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TICKETS & PRICES

Single-Person Admission: £35.00 per person

Groups of 20 or More: £32.50 per person

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Quick Navigation

  1. Visiting Allington Castle
  2. History of Allington Castle
  3. Allington Castle Images
  4. Allington Castle Occupants
  5. Allington Castle Q&A & Facts
  6. Allington Castle Location / Directions
  7. Places too Stay
  8. Allington Castle Events
  9. Allington Castle Architecture
  10. What to do and see at Allington Castle
  11. Other Places to Visit near Allington Castle

Visiting Allington Castle

Allington Castle is a fortified mediaeval castle set upon the banks of the River Medway. Today, the site serves as a private residence, wedding venue, and film location. Those looking to explore the castle may book a private tour (via Kentish Lady Boat Tours) which includes guided access to the garden and Great Hall.

Parking

Because Allington Castle is a private residence, it is not open to the public without a pre-booked tour appointment or venue hire.

Visitors looking to catch a glimpse of Allington Castle without accessing the private grounds may do so from Maidstone River Park along the Allington Path. The nearest car park to Maidstone River Park is Bailey Bridge East/West where it’s free to park for up to 23 hours.

Price

Access to Allington Castle is only available by booking a tour through Kentish Lady Boat Tours or Event Hire.

Kentish Lady Boat Tours with exclusive access to Allington Castle last about an hour and a half. Guests must be at least 16 years old. Prices are as follows:

  • Single-Person Admission: £35.00 per person
  • Groups of 20 or More: £32.50 per person

Visitors with groups of over 10 people must fill out a booking form before their visit. All other guests may call the office to pre-book and pay.

Private tours for small groups or families with a connection to the Wyatt family may bring up to 8 people. A tour-hour tour costs £750 + VAT for the entire group. This tour includes access to the grounds and other more restricted areas of the site.

Opening

To reiterate, Allington Castle is not open to the public. As such, visitors cannot access the site without a pre-booked tour or venue hire.

For Kentish Lady Boat Tours, Allington Castle is open on Tuesdays from April to October. Boats run between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Visitors can view a timetable of the upcoming boat tours on the The Kentish Lady website.

Plan Day Visit

Location and Access

The physical address of Allington Castle is:

Allington Castle

Maidstone

ME16 0ND

 

From London, visitors can access Maidstone by vehicle using A13, A102, A20, and M20 to Coldharbour Lane (A20) in Kent. From the M20, use exit 5 and follow the road to your destination.

Public transportation is available via bus and rail.

Arriva (Kent and Surrey) service routes, including 101, 7, and 71, make stops near and around Allington Castle. Bus stops within walking distance include:

  • Sir Thomas Wyatt (Allington)
  • Stockbury Drive (Allington)
  • Egerton Road (Ringlestone)

Southeastern National Rail provides train access in and around Maidstone.

Guests arriving via the pre-booked Kentish Lady Boat Tours will arrive via the River Medway.

Know Before You Go

The site is not open to the public. Allington Castle is a private home of the Wyatt family. Guests are not permitted to access the private property unless they’ve pre-booked a tour or have access to the facility for venue hire.

Allington Castle Weddings

Allington Castle serves as an upscale wedding venue. They offer full inclusive wedding packages, including (but not limited to):

  • Tables and Chairs
  • Club-Standard DJ
  • Rustic Dance Floor
  • Candy Cart
  • Photo Booth
  • Lawn Games
  • Barrels
  • Umbrellas

When hiring Allington Castle, the couple needs only to hire a photographer and decorator. Catering must be through Allington Castle’s partner, Invicta Catering. Invicta Catering offers formal and casual meals, depending on your preferences and wedding theme.

There are several gardens, lush, green lawns, and fountains around the property, allowing for dozens of elegant photo opportunities.

The Great Hall is reserved for wedding ceremonies, breakfasts, and rehearsal dinners. It boasts a luxurious, historic atmosphere. Couples also have access to a Steinway piano and a minstrel gallery (for hired musicians), both of which can add even more sophistication to a wedding.

Receptions take place in the 17th Century Barn. This warm, inviting space is decorated with white drapes and twinkling string lights, with the castle serving as a magnificent backdrop. An upscale cash bar is located in the barn in an area separated by glass.

For more information on booking Allington Castle for a wedding, see the official website.

Allington Castle Tours

Tours of Allington Castle are only available via Kentish Lady Boat Tours. Visitors must pre-book tours in advance. For more information, see the official website of the Kentish Lady Boat Tours.

Allington Castle Hire

In addition to castle weddings, Allington Castle is available for hire for corporate or other private events. The site boasts picturesque gardens, lush courtyards, and an elaborate and elegant Great Hall, all of which may be used as a backdrop for your event. Event managers are available on-site to help you choose a package that works for you.

Places To Stay Nearby

Premier Inn Maidstone (Sandling)

3.9 km (2.4 mi) south

Premier Inn Maidstone (Sandling) is situated on the edge of the River Medway. Here, guests enjoy a comfortable double or king-size bed, private bathroom with a shower, vanity space, and tea and coffee facilities. Complimentary WiFi and free on-site parking are provided. Located within the hotel is the Beefeater restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. This affordable hotel is only an 8-minute drive from Allington Castle.

Book

Travelodge Maidstone Central

4 km (2.5 mi) south

Travelodge Maidstone Central is a budget hotel located in a scenic riverside location. It’s within walking distance of numerous shopping opportunities and attractions, and only a 9-minute drive from Southsea Castle. Rooms include a television, desk, private bathroom, and fresh linens. Guests have access to the on-site bar and restaurant where they can enjoy Lavazza coffee, hot meals, pastries, and more at an additional charge.

Book

Village Hotel Maidstone

5.3 km (3.3 mi) north

The Village Hotel Maidstone is located near the M20, an ideal location for exploring surrounding areas. Guest rooms include a television, private bathroom, and free WiFi. Other amenities are available for use at an additional charge, including a pool, sauna, steam room, and gym. There is an on-site restaurant and pub, as well as a Starbucks. The hotel is only a 9-minute drive of 17-minute walk from Allington Castle.

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History of Allington Castle 

Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, a small village in Kent. The first structure on the site was erected in the 1100s but later demolished. A manor house was constructed in its place and later fortified. The castle developed into an elegant manor over the centuries and even served as a Carmelite convent before becoming a private residence.

Time Line

- Early 1100s (First Castle Built)

William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey, built the first castle on the site of modern-day Allington Castle. Some historians believe the first castle boasted the motte-and-bailey style.

- 1174 (Slighting)

King Henry II ordered the castle’s slighting shortly after it was expanded because its fortification was unauthorised. Around this time, a small manor house was built in its place.

- 1279-1299

Stephen de Pencester, Lord Warden of Cinque Ports, began fortifying the manor house. His daughter would inherit the site upon his death and subsequently pass by marriage to the Cobhams who held the castle until the late-14th century.

- 1398-1399 (Castle Neglect)

During this period, Allington Castle was in poor condition. Sir Henry de Cobham would connect the remains of the original manor to the new fortified castle. Despite its fortifications, Allington Castle served as a private living accommodation as opposed to a defensive site.

- 1492 (Wyatt Family)

Sir Henry Wyatt took ownership of Allington Castle and began to modify and repair the site. Around this time, a long gallery was built splitting the courtyard in two, and a timber block containing kitchens and stables was erected.

- 1503 (Thomas Wyatt’s Birth)

Poet Thomas Wyatt, Sir Henry Wyatt’s son, was born at Allington Castle.

- 1527 (Royal Visit)

King Henry VIII journeyed to Allington Castle for a visit in 1527, 1530, and 1536. The site was also visited by Cardinal Wolsey.

- 1554 (Castle Forfeiture)

Thomas Wyatt the Younger led a rebellion against Queen Mary, which ultimately failed. As such, he surrendered the castle to the Crown. Sir Thomas was subsequently executed and the Wyatts fled to America after losing their estate.

- 16th Century (Castle Fire)

The castle remained abandoned for some time after a fire broke out in the Great Hall.

- 17th Century (Castle Repaired)

John Best demolished the battlements and, to replace the fire damaged areas, erected a second-storey to the eastern and western wings.

- 1720 (Sir Robert Marsham)

Sir Robert Marsham, 2nd Baron Romney purchased Allington Castle. However, he did not reside on the premises, nor did he perform any upkeep. As such, the castle began to decay.

- 19th Century (Another Fire)

After another fire decimated the castle’s long gallery, Charles Marsham, 5th Earl of Romney, decided to demolish much of the site. The castle was left in ruins and used for building materials and as a farmhouse. In 1895, Dudley C. Falke began restoring the castle, but never finished due to lack of funds.

- 1905 (Sir Conway)

Cartographer Sir William Martin Conway purchased the ruined castle and, for the next three decades, undertook various restoration projects on the site.

- 1914-1927 (Castle Restoration)

Much of Sir William Martin Conway’s restoration work had been completed by this time. The Great Hall was completely rebuilt and the north-east wing was restored to good order.

- 1937 (Restoration Work Ceases)

The castle was inherited by Agnes upon Lord Conway’s death. However, restoration work came to a halt for financial reasons.

- 1950-1999 (Carmelite Convent)

Agnes’s husband sold Allington Castle to the Order of Carmelites. For the next 50 years, Carmelite Friars inhabited the castle. In 1951, it was listed as a Grade I listed building and was established as an independent priory in 1972. However, by 1999, the convent had left the site.

- Present

Today, Allington Castle serves as the residence of Sir Robert Worcester, founder of MORI.

Allington Castle Occupants

 Castle Occupants

 

  • Early-1100s: William de Warenne built an unauthorised castle on the site.
  • 1279: Stephen de Pencester fortified the manor house after the castle was demolished.
  • 1299: Pencester’s daughter inherited the site. The Cobham family took ownership via marriage.
  • 1492: Sir Henry Wyatt acquired Allington Castle. 
  • 1503: Thomas Wyatt was born in the fort.
  • 1527: Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey visited (Henry VIII would make subsequent visits in 1530 and 1536).
  • 1544: Catherine Parr visited.
  • 17th Century: John Best leased the castle.
  • 1720: Sir Robert Marsham, the 2nd Baron Romney, purchased the site.
  • 1895: Dudley C. Falke rented the castle.
  • 1905: Sir Martin Conway purchased the site, restoring much of the buildings.
  • 1937: Agnes inherited Allington Castle upon Lord Conway’s death.
  • 1936-1946: Alfred Bossom, a politician, rented the site and lived on the grounds.
  • 1950: A community of Carmelite Friars resided in the castle.
  • Present: Sir Robert Worcester, founder of the MORI polling company, currently lives at the site.

Allington Castle Architecture

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Allington_Castle_plan_1906.JPG 

https://allington-castle.com/ 

General Layout

Allington Castle is a mediaeval castle situated atop 17 hectares (42 acres) of enchanting woodland near the River Medway. The site was erected in 1491 and, today, serves as a private residence. It boasts Italian gardens, lush, well-manicured lawns, a courtyard, formal ponds, a moat, and two lakes.

Original Layout

The first structure on the site of modern-day Allington Castle was a small timber castle. Later, the castle was pulled down and a manor house was erected. Eventually, the manor house was fortified, creating the structure as it is today — a curtain wall, gatehouse, six towers, a banquet hall, and domestic buildings within the walls.

Gatehouse and Moat

Access to the castle is via a causeway. This causeway crosses over the two lakes before leading to the castle gatehouse. Inside the gatehouse, visitors can see the remains of the original manor erected on the site. A portcullis once protected the castle entrance.

A moat surrounds the castle. Today, the moat is dry. However, it was once filled with water and required a drawbridge to cross. On one side of the moat, visitors can view the remnants of an old barbican.

Towers and Ranges

Allington Castle boasted six towers, with Solomon Tower being the largest. Solomon Tower projected from the southwestern end of the castle’s curtain wall.

The castle included several ranges, of which only two survive. At the north of the castle grounds are the Penchester Lodgings. Along the eastern curtain wall stood a banquet hall and the main living accommodations for the castle. Both the banquet hall and apartments have since been heavily altered.

Another range divided the two castle courtyards and included a Long Gallery and offices. At the southeastern end of the castle were kitchens and a buttery.

The primary castle once served as a single large chamber. 

Modern Layout

Today, Allington Castle’s structure dates primarily from the 19th century. All that is left of the original 12th-century castle are a small section of stone wall and a fireplace. Much of the site has been heavily restored, though it still includes towers, a beautiful courtyard, and multiple gardens.

Its Great Hall features impressive stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and a minstrel gallery. The 17th-Century Barn is surrounded by lush green grass and a picket fence.

What Can I See During Visit to Allington Castle?

  • There are putlog holes in the castle’s towers. While observing the castle exterior during your tour, look for the small holes in the side of the structure. These putlog holes held up beams, or putlogs, to support scaffolding during the building of the castle. Today, the holes serve as habitats for nesting birds.

 

  • Observe the beautiful castle grounds. There are few words to describe the beauty of Allington Castle. Surrounded by 42 acres of woodland, two lakes, and a moat, the site is enchanting in its own right. The gardens and castle interior have been beautifully restored over the centuries.

Allington Castle Facts

 

  1. Allington Castle has been the backdrop for numerous movies and TV shows. “Robin Hood Junior” (1975) is a children’s movie filmed at the castle. In addition to movies, the site served as the setting for many TV shows, including “Covington Cross” (1992) and an episode of The Avengers called “Castle De’ath” (1965)
  2. It’s one of the most secretive castles in Kent. Because Allington Castle serves as a private residence, there isn’t much known about the current interior of the site aside from the areas visitors access during tours.
  3. The private castle reportedly has a resident ghost. According to visitors and residents, the site is haunted by a young servant. She wanders around the towers, but seems to have taken a liking to Solomon’s Tower in particular. Residents claim to have heard footsteps upstairs, even when the space is unoccupied.

Allington Castle Q&A

Who Owns Allington Castle Now?

Sir Robert Worcester, founder of MORI (Market & Opinion Research International) purchased Allington Castle in the mid-20th century. As of 2023, Sir Worcester still owns the site and uses it as his private residence.

Can You Visit Allington Castle?

Visitors can visit Allington Castle on a guided tour via Kentish Lady Boat Tours. Tours must be booked in advance. The only other way to access the site is by renting it out for a private event or wedding. Even still, only certain areas of the site are accessible. The exterior of the castle may be viewed from the Maidstone River Park along the Allington Path.

What Movies Were Filmed in Allington Castle?

“Robin Hood Junior” (1975) was filmed at Allington Castle. The castle served as Loxley Castle, owned by Lord Gilbert. The site has also served as the backdrop for numerous TV shows, including “Covington Cross” (1992) and E! TV’s “The Royals.”

What Is The History of Allington Castle?

Allington Castle was first built in the 1100s, but the structure was torn down as it was unauthorised. It was replaced by a manor house that was fortified in the 13th century. The castle developed into a large complex before being seized by the Crown. For 50 years, it served as a Carmelite convent. Today, it is a private residence.

Location of Allington Castle

Allington is a modern village located in Kent, England, and is part of Maidstone. In 1841, the town had less than 50 residents. Today, there are over 7,000 people living within the village.

This picturesque town sits in an idyllic part of Maidstone along the River Medway. At the heart of the village is the stunning Allington Castle and surrounding Allington is beautiful English countryside.

Because of Allington’s proximity to four motorways and reasonable distance from London, the town has easy access to various cities and attractions.

Other Places To Visit Near Allington Castle

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle dates back to 1119 and is situated on a lake island. The fort served as the primary residence of King Edward I and as the home of King Henry VIII’s first wife. It has been altered over the centuries, and much of the castle dates from the 19th century. Several activities are available on site, including the Birds of Prey Centre, childrens’ play areas, a maze, on-site accommodations, and a luxury campsite.

Kent Owl Academy

Kent Owl Academy offers visitors the opportunity to explore the world of owls, raptors, and other animals. There are various experiences available, and guests have the chance to get up close and personal with the creatures and learn more about their lives and habitats.

The Maidstone Distillery

The Maidstone Distillery honours the 1785 legacy of George Bishop, a pioneer of Maidstone spirits, by producing a broad range of award-winning artisan spirits. At the distillery, guests can take part in numerous experiences, including tours of the facility, spirit tastings, master classes, and gin-making. 

Sources