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 offers a variety of attractions and events throughout the year. Below is a detailed summary of their opening times and offerings:
Castle, Collections, and Tea Room
The Castle, Tea Room, and Gift Shop are currently closed and will reopen in March 2026. However, the castle remains open for seasonal events and private hire.
Grounds and Lake
The grounds and lake are open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM, except when closed for private functions. Fishing is available year-round with a day permit costing £10.00 per person (up to 2 rods). Children under 14 can fish for free but must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Parking
Parking is free for the first 45 minutes, then charged at £1 for 1 extra hour or £3 for the full day (+20p Ringo fee).
Seasonal Events
The castle hosts seasonal events, including a Christmas Artisan Fair on Saturday, 29th November, and Father Christmas Afternoon Tea on 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st December. These events include activities such as storytime with Father Christmas, a Christmas trail, and afternoon tea.
Private Hire
The castle is available for private hire year-round, including weddings, events, and filming. Enquiries can be made Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Group Visits
Groups of 10 or more can arrange personalized tours and enjoy discounted admission prices. Carers are admitted free of charge.
Tea Room
The Tea Room offers light lunches, cream teas, and full afternoon teas (pre-booking required). It is open until 31st October 2025.
Additional Information
Visitors can explore the castle's collections, including Japanese, Stuart and Jacobite, Buddhist, and Ancient Egyptian artifacts. The grounds feature woodland trails, a Victorian Orangery, and a fishing lake. Dogs are welcome in the grounds if kept on a lead.
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
Please note from August 2025 parking charges are being introduced. Chiddingstone Castle is owned and run as a charitable trust. In order to meet increasing costs and support the charity mission to continue to preserve Denys Eyre Bower’s collections in their original setting additional revenue streams have had to be explored. The first 45 minutes are free and the maximum charge is £3 (+20p Ringo fee) for a full day. It is advisable to download the RingGo app before arrival.
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.
Car parking is available. Please donate £3 to help the upkeep of the Castle and grounds.
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 £68 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.
