CHIDDINGSTONE, KENT

A treasure in the Garden of England

THE HISTORY of Chiddingstone Castle can be traced back to the early 16th Century, and during its life the

Castle has undergone a number of architectural changes and has been owned and lived in by an eclectic mix of people and families. The early timber-framed Tudor dwelling, inhabited by the Streatfeild family, was first replaced and partly transformed into High Street House in the 1670s. The building went through another transformation during the early 1800s when the then owner, Henry Streatfeild, decided to rebuild the house to resemble a medieval castle and commissioned William Atkinson to design the changes. The Castle was sold in 1938 and served as a base for Canadian military forces during the Second World War. After the war it became home to Long Dene School until 1954 when the school was closed. From 1955 the Castle was home to Denys Eyre Bower, a passionate and gifted collector of art and artefacts. After his death in 1977, the Castle began its life as a private charitable trust, as it remains today. We are proud to fulfil Denys’ wish to continue to open the Castle to the public and display his Collections for the enjoyment of the Nation.

Chiddingstone Castle is situated 5 miles from Edenbridge and 10 miles from both Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. The castle is adjacent to the beautiful village of Chiddingstone (Grid Ref: OS Map Sheet TQ at grid reference 497452). During our opening times, the gates to the village are open to pedestrians. There is ample parking within the castle grounds.

By RoadFrom the B2027 follow the signs to Chiddingstone. The castle entrance for cars is located on Hill Hoath Road, a third of a mile from the village of Chiddingstone. For Sat Nav the postcode is TN8 7AD. Nearest Railway Station is Penshurst

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For Weddings, Private Functions and Corporate Events, see the website or call 01892 872746.

Chiddingstone · Edenbridge · Kent TN8 7AD+44 (0)1892 870347 · www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

events@chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Opening TimesThe Castle is open on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from Good Friday until the end of October, from 11am to 5pm(last entry 4.15pm). We are also open for special events, school and group visits at other times (see our website for details).

Admission PricesAdult: £8 (no concessions).Child: Ages 5 to 13 £4 · Under 5 years free.Family: 2 adults, 2 children £21.50.Adult Season Ticket: £ 2.Family Season Ticket: £32 (2+2 or 1+3).Parking: £2 (in honesty box).Group Admission Price: £Guided Tour : £50 (approximately 1 hour)Disabled access. Dogs are allowed in the grounds on a lead.

Chiddingstone Castle - The History Visitor Information

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Chiddingstone Castle was the home of Denys Eyre Bower between 1955 and 1977. Denys was a passionate collector who devoted his life to the collection of beautiful art and artefacts, many of which are on display.

As well as being home to these remarkable and unique collections, Chiddingstone Castle is a fascinating house that has evolved since Tudor times. The galleried, oak panelled Great Hall, the elegant White Rose Drawing Room and many other rooms are open to visitors to explore its diverse history. Denys, as the last incumbent, had his study here and this is where one can learn of his eccentric and complicated life, which features failed marriages and a notorious scandal and subsequent imprisonment. The journey from the study to the kitchens goes through the South Hall; its vast doors would historically have welcomed guests arriving by carriage, as this was the original entrance to the Castle. Visitors can also enjoy the Victorian Kitchen with its array of authentic kitchenalia, the enormous cooking range and bread ovens dating from 1805, the restored Scullery and the fascinating Housekeeper’s Room.

With breathtaking views of the North Downs, a stroll in the Gardens and Grounds of Chiddingstone Castle is a delight in all seasons. 35 acres of unspoilt, ‘big sky’ grounds give visitors a choice of wandering along woodland walks; crossing the wooden bridge over the lake that leads to the picturesque village of Chiddingstone or pausing to admire theGrade II* Victorian Orangery which features white roses and an award-winning contemporary glazed roof. There are formal lawns above the ‘haha’ which surrounds the Castle, and large open lawns on which to enjoy a relaxing summertime picnic. The daffodil spectacular on the East Meadow in the spring is not to be missed, along with the cherry tree blossom in the Japanese Earthquake Memorial Orchard. The gardens are evolving all the time, and visitors are guaranteed an amazing display of roses, peonies and lavender in the summer. The formal Rose Garden within the central

The Buddhist CollectionDenys Bower was a Buddhist himself and amassed an interesting collection from different countries and streams of Buddhism. The collection consists mainly of images of the Buddha, but also includes woven ceremonial banners (tangkas), protective lions, daggers and beautifully decorated personal shrines. Learn more about this fascinating religion through our information panels.

The Japanese CollectionThe lacquer collection is one of the finest in western private hands and is perhaps one of Denys Bower’s greatest achievements.It includes objects from writing boxes and tea caddies to cabinets in the form of temples. You will also find full suits of Samurai armour alongside swords, helmets, masks and rare6th Century Haniwa figures. There is currently a temporary case display on the millenary tea ceremony.

The Royal Stuart and Jacobite CollectionThis rare and fascinating collection of art and artefacts includes portraits of the Stuart Kings and Queens, as well as two portrait miniatures of Samuel Cooper. There is also an assortment of objects relating to the Stuarts and the Jacobite cause (and Bonnie Prince Charlie!), such as original Royal letters, political pamphlets, relics, medals, broadswords used in the Battle of Culloden and items with secret Jacobite symbols.

The Castle’s Tea Room is to be found in the old Buttery near to the Victorian Kitchen. Visitors can sit inside close to the range cooker, or outside in the sunny, sheltered courtyard. Delicious light lunches, cakes and our celebrated Chiddingstone Cream Tea are served on traditional bone china. The Gift Shop is located across the courtyard and sells a delightful array of local produce and gifts. The Tea Room and Gift Shop are open to visitors without an admission ticket to the Castle.

The Collections The Historic House

The Gardens Tea Room and Gift Shop

courtyard is particularly fragrant and beautiful (admission to ticket holders only). A special treat in the summer months is the opportunity to take a stroll around the grounds with some friendly llamas. Visit our website for dates and further details.

GROUP VISITORSGroup visitors are particularly welcome. With ample parking for coaches, groups of all sizes and ages come to enjoy the Castle, the Collections and Gardens. For a minimum group size of 15 persons, admission is £7 per person. A guided tour is perfect to get the most out of all the Castle has to offer (£50 for a maximum of 30 persons).

FISHING

The Ancient Egyptian CollectionMany aspects of Ancient Egypt are brought to life within this collection, from farming and writing to religion and belief in the afterlife

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We are extremely proud to have recently loanedmany of Denys

Bower’s Ancient Egyptian artefacts to the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Texas.

Don’t miss the mummified cat and the beautifully painted coffin (to be found on the gallery of the Great Hall).

The grounds also feature a tranquil 3.5 acre lake, which is open 7am to 6.30pm. Responsible fishermen

of all ages are welcome using only barbless hooks. No booking required, the day permit fee of £10 (up to 2 rods) will be collected on the day.

fromall year round for fishing

From the Servants’ Hall, visitors can climb the secret back stairs and discover the Servant’s Bedroom in the attic – a real ‘upstairs, downstairs’ experience!

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