What's On

We are now closed to the public until 2nd April (Good Friday) 2010, however we welcome pre-booked groups and school visits throughout the year.  In addition we are open for special events and Activity Days as detailed below:

ART CLASSES

On Tuesdays during school term time a series of back to basics art class are held in our library with Helen McKenna-Menges (www.helenmenges.com). The tuition is for all levels.  Morning Session: 9.15-11.45am - £15 per session.  Afternoon Session: 12.45-2.45pm - £10 per session.  Full Day: 9.15am-2.45pm - £20.  Fees payable for the term (12 weeks) or half-term (6 weeks).  To book or find out more, please call Helen on 01892-870475 or 07770-666396 or email Helen McKenna-Menges

FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS 2010*

Most activity days run from 11am-5pm (last entry 4.15pm), with a variety of craft and discovery activities suitable for all ages.  There is no need to pre book.  Normal admission charges apply for 5 year olds and over - 2-4 year olds will be charged £2 to cover the cost of materials on activity days.

Monday 15th February - Egyptian Experience

Use your senses to explore life in ancient Egypt, taste the food and uncover the customs lost in the sands of time.

Monday 5th April - Easter at the Castle

Traditional celebrations and activities.  Find out about the festivals and customs of the Egyptian, Japanese and Buddhist cultures.

Monday 12th April - Japanese Culture and Arts

Join us in the season of cherry blossom to discover Japan's fascinating festivals and try your hand at traditional arts.

Monday 3rd May - Beastly Battles

Travel back in time to 1642, the start of the English Civil War. Try out mini jousting, learn pike drills and watch civil war fighting methods.

Monday 31st May - Buddha Day

A worldwide celebration of the first Buddha's birthday; discover the fascinating Buddhist ceremonies and the Buddhist way of life.

Sunday 27th June - Life in the Undergrowth

Discover our world in miniature; a fascinating fun-filled day exploring the world of creepy crawlies.  To include guided nature trails and story telling.

Monday 26th July - The Stuarts in Secret

All is not as it seems: uncover the fall of the Stuart Royal Family and the secret Jacobite plots; try code breaking in the Castle's collections.

Monday 2nd August - Wild about the Castle

From mini-beasts to mammals what creatures can be found lurking in the Castle grounds.  To include guided nature trails, Static Owls on display, and story telling.

Monday 16th August - Victorian Games

A world before computers!  What did the children play?  Join in the fun and frolics from the Victorian Ear and meet Charlie the Shoeshine Boy.  Sample Victorian cakes and delights. 

Monday 30th August - Seriously Samurai

An action packed day of Japanese combat, including Taiko Drumming workshops (for 8yrs+) and Samurai re-enactments.

Sunday 12th September - Woodland Craft Day

For all ages.  Try your hand at many traditional woodland and country crafts from wood turning to wattle and daub.  Find out why woods in the Weald are so important for people and wildlife, both today and in the past.  NB: Open from 12-5pm.

Monday 25th October - Mysterious Mummies

For Halloween we unwind the secrets behind the Egyptian afterlife and encounter our very own Egyptian.  A Big Draw event (www.campaignfordrawing.org).

Sunday 5th December - Victoria and Albert's Christmas

Celebrate with traditional games, crafts and stories and write a special letter to Father Christmas.

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP PASS

Chiddingstone Castle's Family Season Pass (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children) includes free parking, entry on normal opening days and 13 family activity days throughout the season and during the school holidays.  It excludes free admission to public events. The membership pass is valid for 12 months from the day of purchase.  The feedback from this Summer is that the pass provides exceptional value for family days out in Kent. 

New prices for 2010 are on our visiting us page.   Individual passes also available.

* Free to Family Membership Pass holders otherwise normal admission prices apply.  We reserve the right to change the format or content of the activity days at our discretion  

DUE TO THE CONSTRAINTS OF SPACE AND SAFETY, WE ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO ALLOW PUSHCHAIRS OR PRAMS INSIDE THE CASTLE BUILDING, AND APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE.

OTHER EVENTS FOR 2010

Friday 23rd April - Spring Fair 10am-3pm

A selection of clothes, jewellery, home accessories, art and gifts for adults and children will be on sale throughout the Castle's rooms.  Admission £2.50.  Stallholders, please contact events@chiddingstonecastle.org.uk or 01892 872746.

Date to be confirmed - Primavera Concert in the evening

The Castle is delighted to welcome back Primavera for a classical musical concert in the Great Hall.  Ticket prices and more details will be available in due course.

Sunday 4th July - The Hazlitt Theatre Company presents "The Merry Wives of Windsor" - 6pm

A professional Shakespeare production in the grounds, suitable for all the family.  Ticket prices and more details will be available in due course.

Monday 5th July - Please note the Castle will be closed on this day

Friday 6th August - "Batty about the Castle" - An evening bat walk in the grounds - 8-9.30pm

Suitable for adults and children from ages 5 upwards.  Pre-booking is essential.  Entrance: £3 per person for those with a membership pass, £5 per person for non-pass holders, all children £1.  Hot drinks on sale.

Thursday 11th November - Christmas Fair 10am-3pm

Find the perfect present at our popular annual fair.   Admission £2.50.  Stallholders, please contact events@chiddingstonecastle.org.uk or 01892 872746

We have a constantly evolving programme of events throughout the year and this page is regularly updated