Chiddingstone Castle

Chiddingstone Castle Description

Steeped in an endearing mixture of recent and past history, and nestling in the beautiful, rolling Kent Weald, Chiddingstone Castle is one of the county’s hidden treasures. Set in 35 acres of grounds including a lake, a rose garden and woodland, this attractive country house is situated in the heart of the village of Chiddingstone, itself dating back to the 14th Century.

The property’s origins date from the 1550s when High Street House, as the Castle was then known, was the home of the Streatfeild family. Several transformations have since taken place and the present building dates back to 1805 when Henry Streatfeild extended and remodelled his ancestral home in the “castle style” which was then fashionable.

After a turbulent first part of the 20th Century, during which the Castle was at times a school and headquarters to Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War, the estate was then rescued by Denys Bower. In 1955 this passionate, and sometimes eccentric collector, bought the Castle to display his magnificent collections to the Public.

Today the Castle is under the stewardship of the Trustees of the Denys Eyre Bower Bequest, and is a member of the Historic Houses Association of Great Britain. It is open for visitors to view the collections and to enjoy the unspoilt grounds set around the beautiful lake, as well as to spend time in the enchanting village. The Bequest’s emphasis today is on fulfilling Denys Bower’s wish to preserve and display his collections for the Nation, as well as providing an informal and welcoming environment for educational activities, young people’s study groups and school visits.

Opening Times - 2012

• •6th April - 28th October: Sunday - Wednesday, 11 am - 5 pm (•Last entry at 4.15 pm)

Admission Prices - 2012

Adult - £8.00
•Child (5-13 years) - £4.00
•Child (under 5 years) - Free
•Family (2+2) - £21.50
•Family Pass (2+2) or (1+3) - £60.50 (includes activity days)
•Adult Season Pass - £23.00
Group (15+) by arrangement only - £7.00 (unguided)

Group (15+) by arrangement only - £6.00

Parking - There is an honesty box in the car park, with a suggested donation of £2.00 per car