Country House: Yes The House from a 1923 postcard . Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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[1][5] Although it was fortified, it was more of a residence than a fortress, as indicated by its extensive and early use of brick, which may have reflected Stephen's interests in a brickyard in Essex. Enquiries can be made by visiting allington-castle.com . The castle history is really interesting and the the gardens are beautiful. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location. The festoon-lit lawns, overlooked by our enchanting alpaca paddock, add a touch of whimsy and charm to our idyllic setting. String Quartet in the Italian Gardens - Allington Castle The castle can be seen from Allington Path the stretch of towpath betweenthe marina and the lock. Fabulous location, wonderful organisation and great food. https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Will be recommending this place to friends and family. 99% of travellers recommend this experience. 1. 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. Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. Allington Castle is a private residence and is not open for viewings without an appointment. Allington Castle Weddings - Allington Castle A Beautiful Castle - Review of Allington Castle - Tripadvisor If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. We offer a range of amenities to make the filming process as smooth as possible, including: In addition to being a castle film location, Allington Castle can also be used as a stately home and haunted property for spooky productions. 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. Allington Castle Open Garden - Facebook It was formally opened on June 5th 1878. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location. Previous Post Previous String Quartet in the Italian Gardens. 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. A. any way to get in the siofra river castle thing? : r/Eldenring - Reddit You can invite extra guests to make up a maximum of 150 guests. 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. 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. The Great Hall was rebuilt by 1927, and the restoration of the north-east wing was completed by 1932. The castle was then purchased by Sir Martin Conway, who partially restored it. In 1895, a retired London barrister named Dudley C. Falke rented the castle from Lord Romney and began the lengthy task of restoration. 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. The castle is privately owned, so access is limited to certain pre arranged trips. All that remains of the original castle is a section of wall and the kitchen fireplace built in 1174. Cardiff Local Studies Library. 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. The strip of land between the avenue and the Cathedral Road properties is grassed over. Most of its moat had been filled in, but its reflection lay upon the calm face of the remaining fragment. [7][1] It has largely been reconstructed, though the 15th-century porch is original. 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. The interiors are fully furnished and in character with its Medieval origins, with Tapestries, antique furniture and Great Hall . Boasting scenic surroundings featuring a stunning moat, manicured lawns and beautiful fountains this really is Kent's hidden . After Agnes died in 1950 the castle was sold by her husband to the Order of Carmelites from the nearby Aylesford Priory at a price of 15,000, and it became the home of a community of Carmelite Friars from March 1951. lake. You wont need to worry about outside contractors as we take care of everything for you. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. 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. 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. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. 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. 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. [12] There was a certain amount of historical irony in this, as the Wyatts of Allington Castle had obtained Aylesford Priory and dispossessed its occupants during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries; now the tables were turned. 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. Everyone off site by midnight. For nearly 50 years, the castle was the home of a Carmelite convent. We proudly partner with Invicta Catering to provide you with a variety of exceptional catering options for your special day. The trip is by boat on the Kentish Lady which only adds to the charm of the visit. 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. An old dovecot on the castle grounds was restored for use by Agnes Conway as a study. Photo: Prioryman, CC BY-SA 4.0. Catering is not included in the price, but an. Allington Castle is a stunning and versatile location for film and television shoots, situated in the heart of Kent, near London and the South East of England. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Allington Castle (Maidstone) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Let Allington Castle provide the perfect setting for your fairytale wedding, surrounded by eco-friendly gardens and a commitment to sustainable practices. 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. 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. The entrance gate and avenue of trees are still extant. As this is a private residence it has a very unique feel to it and is all the better for it. This historical gem provides a fascinating glimpse into Englands rich past, surrounded by the natural beauty of its woodland and riverside setting. 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. The trip is by boat on the Kentish Lady which only adds to the charm of the visit. We only were able to take a glance of one of the gates from the river. 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. It works really well as a combination although its a little pricy. [12], Conway decided to purchase the castle's freehold from Lord Romney at a cost of 4,800 and spent the next 30 years restoring it with the assistance of the architects W. D. Caroe and Philip Tilden. 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. Recommended, A fantastic experience to see the castle at Allington and its wonderful gardens. Allington Castle, Maidstone Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. The range dividing the two courtyards contains the Long Gallery on the upper floor, with offices below. Allington Castle is the private residence ofSir Robert Worcester, the founder of the MORI polling company. The Wyatts enlarged the castle. State of the Art Magic Mirror photo-booth. 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 Wyatt family acquired the castle in 1491 and converted it into a mansion house. 15 15x 15 rustic dance floor. After one email exchange I asked to make a booking on the weekend and the email was ignored as well as my telephone message. Contacted Allington to enquire into a wedding venue. The cross axis has a small mysterious roundel with pool and glimpses of the castle below through the hedge. Allington Castle (Maidstone): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Security to ensure the safety of equipment and crew. WYATT, Sir Thomas I (by 1504-42), of Allington Castle, Kent. Please visit our catering partner Invicta Food Design on the link above. The Millennium footbridge, which links Sophia Gardens and Bute Park, was constructed in 1999. According to Pettigrew, Sophia Gardens was first noted as a public walk for Cardiff around 1857 and opened in 1858. A fantastic experience to see the castle at Allington and its wonderful gardens. Alternatively, National Express operates a bus from Stratford City Bus Station to King Street 5 times a day. When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. It is 2 miles north-west of Maidstone, north of the A20. The castle was then purchased by Sir Martin Conway, who partially restored it. 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. 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. Allington Castle - Kent's Most Exclusive Venue and Film Location 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. [7] The ruins of a barbican can be seen on the far side of the moat. The Long Gallery was rebuilt and the Tudor house within the castle walls was linked to it. At the extreme end are two vertical cypresses and a back drop of Italica' Lombardy poplars. 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. We are committed to being a diverse and welcoming venue for all couples, proudly celebrating love in all its forms, and are happy to offer a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ weddings and civil partnerships. Fabulous location, wonderful organisation and great food. Admission is By Appointment Only. [12] Conway and his daughter Agnes, an archaeologist, also undertook extensive research into the history of the castle. Kent's Most Exclusive Wedding Venue and Film Location, Your email address will not be published. For nearly 50 years, the castle was the home of a Carmelite convent. "The Public Parks and Recreation Grounds of Cardiff". 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. Visited with a group, what a lovely place, very interesting talk from 2 very funny guides Colin and Adrian. 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. Their most illustrious member, Sir Thomas Wyatt, received a whole batch of properties in the area at the dissolution in 1538 (Boxley/Malling Abbeys, Aylesford Priory) but he then lost his head for his part in the anti-catholic Kent Rebellion (1554). A full day or any part thereof is considered to be a twelve-hour booking. Various alterations and expansions were made . Ask Kerrie or Craig to show you when you do your viewing. 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. Located in Maidstone the castle is privately-owned and sits in 42 acres of beautiful countryside and woodlands. Review should read be pleased with what you see.. is castle wheelchair friendly thank you Our commitment to sustainable garden development alongside our manicured parterres has created a beautiful, environmentally conscious haven that enchants our visitors. Our 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. [1][2] According to historian Sidney Painter, it was one of at least 21 castles demolished on Henry II's instructions. IMPORTANT NOTE BEFORE CONTACTING US FOR SMALL PRIVATE TOURS: 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. The barn, which can be used as a resting and eating place for crews and cast. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. The site is in the Maidstone Borough. I went on a trip arranged through the Kentish Lady River Tours. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. For non-UK citizens, we require copies of two foreign passports. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Please Note: Allington Castle is a private residence. Catering: You can use our catering partner Invicta Food Design, or we can cater for smaller buffet styles in-house. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. The only remains of the original castle is a section of wall and the kitchen fireplace built in 1174. Kerrie Gibbons, our events manager, masterfully orchestrates unforgettable occasions, while Jen takes care of housekeeping and cooking for the castles owners, ensuring their comfort and satisfaction. Bute Park, Cardiff Castle and Sophia Gardens were gifted to the City of Cardiff by the fifth Marquess of Bute on September 10th 1947. 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. The Wyatt family acquired the castle in 1491 and converted it into a mansion house. The Castle was the site of the filming of the 1965 episode "Castle De'ath" of The Avengers TV series. In January 1537 Henry VIII decided to send him as resident ambassador to the Emperor and . Please contact us using the contact form at the bottom of this page to ask questions or arrange a viewing. The castle is stunning and reminds me a lot of Hever but arguably with more medieval features. "[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. 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. We are excited to hear from you regarding your interest in Allington Castle. You can take a train from Stratford to Allington Castle via Strood and Maidstone Barracks in around 1h 40m. He also added a half-timbered block adjoining the curtain wall, which was used as the castle's kitchens and stables. 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. A must see, you will not pleased with what you see. It also showed there to be an island at the northern end of the lake upon which there was a boat house. 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. Allington Castle is a stone castle in Allington, Kent, just north of Maidstone, in England. As the night goes on, your guests can head over to our permanently set up upmarket cash bar. [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. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Start at the intersection of Ivan Vazov Street and 6ti Septemvri Street. 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. [15], Allington Castle takes the form of an irregular parallelogram with a curtain wall incorporating six round towers of various sizes. 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.