Kent

Castles & Gardens

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Overview

Tour through the regency town of Tunbridge Wells and onto to the pretty village of Chiddingstone. Move on to Hever and maybe take a slight detour to Churchill’s home at Chartwell before reaching Sevenoaks. Wind back through Tonbridge to arrive back at Bedgebury.

Lamberhurst

In the Weald of Kent, you will find the ruins of Bayham Old Abbey at Lamberhurst. Set in landscaped gardens you will find the 13th century church, chapter house and 14th century gatehouse. Be sure to take in the Gothic revival dower house.

Tunbridge Wells

The historic town of “Royal” Tunbridge Wells is home to a charming high street and great views over the Tunbridge Wells Common. Visit The Pantiles walkway, take in the Chalybeate Spring and enjoy the great selection of restaurants set amongst the town’s stunning architecture.

Chiddingstone

Chiddingstone, on the River Eden is one of the prettiest and oldest villages in Kent complete with a single Tudor street and half-timbered houses. You can explore the treasures including a 3000 yr old mummified cat at Chiddingstone Castle set in 35 acres of countryside.

Hever

The pretty village of Hever is home to the stunning Hever Castle and Gardens. Visit Anne Boleyn’s home, explore the magnificent gardens and walk the grounds. Don’t get lost in the Yew Maze or The Water Maze on Sixteen Acre Island!

Westerham

A charming market town in the valley of the ancient River Darent Westerham is known as the gateway to Kent. Visit the statues of Sir Winston Churchill and General Wolfe, explore the local trails and enjoy refreshments in a choice of local eateries.

Sevenoaks

Explore the High Weald and North Downs landscape of Sevenoaks. Visit Knole House a huge country house with a 26 acre wall garden and deerpark. Just 7 miles away is Lullingstone Roman Villa and Lullingstone Castle.

Tonbridge

Explore the market town of Tonbridge, set on the banks of the River Medway. Trace the links to Jane Austen, the 11th century motte-and-bailey Tonbridge Castle and nearby Penshurst Palace. About 6 miles out of Tonbridge you will find Ightham Mote.

Bedgebury Pinetum

Home to thousands of trees, Bedgebury offers one the world’s finest conifer collections. Take a walk, take your dog, ride your bike and go geocaching to enjoy the fresh air in this woodland landscape.

Child FriendlyCyclingFree to Do+4 more

Overview

1

Lamberhurst

2
8.1 miles

Tunbridge Wells

3
9.5 miles

Chiddingstone

4
3.4 miles

Hever

5
6.9 miles

Westerham

6
6.0 miles

Sevenoaks

7
7.1 miles

Tonbridge

8
15.0 miles

Bedgebury Pinetum

What to see and do…

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Leeds Castle | Kent

Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL

Elham Treehouse | Kent

Elham Treehouse, Upper Park Gate Farm, Elham, Kent, CT4 6NE

Franciscan Gardens Canterbury | Kent

60 St Peters Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BE

Eastbridge Hospital Canterbury | Kent

Eastbridge Hospital, 25 High Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BD

Goat Walking at Wild Woodland Retreat | Kent

Hawes Farm, Clavertye, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6YE

Wild Woodland Retreat | Kent

Hawes Farm, Clavertye, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6YE

Glamping in Kent | Kent

Camping & Glamping in Kent, Durlock Road, Guilton, Kent, CT3 2HU

Hangloose Adventure | Bluewater

Bluewater Parkway, Dartford, Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9ST

About the Castles & Gardens Trail

Distance: 56 miles
Cities / Towns: 8
Number Of Businesses: 29

Kent holds a great number of historical sites, castles, gardens and country houses. Here you can explore Bayham Old Abbey before arriving at the regency splendour of “Royal” Tunbridge Wells to enjoy the history and architecture of the town. Head on to Penhurst Place and the pretty village of Chiddingstone to explore the Tudor street and Chiddingstone Castle. Drop into Hever Castle and detour to Chartwell before arriving at Great Comp Gardens. Visit Tonbridge Castle before winding through the Kent countryside, detouring to Sissinghurst and on to the National Pinetum and Gardens at Bedgebury.

Child Friendly
Cycling
Free to Do
Pet Friendly
Shopping
Sporting
Wheel Chair Access

Towering Castles

Britain’s oldest county, Kent is home to a number of stunning and important castles. Explore the countryside of Castles & Gardens to discover the tales and legends of Hever Castle, Chiddingstone Castle, Penhurst Palace, Chartwell and Tonbridge Castle.

Green Gardens

Explore the rolling Kent countryside and see why it is called the garden of England and enjoy the marvellous gardens at locations such as Knole, Hever, Great Compton Gardens and the Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest. Plenty of places to quench thirst or hunger along the way!

Royal Tunbridge

Explore the town of “Royal” Tunbridge Wells. Enjoy the architecture, shops and restaurants of this regency town. Visit the famous spots of the Chalybeate Spring, Dunorlan Park and The Pantiles.

Also Nearby

Leeds Castle | Kent

Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL

Elham Treehouse | Kent

Elham Treehouse, Upper Park Gate Farm, Elham, Kent, CT4 6NE

Franciscan Gardens Canterbury | Kent

60 St Peters Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BE

Eastbridge Hospital Canterbury | Kent

Eastbridge Hospital, 25 High Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BD

Goat Walking at Wild Woodland Retreat | Kent

Hawes Farm, Clavertye, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6YE

Wild Woodland Retreat | Kent

Hawes Farm, Clavertye, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6YE

Glamping in Kent | Kent

Camping & Glamping in Kent, Durlock Road, Guilton, Kent, CT3 2HU

Hangloose Adventure | Bluewater

Bluewater Parkway, Dartford, Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9ST

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