The castle was then purchased by Sir Martin Conway, who partially restored it. Allington Castle - A Kentish Ceremony [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 tour with the kentish lady. "[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. We can also do buffet-style in-house catering for smaller parties. We walked by the river from Maidstone to Aylesford, a town far prettier than Maidstone, and back (about 16kms). As a result of fire damage in the late 16th century, it was abandoned until 1905. It was replaced by a manor house, which was fortified with royal permission in the 13th century. 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. Various alterations and expansions were made . Cant think of a better place to get married in the area. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The buildings in the south-east corner were occupied by kitchens and a buttery with rooms above. He also added a half-timbered block adjoining the curtain wall, which was used as the castle's kitchens and stables. The future of Allington now seems assured. The largest and most significant of the towers, the four-storeyed Solomon's Tower, projects from the south-west side of the curtain wall. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. We only were able to take a glance of one of the gates from the river. The Great Hall also features a minstrel gallery, perfect for harpists, string quartets, jazz, blues, or swing ensembles, taking advantage of the amazing acoustics. The park has also been used as a cricket ground for the Kent County Cricket Club. . A map based searching tool all our locations, Oswald, Arthur {Country Houses of Kent} (London: Country Life, 1933), Smithers, David Waldron {Castles in Kent} (Chatham: John Hallwell Publications, 1980), {The Kent GardKent County Council Planning Department {The Kent Gardens Compendium} (Canterbury: Kent County Council, 1996) 4, Newman, J. The castle was depicted as the Locksley (or Loxley) Castle of Lord Gilbert during the Crusades era. Further renovations were undertaken to provide accommodation and facilities for the castle's inhabitants. 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. 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. The only remains of the original castle is a section of wall and the kitchen fireplace built in 1174. 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. As a result of fire damage in the late 16th century, it was abandoned until 1905. The third is the place you want to go to. North-east of the SWALEC Stadium there is a stone wall which marks the boundary of Sophia Gardens. Located in Maidstone the castle is privately-owned and sits in 42 acres of beautiful countryside and woodlands. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Enquiries can be made by visiting allington-castle.com The river walk was very good, though. 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 is one of Kent's most exclusive wedding and civil ceremony destinations. The castle was then purchased by Sir Martin Conway, who partially restored it. The river walk was very good, though. Recommended. North of this is a car park. As an upmarket wedding venue, Allington Castle provides a romantic and luxurious setting for your special day. If youre lucky, you may see one. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. [1][2] According to historian Sidney Painter, it was one of at least 21 castles demolished on Henry II's instructions. 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. Perhaps the most notable performance ever staged at the park was Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, which came for a week in September 1891. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. According to Pettigrew, Sophia Gardens was first noted as a public walk for Cardiff around 1857 and opened in 1858. The two guides were very informative and kept the group engaged. The heart of Allington Castle, the Great Hall, boasts a grand and historic atmosphere with its impressive stone walls and high wooden ceilings, creating a unique and enchanting space for your ceremony. 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. The Taff Trail from Cardiff to Brecon also passes through the park. It was Cardiff's and Wales' first public park. It was formally opened on June 5th 1878. It is named after Sophia Rawdon-Hastings, the widow of the 2nd Marquess of Bute who oversaw the creation of the park, which was built to compensate for the withdrawal in 1855 of public access to Cooper's Field and Castle Green. Visited the castle on a Kentish Lady boat trip from Maidstone. Please note that our resident DJ must play all amplified music, ensuring a consistent and upmarket atmosphere. Tickets cost 13 - 19 and the journey takes 1h 45m. The castle was the site of the filming of the music video for "Lover Chanting" (released in 2018)[16] by the Swedish band Little Dragon. The trip is by boat on the Kentish Lady which only adds to the charm of the visit. The fortification was subsequently expanded but as it was an unauthorised adulterine castle, Henry II ordered its demolition (slighting) in 1174. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. 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. Please contact us using the contact form at the bottom of this page to ask questions or arrange a viewing. Please Note: Allington Castle is a private residence. In these years, however, Wyatt was much abroad, returning home on visits in 1538 and 1539 and for good in May 1540. Original manuscript version consulted. Allington Castle is a private residence. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. [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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. I went on a trip arranged through the Kentish Lady River Tours. [13] It is now the home of Sir Robert Worcester, the founder of the MORI polling company. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. As a film-friendly venue, we have extensive experience working with film crews and understand their specific needs. Over the last few years, we have developed a flourishing meadow bank to support local butterfly populations. #12 Allington Castle Kent, England T he first Allington Castle was built about 1140 by William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey. The trip is by boat on the Kentish Lady which only adds to the charm of the visit. The castle history is really interesting and the the gardens are beautiful. Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. Contact - Allington Castle 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. A lovely beautiful tour of the castle. The first castle on the site was an unauthorised fortification, built during "The Anarchy" (11351153) and torn down later in the century when royal control was reasserted. As this is a private residence it has a very unique feel to it and is all the better for it. If you are planning a . Search for the name, locality, period or a feature of a locality. I went on a trip arranged through the Kentish Lady River Tours. Together with Pontcanna and Llandaff Fields, which opened later, Sophia Gardens forms a huge public open space in the heart of Cardiff, mirrored on the east bank of the river Taff by Bute Park. Trees, and screenery were planted, including poplars (some fine Populus nigra) and a tulip tree. O. ur outstanding garden team, led by Head Gardener Adrian and his skilled team members Jacqui and Alec, diligently maintain our enchanting, sustainable garden and conduct our private tours. It works really well as a combination although its a little pricy. [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. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Our wedding day. 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. Fabulous location, wonderful organisation and great food. Let Allington Castle provide the perfect setting for your fairytale wedding, surrounded by eco-friendly gardens and a commitment to sustainable practices. Allington Castle (Maidstone): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go [9], Most of the Great Hall and the north-east wing were destroyed in a disastrous fire in the second half of the 16th century. For enquiries, please see our dedicated film shoot page. In 1895, a retired London barrister named Dudley C. Falke rented the castle from Lord Romney and began the lengthy task of restoration. Contact our team today to start planning the wedding of your dreams. 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 first castle on the site was an unauthorised fortification, built during "The Anarchy" and torn down later in the century when royal control was reasserted. 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. You can book a private visit with the Kentish Lady boat company, but the don't do them often. 1926 revised 1933-4, Vol I, p38-53. The building's development was continued in the early 13th century by Sir Henry de Cobham, incorporating the remains of the old manor house into the new castle. Boasting scenic surroundings featuring a stunning moat, manicured lawns and beautiful fountains this really is Kent's hidden . String Quartet in the Italian Gardens - Allington Castle 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. Jackie was very lovely. Security is an additional charge and will be quoted based on specific requirements. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. An old dovecot on the castle grounds was restored for use by Agnes Conway as a study. Henry VII visited it during Wyatt's tenure. [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. Strood to Allington Castle - 3 ways to travel via train, taxi, and car [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. [8] The Penchester wing was abandoned and used as a quarry for building materials, while the ground-floor remnants of the Long Gallery were converted into a pair of farmhouses.[10]. Pettigrew, A. House Open to Public: By Appointment. [3], The present castle was built between 127999 by Stephen de Pencester, the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, who was granted a licence to crenellate the existing manor house by Edward I. [12] Conway and his daughter Agnes, an archaeologist, also undertook extensive research into the history of the castle. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. 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. However, when we open our doors for weddings, film shoots, and boat tours, we are committed to maintaining the highest service standards and ensuring our guests feel welcomed and cared for. All you need to do is book your photographer, liaise with our catering team from Invicta for your catering needs, and sort out your decorations. [7][1] It has largely been reconstructed, though the 15th-century porch is original. Hotels near Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats, Hotels near Borough Green and Wrotham Station, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Maidstone, Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Maidstone, Game & Entertainment Centres in Maidstone, Three Island Tour from Split (Shipwreck, Blue Lagoon, Maslinica) LUNCH INCLUDED, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour from Sedona, Ocean Empress Dinner Cruise Dubai Including Pickup and Drop off, Arrival Meet & Assist service at Delhi Airport with optional Private transfer, View all hotels near Allington Castle on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Allington Castle on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Allington Castle on Tripadvisor. The castle before restoration goes back to 1281 when Stephen de Penchester was granted a licence to embattle the manor house at Allington. Allington Castle as a Filming Location - Allington Castle Contacted Allington to enquire into a wedding venue. 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. . ALLINGTON CASTLE (Maidstone) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (unfortunately) is not open to the public, but it can be hired as a wedding venue and for film shoots. Agnes Conway subsequently returned to it with her husband, George Horsfield. The gatehouse and the Penchester wing had been completely restored and most of the old keep had been completed as well. It is named after Sophia Rawdon-Hastings, the widow of the 2nd Marquess of Bute who oversaw the creation of the park, which was built to compensate for the withdrawal in 1855 of public access to Cooper's Field and Castle Green. The Great Hall, barn, and gardens are available for exclusive weddings, corporate events, and filming. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. "English Castles in the Early Middle Ages: Their Number, Location, and Legal Position", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Allington_Castle&oldid=1136946388, This page was last edited on 2 February 2023, at 00:15. There was a path alongside the river which, from about the middle of the park northwards, was on a raised embankment. 1. Everyone off site by midnight. [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. 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 This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Previous Post Previous String Quartet in the Italian Gardens. The Castle was the site of the filming of the 1965 episode "Castle De'ath" of The Avengers TV series. The moat surrounding the castle was once flooded and was crossed by a drawbridge, with a portcullis closing the entrance to the castle. 07920832611. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location. The 4th Bellfry has a chest with the key for the waypoints. Get your early bird discount! Please suggest a date and time you would like to arrange a viewing - we may be able to help on weekends but our preference is weekdays between 10:00 and 14:00. public; all viewings are by prior arrangement. Hiring Allington Castle for Your Corporate Event At the extreme end are two vertical cypresses and a back drop of Italica' Lombardy poplars. Allington Castle was originally built in the 11th century. With its breathtaking architecture and picturesque surroundings, its no wonder that our castle has become synonymous with Kents cinematic charm. The Great Hall, an extraordinary symbol of Allington Castles grand past, features towering ceilings and serves as a striking focal point at the heart of the castle. ALLINGTON CASTLE (Maidstone) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go These features are shown on the 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey plans dated 1901, which also show the presence of a bandstand north of the fountain and a bowling green in the older portion of the park, the latter being still extant. . 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 Over the years the park became the favoured location for a wide variety of functions and shows. lake. 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. In 1554 it was seized by the Crown in the course of dispossessing its owner, Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger, after the failure of his rebellion against Queen Mary. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. It was threatened with demolition in the late-19th century before being rescued by Lord Conway. The cross axis has a small mysterious roundel with pool and glimpses of the castle below through the hedge. 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. The roof of the pavilion collapsed under the weight of snow in January 1982, fortunately at a time when it was unoccupied. Allington Castle is not open to the public - so the only way to get a glimpse of this stunning building is from the River Park.
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