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. Allington Castle is a stunning and versatile location for film and television shoots, situated in the heart of Kent, near London and the South East of England. 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. The largest and most significant of the towers, the four-storeyed Solomon's Tower, projects from the south-west side of the curtain wall. [8], The castle and manor were granted in 1568 to John Astley, Queen Elizabeth's Master of the Jewel House, though he did not live there. [7][1] It has largely been reconstructed, though the 15th-century porch is original. [12] Conway and his daughter Agnes, an archaeologist, also undertook extensive research into the history of the castle. The exclusive guided tour shows visitors Allington Castle's beautiful gardens, courtyards and impressive Great Hall. Your email address will not be published. For enquiries, please see our dedicated, Host Your Dream Wedding at Allington Castle, As an upmarket wedding venue, Allington Castle provides a romantic and luxurious setting for your special day. The castle history is really interesting and the the gardens are beautiful. The site is in the Maidstone Borough. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. North of this a continuation of the avenue passes the Welsh National Sports Centre and associated car park, football and hockey pitches and the SWALEC Cricket Stadium. . 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. . At some stage in the early-20th century the lake was filled in. A. It is NOT open to the public. The trip is by boat on the Kentish Lady which only adds to the charm of the visit. 4. The castle has also been featured in the hit series The Royals (2016 2018), PinkPantheress filmed her short film Feast on This at Allington Castle, which was featured in this. For non-UK citizens, we require copies of two foreign passports. At Allington Castle, we pride ourselves on offering a variety of garden styles to suit all preferences. In these years, however, Wyatt was much abroad, returning home on visits in 1538 and 1539 and for good in May 1540. Allington Castle is one of the most secretive and romantically beautiful castles in Kent. Wodehouse's . 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. This historical gem provides a fascinating glimpse into Englands rich past, surrounded by the natural beauty of its woodland and riverside setting. http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=2870,3139,3158,3964&parent_directory_id=2865&id=507, http://www.coflein.gov.uk/pdf/CPG210/http://ibistro.cardiff.gov.uk/uhtbin/cgisirsi/KCK9f43UcO/CENTRAL/94680019/9, A map based searching tool all our locations, CADW, {Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Glamorgan} (Cardiff: CADW, 2000) 78, Pettigrew, A., {The Public Parks and Recreation Grounds of Cardiff, Vol. The Long Gallery was rebuilt and the Tudor house within the castle walls was linked to it. The biggest park in Sofia is named after one of the most beloved Bulgarian rulers, Tsar Boris III - the Unifier. The lake was fed by a pipe from the mill stream that (formerly) flowed across Pontcanna Fields. After Agnes died in 1950 the castle was sold by her husband to the Order of Carmelites from the nearby Aylesford Priory at a price of 15,000, and it became the home of a community of Carmelite Friars from March 1951. The strip of land between the avenue and the Cathedral Road properties is grassed over. The barn, which can be used as a resting and eating place for crews and cast. 1. Today it is owned by Sir Robert Worcester as a private residence and is not open to the public. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. [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 castle before restoration goes back to 1281 when Stephen de Penchester was granted a licence to embattle the manor house at Allington. Please note that catering is not included in the package prices. Admission is By Appointment Only. I went on a trip arranged through the Kentish Lady River Tours. The Zany Adventures of Robin Hood aired in 1984. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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 film shoot. Henry VIII also visited in 1527, 1530 and 1536, as did Cardinal Wolsey in 1527 and Catherine Parr in 1544. If you are planning a . Ask PaulG3835 about Allington Castle . Please contact us using the contact form at the bottom of this page to ask questions or arrange a viewing. [8] Its decaying appearance was recorded by J. M. W. Turner in sketches and watercolours made in 1798. You will need to check if they have a visit during your stay. It was threatened with demolition in the late-19th century before being rescued by Lord Conway. The 4th Bellfry has a chest with the key for the waypoints. Available Monday to Saturday. It works really well as a combination although its a little pricy. #12 Allington Castle Kent, England T he first Allington Castle was built about 1140 by William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey. Located in a glassed-off area of the barn, guests can sit down and relax without feeling separated from the party. Our knowledgeable tour guides, Adrian and Jacqui, bring stories to life as they share the castles rich history. "The Public Parks and Recreation Grounds of Cardiff". You'll then be taken to a map showing results. Alternatively, National Express operates a bus from Stratford City Bus Station to King Street 5 times a day. 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. 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 the private residence ofSir Robert Worcester, the founder of the MORI polling company. Our on-site events company have plenty of extra props and items available for hire, such as a candy cart, cake cart, lockable gift box, outdoor furniture, lanterns etc. Allington Castle (Maidstone) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. The extensive gardens are a photographic dream set out in a Medieval style with Italian gardens, Lavender walk, Parterre, Courtyard & formal ponds. Original manuscript version consulted. Various alterations . The cost for a two-hour tour, which includes the gardens and some of the more restricted areas of the castle, is 750 + VAT for the entire group. As this is a private residence it has a very unique feel to it and is all the better for it. Allington Castle is a private residence. We can also do buffet-style in-house catering for smaller parties. 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 As a private residence, we must remind you that we are not open to the public. To preserve a clean and smoke-free environment, we permit smoking and vaping only in two designated areas. Then, in 1949, the Carmelites bought the castle and carried out further renovation and repair work, adding workshops and reception centres. A fantastic experience to see the castle at Allington and its wonderful gardens. 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. Ask Kerrie or Craig to show you when you do your viewing. The castle was one of several locations used for the E! Review should read be pleased with what you see.. is castle wheelchair friendly thank you document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. 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. 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]. Allington Castle and Gardens have been used in both Series 8 and 9 of Horrible Histories, playing a variety of historical locations, including Samuel Pepys home, The Tower of London, The Palace of Versailles, and a Tudor Castle. Under the expert guidance of our Head Gardener, Adrian Waters, and his skilled team, Jacqui and Alec, Allington Castle has adopted eco-friendly gardening practices. He was dissuaded by opposition from local residents, notably the Rector of the nearby Church of St. Lawrence, but by this time the castle was totally ruined. 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. 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. Its walls and five visible towers were buried in ivy. (unfortunately) is not open to the public, but it can be hired as a wedding venue and for film shoots. 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. Italian gardens, Lavender walk, rose arbor with temple and a walled Tiltyard garden. Any, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, All Saints The Parish Church of Maidstone. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. 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. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location. 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. 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. Visited the castle on a Kentish Lady boat trip from Maidstone. We make the process simple and convenient for you. The river walk was very good, though. Another one is in Raya Lucaria and those are the only 2 currently known. The park has also been used as a cricket ground for the Kent County Cricket Club. 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. 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 first will astound you more than Siofra River imo, the second will lead to the starting area where you fought the Grafted Scion and died. 2} (1926) 99-130, Pettigrew, A., {The Public Parks and Recreation Grounds of Cardiff, Vol. [8], Much of the restoration had been completed by the start of the First World War in 1914. 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. The first castle on the site was an unauthorised fortification, built during "The Anarchy" (1135-1153) and t orn down later in the century when royal control was reasserted. We WANT to work with you to make your dreams come true. Allington Castle is a one thousand year-old edifice and is oozing with history. 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. You can start and pause the trail anytime you want, and pick-up later to finish. It subsequently passed to the Cobham family (Cobhams seem to be everywhere in Kent) and thence to the Wyatt family in the 15th century. Inside the barn, elegant white drapes and twinkling fairy lights create an unforgettable atmosphere for your celebration. Together with Pontcanna and Llandaff Fields, which opened later, Sophia Gardens forms a huge public open space in the heart of Cardiff, mirrored on the east bank of the river Taff by Bute Park. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Borisova Gradina / Borisova Garden. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Adjacent to Cowbridge Road there is still a small area of grass with some trees. We work closely with local chefs who can cater for anything from a simple buffet to three-course formal dining. From elegant sit-down meals to casual hog roasts, Invicta Catering offers a diverse range of delicious and customizable menu options to suit your preferences and budget. If you are planning a corporate event in Maidstone, our barn is the perfect space for you. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. [9], Most of the Great Hall and the north-east wing were destroyed in a disastrous fire in the second half of the 16th century. 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. Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. Offered weekly during the summer, the private Kentish Lady boat tours provide a special chance for our devoted garden team to display their commitment and expertise in preserving the stunning splendour of Allington Castles grounds and its varied wildlife. When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. The trip is by boat on the Kentish Lady which only adds to the charm of the visit. The original park occupied an area of 16 acres (6.5 hectares) stretching from Cowbridge Road East northwards for 640 yards (585 metres), between the banks of the river Taff and the prestigious properties on Cathedral Road, each of which had its own private entrance. We want your special day to be memorable and enjoyable, which is why we take care of the details so you can focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime. Restoration continued for the next 25 years using skilled local craftsmen to carefully rebuild and renovate the castle. North-west of the car park is the site of Cardiff Bowls Club (indoor and outdoor). In the past, it was used as a war polygon, a graveyard and a nursery garden. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Visited with a group, what a lovely place, very interesting talk from 2 very funny guides Colin and Adrian. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Set in 42 acres near the town of Maidstone, Allington Castle boasts a moat, lakes and extensive gardens. Does NOT include catering. 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. In addition, our exquisite parterres, manicured lawns and fountain present a more traditional, elegant setting for capturing unforgettable wedding photographs.
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