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. You can book a private visit with the Kentish Lady boat company, but the don't do them often. Allington castle tour with the kentish lady. Please note that our resident DJ must play all amplified music, ensuring a consistent and upmarket atmosphere. [11], The top of the Long Gallery was destroyed in another fire in the early 19th century and the rest of the castle was nearly demolished a few decades later by Charles Marsham, 5th Earl of Romney. Welcome to Allington Castle A Historic Kent Castle and Upmarket Wedding Venue, Today, Allington Castle is a beautifully restored example of a medieval dwelling with stunning gardens, towers, and a breathtaking courtyard. The area can be accessed from Cowbridge Road East adjacent to the river (The Taff Trail, here on a raised flood bank adjacent the river) and further west via the former main gates of the old park. Security is an additional charge and will be quoted based on specific requirements. Adjacent to Cowbridge Road there is still a small area of grass with some trees. Estate Manager Craig Bruun and Events Manager Kerrie Gibbons look forward to discussing your film and television shoot requirements. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. As a result of fire damage in the late 16th century, it was abandoned until 1905. The largest and most significant of the towers, the four-storeyed Solomon's Tower, projects from the south-west side of the curtain wall. https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record. Previous Post Previous String Quartet in the Italian Gardens. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. At the extreme end are two vertical cypresses and a back drop of Italica' Lombardy poplars. Will be recommending this place to friends and family. Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Maidstone, Kent, Allington Castle offers a stunning and unique setting for your special day. The castle before restoration goes back to 1281 when Stephen de Penchester was granted a licence to embattle the manor house at Allington. Fabulous location, wonderful organisation and great food. Our wedding day. What restaurants are near Allington Castle? Cardiff Local Studies Library. It was replaced by a manor house, which was fortified with royal permission in the 13th century. At some stage in the early-20th century the lake was filled in. It was formally opened on June 5th 1878. 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. 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. The castle entered a state of decay that was accelerated by fires, neglect and vandalism, until it was largely ruined by the start of the 20th century. Contact Venue. 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. [8], Much of the restoration had been completed by the start of the First World War in 1914. It is 2 miles north-west of Maidstone, north of the A20. The Wyatt family acquired the castle in 1491 and converted it into a mansion house. After nearly 50 years of occupation by a community of Carmelite friars and nuns, it returned to being a private residence in 1999 and is currently the home of Sir Robert Worcester, the founder of the MORI polling company. Review should read be pleased with what you see.. is castle wheelchair friendly thank you This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. According to Pettigrew, Sophia Gardens was first noted as a public walk for Cardiff around 1857 and opened in 1858. It was replaced by a bungalow in 1951 when the large Sophia Pavilion (hall) was erected south of the bowling green at the location of the present day car park. With its breathtaking architecture and picturesque surroundings, its no wonder that our castle has become synonymous with Kents cinematic charm. Contact us today to learn more about how we can make your wedding unforgettable! The castle history is really interesting and the the gardens are beautiful. South Eastern Trains Service. Most of its moat had been filled in, but its reflection lay upon the calm face of the remaining fragment. At Allington Castle, we understand that planning a wedding can be stressful, which is why we offer a one-stop-shop experience. Visited the castle on a Kentish Lady boat trip from Maidstone. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. 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. Please note that catering is not included in the package prices. 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 . Contacted Allington to enquire into a wedding venue. Boasting scenic surroundings featuring a stunning moat, manicured lawns and beautiful fountains this really is Kent's hidden . The castle is stunning and reminds me a lot of Hever but arguably with more medieval features. 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. Allington Castle has a rich history of hosting film and television shoots, including: Whether you are looking for a castle film location, a stately home, or haunted property, Allington Castle is a perfect choice. [5], His son, the poet Thomas Wyatt, was born there in 1503, but in 1554 Thomas Wyatt the younger forfeited the castle after his unsuccessful rebellion against Queen Mary. He was dissuaded by opposition from local residents, notably the Rector of the nearby Church of St. Lawrence, but by this time the castle was totally ruined. 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. 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. You can book a private visit with the Kentish Lady boat company, but the don't do them often. It is sadly now almost engulfed by housing and industrial development. The gatehouse and the Penchester wing had been completely restored and most of the old keep had been completed as well. Breathtaking views of Allington Castle provide the most spectacular backdrop for your next corporate event, and we will work with you to make it memorable. However, the restoration programme was halted when funds became exhausted (unlike Hever where they did not). Includes a professional Dance or Disco with our professional DJ. A short distance to the south-west of the castle is a low mound, which is all that survives of the 12th-century motte.[4]. Allington Castle is the private residence ofSir Robert Worcester, the founder of the MORI polling company. Important Note: Allington Castle is required to inform visitors that we are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) to record CCTV footage, both inside and outside the premises, to prevent and detect crime. It is on the south bank of the River Medway. [7][5], Allington Castle was acquired in 1492 by Sir Henry Wyatt, a prominent supporter of Henry Tudor, who was later to become King Henry VII. Allington Castle Castle Road Near River Medway, Maidstone ME16 0ND England Best nearby Restaurants 247 within 3 miles The Yew Tree Inn 943 0.5 mi$$ - $$$ Bar British Pub The Little Old Toll House 85 0.3 mi$$ - $$$ Quick Bites British Vegetarian Friendly The Running Horse Harvester 928 0.2 mi$ British Grill Vegetarian Friendly Cant think of a better place to get married in the area. Located in a glassed-off area of the barn, guests can sit down and relax without feeling separated from the party. In 1905 he approached the distinguished mountaineer and cartographer Sir William Martin Conway (later Lord Conway), who he had heard was looking to buy an old castle or manor house. Allington Castle is a private residence and is not open for viewings without an appointment. 1:500 scale Ordnance Survey Town Plans published in 1880 show the area east of the main avenue to be subdivided by paths into four areas, a triangular piece south and east of the lodge, two square shaped areas north of this between which, in a central location, stood the fountain and a more elongate area leading up to the lake. Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. The biggest park in Sofia is named after one of the most beloved Bulgarian rulers, Tsar Boris III - the Unifier. 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. [8] By this time, the restoration work had ceased for lack of funds and the castle was leased between 1936 and 1946 to the politician and architect Alfred Bossom. As this is a private residence it has a very unique feel to it and is all the better for it. Catering: You can use our catering partner Invicta Food Design, or we can cater for smaller buffet styles in-house. Traffic noise however does mar the peace of the place. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. It was saved and restored by the efforts of Sir Martin Conway and his wife during the first half of the century. Although much of the original framework of Sophia Gardens has been lost, some original features remain. As a result of fire damage in the late 16th century, it was abandoned until 1905. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. The castle is privately owned, so access is limited to certain pre arranged trips. 1530, and 1536. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. A fantastic experience to see the castle at Allington and its wonderful gardens. 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. Steeped in history and charm, our medieval castle provides an unforgettable backdrop for elegant civil weddings and civil partnerships, drawing couples from surrounding towns in Kent and beyond. State of the Art Magic Mirror photo-booth. These thriving ecosystems reflect our dedication to preserving the castles natural surroundings. According to Pettigrew, Sophia Gardens was first noted as a public walk for Cardiff around 1857 and opened in 1858. Both tour guides were very knowledgable and friendly. Various alterations . 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. According to Pettigrew the green had been laid down with "Cumberland turf" in 1877/8 for the use of Cardiff Bowling Club. Our evening reception package includes tables and chairs, a resident club-standard DJ, a rustic dance floor, rustic LOVE lights, a candy cart, a state-of-the-art photo booth, lawn games for the kids, and even barrels and umbrellas. Managed to visit this beautiful castle while attending a wedding, the grounds were amazing and you were able to walk around these in the evening. Train operators. Nestled in 42 acres, the castle dates back to Medieval times and is surrounded by a moat. Some pretty good surprises on the way. The river walk was very good, though. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Then over to the Barn for your evening reception until 11.30 pm. The CBBC historical sketch show Horrible Histories used the castle for the Richard III song. What restaurants are near Allington Castle? The exclusive guided tour shows visitors Allington Castle's beautiful gardens, courtyards and impressive Great Hall. The trip is by boat on the Kentish Lady which only adds to the charm of the visit. A must see, you will not pleased with what you see. We are not open to thepublic; all viewings are by prior arrangement. The cheapest way to get from Strood to Allington Castle costs only 4, and the quickest way takes just 18 mins. The castle is also surrounded by beautifully restored gardens, featuring ornamental ponds and fountains, Italian gardens, Lavender walk, rose arbor with temple and a walled Tiltyard garden. For enquiries, please see our dedicated, Host Your Dream Wedding at Allington Castle, As an upmarket wedding venue, Allington Castle provides a romantic and luxurious setting for your special day. We walked by the river from Maidstone to Aylesford, a town far prettier than Maidstone, and back (about 16kms). Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. Unlike many other venues, we include a range of cost-saving things to ensure that your day is as stress-free as possible. The layout was planned by the architect Alexander Roos. 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. It was replaced by a manor house, which was fortified with royal permission in the 13th century. Our on-site events company have plenty of extra props and items available for hire, such as a candy cart, cake cart, lockable gift box, outdoor furniture, lanterns etc. The fortification was subsequently expanded but as it was an unauthorised adulterine castle, Henry II ordered its demolition (slighting) in 1174. Over the last few years, we have developed a flourishing meadow bank to support local butterfly populations. Enquiries can be made by visiting allington-castle.com The house is set in 450 acre of garden landscape . As an upmarket wedding venue, Allington Castle provides a romantic and luxurious setting for your special day. Agnes Conway subsequently returned to it with her husband, George Horsfield. 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. For nearly 50 years, the castle was the home of a Carmelite convent. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. He undertook major alterations, dividing the courtyard into two unequal parts by constructing a two-storeyed building which contained what may have been one of the first long galleries in England. Please also note that we are legally obligated to inform visitors that we are registered with the, 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. Required fields are marked *. Allington Castle. 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. The festoon-lit lawns, overlooked by our enchanting alpaca paddock, add a touch of whimsy and charm to our idyllic setting. Wodehouse's . Further renovations were undertaken to provide accommodation and facilities for the castle's inhabitants. [1] The castle is not open to the public, but is used as a wedding venue. Allington Castle Castle Road Near River Medway, Maidstone ME16 0ND England Full view Best nearby Restaurants 246 within 5 kms The Yew Tree Inn 940 0.8 km$$ - $$$ Bar British Pub The Little Old Toll House 84 0.5 km$$ - $$$ Quick Bites British Vegetarian Friendly The Running Horse Harvester 928 The trip is by boat on the Kentish Lady which only adds to the charm of the visit. Over the years the park became the favoured location for a wide variety of functions and shows. Any, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, All Saints The Parish Church of Maidstone. #12 Allington Castle Kent, England T he first Allington Castle was built about 1140 by William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey. Pettigrew, A. The castle history is really interesting and the the gardens are beautiful. Photo: Prioryman, CC BY-SA 4.0. If youre on one of our tours, Jacqui and Adrian will likely point out the putlog holes in the castles towers, which now provide sanctuary for nesting kestrels. The castle has also been featured in the hit series The Royals (2016 2018), PinkPantheress filmed her short film Feast on This at Allington Castle, which was featured in this. A popular choice for music videos and pop videos. We can also do buffet-style in-house catering for smaller parties. [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. Allington Castle. The castle is stunning and reminds me a lot of Hever but arguably with more medieval features. Othello at Allington Castle Our summer open air theatre Start Date - Sunday 7 August 2022 End Date - Sunday 7 August 2022 Venue - Allington Castle, ME16 0NB Time - 2:30 pm - The Importance of Being Earnest (SOLD OUT) | 7:30 pm - Othello (SOLD OUT) Tickets are now sold out! We walked by the river from Maidstone to Aylesford, a town far prettier than Maidstone, and back (about 16kms). At Allington Castle, we pride ourselves on offering a variety of garden styles to suit all preferences. It works really well as a combination although its a little pricy. He also added a half-timbered block adjoining the curtain wall, which was used as the castle's kitchens and stables. Important information. North-west and south-west of the Bowling Club compound is another small area of grass and trees crossed by a path joining the Taff Trail to Sophia Close. Fabulous location, wonderful organisation and great food. Cant think of a better place to get married in the area. Review should read be pleased with what you see.. is castle wheelchair friendly thank you The staff on the Kentish lady were also lovely and do anything they can to help. The park was accessible from the northern end via a driveway off Cathedral Road which terminated in a turning circle. The park was extended northwards by a further 28 acres (11.3 hectares) into "Sophia Field" around 1879 and this area became a recreation ground with gravel tracks laid down for cycling around the edge. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher.