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. Among the many grand spaces within the castle is the Great Hall, where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn dined with Sir Thomas Wyatt around 1530. This historical gem provides a fascinating glimpse into England’s rich past, surrounded by the natural beauty of its woodland and riverside setting.
All that remains of the original castle is a section of wall and the kitchen fireplace built in 1174. The Wyatt family acquired the castle in 1491 and converted it into a mansion house. As a result of fire damage in the late 16th century, it was abandoned until 1905. The castle was then purchased by Sir Martin Conway, who partially restored it. For nearly 50 years, the castle was the home of a Carmelite convent.
Allington Castle Today
Today, Allington Castle is a beautifully restored example of a medieval dwelling with stunning gardens, towers, and a breathtaking courtyard. As a private residence not open to the general public, we delight in offering invited guests a distinctive and memorable experience when they book an event with us. Delve into our pages to discover all we offer, from one of Kent’s best film locations to our luxurious upmarket wedding venue services.
Private Tours of The Grounds and the Great Hall
Guests joining one of the pre-booked and exclusive Kentish Lady boat tours to arrive at the castle via the River Medway can enjoy a private tour around our vibrant, eco-friendly garden and the magnificent Great Hall. Our knowledgeable tour guides, Adrian and Jacqui, bring stories to life as they share the castle’s rich history. The Great Hall, an extraordinary symbol of Allington Castle’s grand past, features towering ceilings and serves as a striking focal point at the heart of the castle. 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 Castle’s grounds and its varied wildlife.
Discover Your Wyatt Heritage: Exclusive Private Tours at Allington Castle
We often receive inquiries regarding special private tours for small groups or families with a connection to the Wyatt family. 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. 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. Read our page about The Wyatt Family!
IMPORTANT NOTE BEFORE CONTACTING US FOR SMALL PRIVATE TOURS:
UK Citizens: To ensure the safety and security of all staff and visitors, it is necessary for at least one person in the tour group to provide a copy of their basic DBS check, which can be obtained at https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record.
Non-UK citizens: We require copies of two foreign passports.
Allington Castle – A Captivating Film Location
Allington Castle has been featured in numerous films and television productions, making it a sought-after location for filmmakers. With its breathtaking architecture and picturesque surroundings, it’s no wonder that our castle has become synonymous with Kent’s cinematic charm. For enquiries, please see our dedicated film shoot page.
Host Your Dream Wedding at Allington Castle
As an upmarket wedding venue, Allington Castle provides a romantic and luxurious setting for your special day. Our dedicated and experienced team will work closely with you to bring your dream wedding to life, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned and executed. See our packages on our wedding page.
Garden Development at Allington Castle – A Haven for Wildlife
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. Our commitment to sustainable garden development alongside our manicured parterres has created a beautiful, environmentally conscious haven that enchants our visitors.
Over the last few years, we have developed a flourishing meadow bank to support local butterfly populations. Our grounds are home to a diverse array of thriving wildlife. If you’re on one of our tours, Jacqui and Adrian will likely point out the putlog holes in the castle’s towers, which now provide sanctuary for nesting kestrels. If you’re lucky, you may see one. These thriving ecosystems reflect our dedication to preserving the castle’s natural surroundings.
