Please note, there is no access today (21.8.2026) via Mill Lane or Hampkins Hill. Please follow diversion routes which will take you via Penshurst Village.

Discover Chiddingstone Castle - a historic house and museum in Kent with unique Japanese, Egyptian, Stuart & Jacobite and Buddhist collections.

The castle, collections, tea room and gift shop open Thursday to Sunday plus Bank Holiday Mondays, 11am to 5pm (last entry at 4:15pm) except when closed for private events. See our visit us page for dates.

Pink roses growing on a stone wall with a flower border and the South side of Chiddingstone Castle in the distance

Visit to find out about the previous owners and the fascinating history of this historic home. Take in the grandeur of The Great Hall, White Rose Room, Victorian Kitchen, Library, Study, Four Poster Room and Servant’s Hall. Discover the fascinating Stuart and Jacobite, Buddhist, and Ancient Egyptian collections whilst exploring the building.

The Japanese collection is not available to view currently. Earlier this year, a section of ceiling plaster in the Japanese Room collapsed. The Japanese collection is displayed in cases which protected the objects from damage. The room is temporarily closed for repair. We hope to re-open the Japanese Room this season, and will update you as soon as we have a date. 

 

a dining table laid up with tablecloth, fine china and a full afternoon tea with prosecco

The quaint castle tea room offers light lunches, traditional cream teas and homemade cakes as well as pre-booked full afternoon teas. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating plus areas available for larger groups and parties when arranged in advance through the castle office.

Nestled in the tower is a gift shop. You can access the Tea Room and Gift Shop without paying castle admission - access is at the back of the castle through the Tower entrance. Dogs on leads are welcome in the courtyard seating area.

Throughout the year the castle also hosts a variety of live music afternoons, collection talks, vintage and Christmas events, children’s workshops and school holiday activities. All information can be found on our What’s On page.

Crowds of people watching an open air live music performance at The Orangery

If you visit during Spring you will find snowdrops, crocus, daffodils, cherry blossom, bluebells and Wisteria, then as we head into Summer the borders start to bloom and the inner courtyard is filled with colourful fragrant roses.

Outside discover the Grade II* listed Victorian Orangery, enchanting woodland walks, a fishing lake and spectacular views across the Kent countryside for all.

Please see latest updates on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Please Donate

Your donations to our charity are much appreciated. They really do make a huge difference to our survival as a museum and a local historic home. Please help us and donate via our website. It would really help our funding if you could also gift aid, find out if you are eligible to do this here. Thank you for your support.

two armchairs in front of a fireplace with portraits above it and a grand chandelier in a stately room.
two armchairs in front of a fireplace with portraits above it and a grand chandelier in a stately room.
two armchairs in front of a fireplace with portraits above it and a grand chandelier in a stately room.
two armchairs in front of a fireplace with portraits above it and a grand chandelier in a stately room.
A bride and groom having their wedding ceremony outside at the orangery with guests seated on chairs either side of the aisle on the lawn

 

 

Planning a wedding?

Venue Hire

No matter what size your wedding, formal or relaxed, at Chiddingstone Castle we are here to help tailor a day to suit you.

100th Object of the Month - Stela of Takheby

In June, our visitors voted to choose our 100th Object of the Month. The winner was this Ancient Egyptian stela or funerary slab. It was made around 2,500 years ago for a woman called Takheby. Discover who Takheby was, her role and status in society, and what we can learn from her beautifully painted and preserved wooden stela. 

Options for 100th Object of the Month vote

Online Exhibition

Image, Identity, Belonging

Explore highlights from the collections and their meaning to the people who originally made and used them. 

Stories Project

The Castle and Collector

In 2024, we interviewed people from the local community and further afield to record memories of Denys Eyre Bower and the castle since he lived here.

April's object of the month - a Japanese lacquer cabinet decorated with inlaid shell and painted gold lacquer.

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Opening Hours

CASTLE, COLLECTIONS & TEA ROOM

The Castle, Tea Room and Gift Shop are open Thursday to Sunday from 12 March to 1 November 2026. Except when closed for private events.

PARKING IS CHARGED ALL YEAR ROUND

Parking is free for the first hour, then charged at £1 for up to 2 hours or £3 for the full day (+20p Ringo fee).

GROUNDS AND LAKE

Open daily 7am - 6.30pm except when closed for private functions

Fishing available

 

 

WEDDINGS, FILM SHOOTS AND PRIVATE BOOKINGS ENQUIRIES
Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm