You may pay via the Ringo app, or the machine on site (cards only).
Groups are welcome minimum 10 people, £9.50 per person for a self-guided visit.
We offer exclusive tours of our fascinating collections at £13.50 per person for a ‘Highlights Tour’ and £15.50 per person for an ‘In Depth Tour’ of the Castle and Collections.
There are extensive grounds to wander around, and a traditional tearoom where delicious homemade cakes and sandwiches are available.
For more information and to discuss your needs please contact our dedicated team.
Tel: 01892 870347 Email: [email protected]
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
Chiddingstone Castle: In pictures
Explore the Collection of Denys Eyre Bower
The Castle houses the intriguing collections of the late collector Denys Eyre Bower, featuring art and artefacts from Japanese lacquer to Samurai armour, Ancient Egyptian treasures and Buddhist objects, Stuart paintings and Jacobite manuscripts.
A traditional tearoom and tea courtyard is open during the season, serving cream teas, full afternoon teas, and a selection of cakes and savouries.
The Castle is available to book for exclusive use from weddings to parties, corporate days to location filming, classes to events.
Tie the knot at Chiddingstone Castle
Set within the idyllic village of Chiddingstone with far reaching views of the Kent countryside, we offer exclusive use of our wedding venue throughout the day.
Looking to visit Chiddingstone Castle?
Chiddingstone Castle are open to visitors from April to end of October annually: Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 11am to 5pm (last admission 4.15pm). The grounds are open every day and there is no need to book. Visitors can wander the grounds or take the dog for a walk on the many footpaths that surround the castle. There are just a few days when the grounds are closed because of weddings but visitors can check this on our website. Historic Houses members must bring their membership card with them to enjoy free entry to the castle.
If you’re interested in joining Historic Houses as a member, you can find out more about membership below. Members enjoy free access to almost three hundred independently owned historic houses across the UK for free using their membership card, as well as a quarterly magazine and monthly online lectures about the houses.
Getting here
near Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7AD
The main visitor entrance is at ///visual.brick.storms What does this mean?
4 miles from Edenbridge. Access from A21.
Parking is free for the first hour, then charged at £1 for up to 2 hours, or £3 for the full day (plus 20p Ringo fee).
You may pay via the Ringo app, or the machine on site (cards only).
Other houses members can visit nearby
Hever Castle
Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG
Penshurst Place
Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0RR
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £71 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
