It works really well as a combination although its a little pricy. Allington Castle is one of Kent's most exclusive wedding and civil ceremony destinations. Please note that ALL prices quoted EXCLUDE catering. The third is the place you want to go to. Please contact us if you cannot find a package that suits your requirements. Allington Castle is a private residence and is not open for viewings without an appointment. Philip Tilden (see Chilham Castle/Port Lympne) was asked to landscape the grounds, which at the time of purchase were 'like a rural slum with ramshackle buildings all along the river'. For non-UK citizens, we require copies of two foreign passports. Review should read be pleased with what you see.. is castle wheelchair friendly thank you Allington Castle - Wikiwand The park has also been used as a cricket ground for the Kent County Cricket Club. Glamorgan Cricket Club transferred their ground from Cardiff Arms Park to the north end of Sophia Gardens recreation ground in 1966. These thriving ecosystems reflect our dedication to preserving the castles natural surroundings. Restoration continued for the next 25 years using skilled local craftsmen to carefully rebuild and renovate the castle. Security is an additional charge and will be quoted based on specific requirements. Enquiries can be made by visiting allington-castle.com Our wedding day. It's been suggested that Sir Martin Conway's restoration of Allington Castle (converting it from a derelict medieval castle into a modern country house using his wealthy wife's money) was the model for Dreever Castle in P.G. The river walk was very good, though. The cheapest way to get from Strood to Allington Castle costs only 4, and the quickest way takes just 18 mins. Please visit our catering partner Invicta Food Design on the link above. 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. Boasting scenic surroundings featuring a stunning moat, manicured lawns and beautiful fountains this really is Kent's hidden . Selected as the location for BBC Children in Need 2019. Today it is owned by Sir Robert Worcester as a private residence and is not open to the public. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. A lodge was present on the north side of the Sophia Close turning circle which is still extant, having been converted into a wine bar. An elaborate lodge was built on the east side of the entrance. The lake was fed by a pipe from the mill stream that (formerly) flowed across Pontcanna Fields. Another one is in Raya Lucaria and those are the only 2 currently known. The first castle on the site was an unauthorised fortification, built during "The Anarchy" (1135-53) and torn down later in the century when royal control was reasserted. You can start and pause the trail anytime you want, and pick-up later to finish. A full day or any part thereof is considered to be a twelve-hour booking. He also added a half-timbered block adjoining the curtain wall, which was used as the castle's kitchens and stables. The castle history is really interesting and the the gardens are beautiful. Train operators. As you enjoy the magical ambience indoors, our charming, picket-fenced lawns at the rear of the barn offer a delightful space for guests to unwind during summer evenings. {The Buildings of England: West Kent and the Weald} (London: Yale University Press, 1976), http://www.hha.org.uk/Property/788/Allington-Castle. Corbens, a local building firm, was hired to carry out the work and provided traditional craftsmen to undertake the restoration in an architecturally and historically sympathetic style. The castle, likely mostly constructed of timbers, was built on a motte [earthen mound] next to the River Medway about 3 miles (by road) from Maidstone. Just to its north, adjoining the west curtain wall, is the Penchester Lodgings, one of two surviving ranges of early buildings, which may incorporate remains of the earlier manor house. [8] He was able to draw on his own and his wife's wealth, and his efforts were also supported by his wife's wealthy stepfather, a businessman named Manton Marble. Review should read be pleased with what you see.. is castle wheelchair friendly thank you 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. Allington Castle Castle Road Near River Medway, Maidstone ME16 0ND England. After the war, Lord Conway set about clearing the exterior of the castle from the ramshackle collection of rural buildings that had accumulated over the centuries just outside the walls. 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. Parks and Gardens in Sofia | The Ultimate Guide | Free Sofia Tour Allington Castle - DiCamillo Security to ensure the safety of equipment and crew. Traffic noise however does mar the peace of the place. "[12] The castle made a great impression on Conway and his American wife Katrina when they saw it for the first time: Neither of us will ever forget the lovely June morning when we set forth to visit this faery castle on our way to Brighton. You will need to check if they have a visit during your stay. 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 Castles grounds and its varied wildlife. Borisova Gradina / Borisova Garden. The extensive gardens are a photographic dream set out in a Medieval style with Italian gardens, Lavender walk, Parterre, Courtyard & formal ponds. According to Pettigrew, Sophia Gardens was first noted as a public walk for Cardiff around 1857 and opened in 1858. (unfortunately) is not open to the public, but it can be hired as a wedding venue and for film shoots. It was replaced by a manor house, which was fortified with royal permission in the 13th century. The area had always been at risk of flooding, serious floods having occurred in the 20th century in 1927, the 1960s and 1979; the latter prompted the instigation of an extensive flood protection scheme in 1982, when the present day river banks were engineered. Search for the name, locality, period or a feature of a locality. In the past, it was used as a war polygon, a graveyard and a nursery garden. The CBBC historical sketch show Horrible Histories used the castle for the Richard III song. 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. [8], The castle and manor were granted in 1568 to John Astley, Queen Elizabeth's Master of the Jewel House, though he did not live there. [8] Conway had posted an advertisement in The Times stating: "Wanted to purchase, an old manor-house or abbey, built in the 16th century or earlier. Visited with a group, what a lovely place, very interesting talk from 2 very funny guides Colin and Adrian. In these years, however, Wyatt was much abroad, returning home on visits in 1538 and 1539 and for good in May 1540. Allington Castle is a private residence. 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. Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. 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. Available Monday to Saturday. It took our breath away, and for a moment we were speechless. 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. House Open to Public: By Appointment. Allington Castle | Castle Wedding Venue in Kent - Amazing Space Weddings Get your early bird discount! At Allington Castle, we pride ourselves on offering a variety of garden styles to suit all preferences.