allington castle open garden

A must see, you will not pleased with what you see. The castle was one of several locations used for the E! [8] The Bests were Catholics and used a room in the east tower as their private chapel. Allington castle tour with the kentish lady. 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. They were replaced with planted poplars and gardens built under Philip Tilden. Over the last few years, we have developed a flourishing meadow bank to support local butterfly populations. 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. This historical gem provides a fascinating glimpse into Englands rich past, surrounded by the natural beauty of its woodland and riverside setting. Both tour guides were very knowledgable and friendly. 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. If you are planning a corporate event in Maidstone, our barn is the perfect space for you. Unlike many other venues, we include a range of cost-saving things to ensure that your day is as stress-free as possible. 100% of travellers recommend this experience. No sign of any castle could be seen (though we were evidently close up to the Medway) till we turned a corner, and there it was near at hand. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location . It is on the south bank of the River Medway. Available Monday to Saturday. [1] The castle is not open to the public, but is used as a wedding venue. The two guides were very informative and kept the group engaged. [1][2] According to historian Sidney Painter, it was one of at least 21 castles demolished on Henry II's instructions. Over the years the park became the favoured location for a wide variety of functions and shows. He also added a half-timbered block adjoining the curtain wall, which was used as the castle's kitchens and stables. The beauty of it all was entrancing. Cash bar on site. [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. This remarkable space is ideal for a romantic and elegant ceremony, wedding breakfasts or for smaller intimate weddings as an alternative to going to the registrars office. Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. Your email address will not be published. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. The lake was fed by a pipe from the mill stream that (formerly) flowed across Pontcanna Fields. 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 The Taff Trail from Cardiff to Brecon also passes through the park. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location. Tickets cost 13 - 19 and the journey takes 1h 45m. As this is a private residence it has a very unique feel to it and is all the better for it. You'll then be taken to a map showing results. 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. A gatehouse, incorporating the remains of the original manor house from which the castle developed, stands on the north-west side. It was saved and restored by the efforts of Sir Martin Conway and his wife during the first half of the century. We take pride in our long-serving, cohesive team, passionate about preserving the castles historic charm and providing exceptional experiences for our invited visitors. We often receive inquiries regarding special private tours for small groups or families with a connection to the Wyatt family. 99% of travellers recommend this experience. Please use our online form below to contact us, and if you wish to submit a non-disclosure agreement for signing before discussing your project, you can say this in the message box, and we will be happy to sign one and return it before discussions take place. 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. At Allington Castle, we understand that planning a wedding can be stressful, which is why we offer a one-stop-shop experience. It also showed there to be an island at the northern end of the lake upon which there was a boat house. It was threatened with demolition in the late-19th century before being rescued by Lord Conway. Boasting scenic surroundings featuring a stunning moat, manicured lawns and beautiful fountains this really is Kent's hidden . Review should read be pleased with what you see.. is castle wheelchair friendly thank you What restaurants are near Allington Castle? The stadium was completely redeveloped between 2005 and 2008. [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 is a one thousand year-old edifice and is oozing with history. The castle was the site of the filming of the 1975 children's movie Robin Hood Junior, produced by the Children's Film Foundation (CFF) and starring Keith Chegwin as young Robin. Search for the name, locality, period or a feature of a locality. 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 Map - Castle - Maidstone, United Kingdom - Mapcarta Allington Castle - Wikipedia Any, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, All Saints The Parish Church of Maidstone. Set in 42 acres near the town of Maidstone, Allington Castle boasts a moat, lakes and extensive gardens. Cant think of a better place to get married in the area. In the past, it was used as a war polygon, a graveyard and a nursery garden. To quote Lord Conway as he first saw itthe site in 1905 'its walls and fine visible towers were buried in ivy most of its moat had been filled in there were neither floors nor roofs '. 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. 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. 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. Disappointing customer service. The range dividing the two courtyards contains the Long Gallery on the upper floor, with offices below. Estate Manager Craig Bruun and Events Manager Kerrie Gibbons look forward to discussing your film and television shoot requirements. 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. As the park grew considerably in size at the very start of the 20 th century, it caused an uprising of local peasants who wanted the terrain to remain a grassland for . Please Note: Allington Castle is a private residence. 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. It took our breath away, and for a moment we were speechless. [12] There was a certain amount of historical irony in this, as the Wyatts of Allington Castle had obtained Aylesford Priory and dispossessed its occupants during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries; now the tables were turned. As a result of fire damage in the late 16th century, it was abandoned until 1905. Today it is owned by Sir Robert Worcester as a private residence and is not open to the public. 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. Allington Castle is one of Kent's most exclusive wedding and civil ceremony destinations. 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. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Stratford to Allington Castle - 5 ways to travel via train - Rome2rio Allington Castle is a private residence. Security to ensure the safety of equipment and crew. Allington Castle has been featured in numerous films and television productions, making it a sought-after location for filmmakers. Recommended. Please note that catering is not included in the package prices. 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. 1. 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. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. 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. The castle before restoration goes back to 1281 when Stephen de Penchester was granted a licence to embattle the manor house at Allington. Allington Castle - Maidstone River Park 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. Enquiries can be made by visiting allington-castle.com The fortification was subsequently expanded but as it was an unauthorised adulterine castle, Henry II ordered its demolition (slighting) in 1174. Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. Will be recommending this place to friends and family. 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. I went on a trip arranged through the Kentish Lady River Tours. The trip is by boat on the Kentish Lady which only adds to the charm of the visit. (unfortunately) is not open to the public, but it can be hired as a wedding venue and for film shoots. You need too use Kentish Lady to be able to access this, this adds enjoyment to the trip, cruise up the river, visit caste and cake and hot drink on the return journey. This is the location of the modern day Sophia Close. 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. Allington Castle was originally built in the 11th century. The Millennium footbridge, which links Sophia Gardens and Bute Park, was constructed in 1999. Allington Castle, Maidstone Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. 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 moat surrounding the castle was once flooded and was crossed by a drawbridge, with a portcullis closing the entrance to the castle. We weren't lucky. North of this is a car park. TV series The Royals (20152018). All that remains of the original castle is a section of wall and the kitchen fireplace built in 1174. A must see, you will not pleased with what you see. [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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The Castle was the site of filming the 1965 episode Castle Death of The Avengers TV series. 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. Our eco-friendly gardens and wildflower meadows demonstrate our commitment to the environment, providing a sustainable setting for your special day surrounded by natural beauty and biodiversity. Photo: Prioryman, CC BY-SA 4.0. 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. Pettigrew's account mentions the presence of flower beds in the park and bridges over the lake and that a fountain was erected in the park around 1859. 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. , the two castle courtyards and the gre Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. 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. According to Pettigrew, Sophia Gardens was first noted as a public walk for Cardiff around 1857 and opened in 1858. You can invite extra guests to make up a maximum of 150 guests. In 1895, a retired London barrister named Dudley C. Falke rented the castle from Lord Romney and began the lengthy task of restoration. 15 15x 15 rustic dance floor. [4] It was inherited by Penchester's daughter and passed via marriage to the Cobham family, who owned it until 1492. [8] Its decaying appearance was recorded by J. M. W. Turner in sketches and watercolours made in 1798. The castle history is really interesting and the the gardens are beautiful. [4], The interior of the castle was once a single large open space, but is divided into a large outer and a smaller inner courtyard. 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. 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 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. What attractions are near Allington Castle? [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. There was a path alongside the river which, from about the middle of the park northwards, was on a raised embankment. There is a photograph of the south lodge on the Cardiff Library website where it is stated that it was damaged by a bomb during World War 2. Traffic noise however does mar the peace of the place. 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. Then, in 1949, the Carmelites bought the castle and carried out further renovation and repair work, adding workshops and reception centres. If filming requires setup and knock-down time beyond twelve hours, please allow additional time to be charged at a rate of 450 per hour or part thereof. You can take a train from Stratford to Allington Castle via Strood and Maidstone Barracks in around 1h 40m. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Its walls and five visible towers were buried in ivy. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location. Teresa, who makes sure the paperwork gets done and our diaries are synced. PLEASE NOTE: Allington Castle is a Private Residence and is NOT open to the public. It is open to groups of 10 and more, and it costs 32.50 per person, to . Twilight Wedding Ceremony from 4:30 pm to 6 pm in the Great Hall with up to 100 guests and garden access for photographs. Heart Of Kent Hospice The Zany Adventures of Robin Hood aired in 1984. The castle history is really interesting and the the gardens are beautiful. Allington Castle - A Kentish Ceremony Further renovations were undertaken to provide accommodation and facilities for the castle's inhabitants. The buildings in the south-east corner were occupied by kitchens and a buttery with rooms above. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Catering: You can use our catering partner Invicta Food Design, or we can cater for smaller buffet styles in-house. Although much of the original framework of Sophia Gardens has been lost, some original features remain. At the extreme end are two vertical cypresses and a back drop of Italica' Lombardy poplars. You can find out more about . Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The castle was then purchased by Sir Martin Conway, who partially restored it. Contacted Allington to enquire into a wedding venue. Each area was planted with areas of mixed deciduous and conifer trees. There was a church . Close to the north-east corner of the car park the Millennium footbridge crosses the Taff into Bute Park. The Wyatt family acquired the castle in 1491 and converted it into a mansion house. As the night goes on, your guests can head over to our permanently set up upmarket cash bar. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location, Your email address will not be published. [8] The Penchester wing was abandoned and used as a quarry for building materials, while the ground-floor remnants of the Long Gallery were converted into a pair of farmhouses.[10]. The Great Hall was rebuilt by 1927, and the restoration of the north-east wing was completed by 1932. The future of Allington now seems assured. Allington Castle is a one thousand year-old edifice and is oozing with history. As a result of fire damage in the late 16th century, it was abandoned until 1905. [1][5] Although it was fortified, it was more of a residence than a fortress, as indicated by its extensive and early use of brick, which may have reflected Stephen's interests in a brickyard in Essex. Please use this box to ask questions and to request a viewing. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our. Philip Tilden (see Chilham Castle/Port Lympne) was asked to landscape the grounds, which at the time of purchase were 'like a rural slum with ramshackle buildings all along the river'. Restoration continued for the next 25 years using skilled local craftsmen to carefully rebuild and renovate the castle. 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. Our wedding day. Welcome to Allington Castle - A Historic Kent Castle and Upmarket Wedding Venue Kent's Allington Castle is a medieval 12th-century castle nestled in 42 acres of picturesque woodland on the banks of the Medway River, located about three miles northwest of Maidstone. Everyone off site by midnight. The river walk was very good, though. 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. Allington Castle | Castle Wedding Venue in Kent - Amazing Space Weddings You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. 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. Pettigrew, A. "English Castles in the Early Middle Ages: Their Number, Location, and Legal Position", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Allington_Castle&oldid=1136946388, This page was last edited on 2 February 2023, at 00:15.

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