6 amazing Castles in Kent and why you should visit them
Stepping back in time, wandering beautiful gardens, finding the perfect picnic spot and letting the kid’s imaginations run wild. There’s no better way to spend a day out than exploring a historic castle. Luckily in Kent, there is an abundance of them perfect for whiling away the hours with or without kids.
Here are our favourite castles in Kent:
Leeds Castle
Dubbed the ‘loveliest castle in the world’ Leeds Castle and its grounds are simply beautiful and can be enjoyed all year round. In the summer it makes the perfect picnic spot overlooking the castle. Inside, the castle is stunning and is currently themed around Lady Baillie who renovated the castle into a 1930s country house retreat.
A brief history:
Leeds Castle is steeped in over 900 years of history and started life as a Norman stronghold in the 11th century. The castle’s most famous owner has to be King Henry VIII who transformed it into a magnificent palace. The castle was owned by royalty until 1552.
Fast forward to the 20th century when owner Lady Baillie decided to recreate a medieval castle, it became a site for parties attracting the rich and famous. During WWII the castle was used as a hospital and also weapons research was also carried out in the grounds. Lady Baillie died in 1974 and left the castle and grounds to a specially created charity. The Leeds Castle Foundation opened the castle and the grounds to the public to generate funds for the upkeep of the castle. Since then it has become one of England’s top attractions.
Why the kids love it:
Leeds castle has two great, castle-themed playparks one for little ones and the other a huge castle that they can roam for ages. As well as this my little ones love wandering the grounds looking out for the beautiful swans that live there. They also really enjoy stressing me out when we get lost in the maze – I never know how we make it out but we always do!
During school holidays there are often different trails and events included with the cost of a ticket.
Food and drink:
There is an indoor restaurant as well as an indoor cafe. There are numerous places to grab snacks including ice creams around the grounds and lots of spots for picnics.
Anything else you need to know:
Your tickets gives you entry for a whole year which makes for great value.
The grounds are buggy/wheelchair friendly but the castle itself is not. There is an area to leave the buggy.
There is ample free parking and a train into and out of the grounds if need be
Walmer Castle
I just love visiting Walmer Castle and its serene gardens, particularly the Queen Mother’s Garden which was gifted to her on her 95th birthday. With the castle as a backdrop, they make the perfect place to stop and have a snack in the sunshine. The Garden Kitchen provides a display of fruits and vegetables throughout the season as well as cut flowers. The castle inside is beautifully decorated and a sight to behold; you can even catch a glimpse of Wellington’s wellingtons!
A brief history:
Walmer Castle was ordered to be built by King Henry VIII in 1539 in response to the threat of invasion from overseas. It formed part of a defensive barrier over 2.7 miles long. Similar castles were built in Deal and Sandown. The fort was in use until 1708 and was then converted for use as the official residence of the Lord Warden.
In 1904 it was fully conceded that the castle was declared redundant for military purposes.
Why the kids love it:
The children love exploring the gardens, especially the kitchen garden in autumn when you will find pumpkins growing. There is a natural play trail with wobbly bridges, climbing nets and hollow tree trunks to climb and explore. The trail is a great way for the kids to let off some steam. Along the trail they can also learn about different woodland birds by looking out for the sculptures dotted around the trail. It was listed as an ancient monument and responsibility was transferred to the Office of Works (a predecessor of English Heritage.) The grounds were opened to the public when the Lord warden was not in residence becoming one of the first buildings in state care to become accessible as a historic attraction.
Food and drink:
There is a small tea house where food and drink including snacks, lunches and cakes can be purchased. This can get busy during the weekends and holidays however there is seating outside and lots of spaces for a picnic if you choose to bring your own.
Anything else you need to know:
The castle is accessible by steps only however much of the grounds have smooth gravel paths.
There is a large car park free for members of English Heritage.
Rochester Castle
Situated in the historic town of Rochester and close to the beautiful Cathedral this castle in Kent is very different to the others on the list. There are no beautiful gardens to wander, no beautiful castle rooms to explore, and no mazes or play areas for the kids. In fact what remains of this fortress is really just a shell of what it once was however it is impressive nonetheless, especially due to its height and the wonderful views once you reach the top.
A brief history:
Found at a strategic crossing of the river Medway Rochester Castle stands within the walls of the Roman city of Rochester. The Castle built in stone in the 1080s was one of the earliest such buildings in England. In 1127 it was entrusted to the Arch Bishop of Canterbury who began to build the great keep.
The castle survived three assaults including a famous siege by King John in 1215 when one corner of the keep was destroyed. It fell into ruin in the 17th century. Samuel Pepys and Charles Dickens both visited the castle and recorded their impressions of the interior and the view from the top.
Why the kids love it:
The grounds that surround the castle make a great space for the children to run free, playing knights. In the summer it’s a great place to stop and have a picnic or an ice cream. The castle itself towers above them and my son always gets excited as he approaches it, for him, this is what a castle should be. Exploring the castle inside seems like an adventure, mine love clambering up the deep stone steps until they reach the top imagining what it once might have been like to have lived there.
Food and drink:
There is no cafe in the castle however there is a family-run kiosk in the castle grounds where you can pick up drinks, cakes and ice creams. It is currently only open at weekends.
Anything else you need to know:
Access to the castle is only available by steps and once inside There is a 144-step spiral staircase leading to the top.
There is no parking on site and I find parking quite tricky in Rochester so I usually travel by train or choose to park at the car park by the train station which is around a 10-minute walk or so.
Scotty Castle
Not much remains of the castle itself but you can explore the ruins and also visit the stately home that is also on site. As with many of these castles in Kent, Scotney has beautiful grounds and is perfect for a walk all year round. It looks particularly lovely in the autumn months with dazzling shades of reds and oranges.
A brief history:
The oldest parts of the castle were built in 1378. The Scotney Estate was purchased in 1778 by the Hussey family. In the 1830’s Edward Hussey III transformed the estate and hired an architect to build a new house at the top of the hill overlooking the valley. He transformed the old castle into a ruin to act as a focus for his new landscape garden.
In 1939 it hosted evacuees from the King’s School in Rochester.
Scotney Castle was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1970 and was first opened to visitors in 2007.
Why the kids love it:
A short walk from the main site is the Wilderness Camp where children can take advantage of the large logs and create their own dens. For younger visitors there is the Badger and Pepper play area complete with a ball run, playhouse and mud kitchen – it would be worth bringing wellies on wet days!
During the holidays there are often trails for children to take part in – check the website for more information.
Food and drink:
There is a tearoom with indoor and outdoor seating. You can get hot lunches and a range of lighter snacks as well as cream teas and cake. There is a kiosk serving hot and cold drinks which is also great for grabbing an ice cream in warmer weather.
The gorgeous views of the castle make for a perfect spot for a picnic.
Anything else you need to know:
Parking needs to be pre-booked.
There are accessible paths around the grounds although some can be a little steep.
Hever Castle
Once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle boasts stunning grounds, with award-winning gardens, and a lake walk as well as the 14th-century castle. With different flower displays; snowdrops in February, daffodils and tulips in the spring it is worth getting a membership to see it in its full glory all year round.
A brief history:
Hever Castle has a history of over 600 years and was owned by 12 different families. Most famously the family of Anne Boleyn who was one of the most powerful families in the country. The original defensive castle was built in 1383. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was owned by the Boleyn’s who modernised it. Anne Boleyn later went on to become Henry VIII’s second wife. The castle was later owned by another of his wives, Anne of Cleeves.
Over time it fell into decline. In the 20th century it was purchased by William Waldorf Astor who worked on restoring the castle.
Why the kids love it:
Out of all the castles in Kent I’d say this has the biggest and best play park. My son absolutely loved this massive three-storey play castle. There was also a smaller natural play area perfect for my toddler.
In the summer we love grabbing an ice cream, sitting in front of the castle and watching all the ducks waddle by.
Food and drink:
There are a number of cafes and restaurants around the site although they were not all open on our last visit. You can check the website for more info. There are also locations where you can buy ice creams.
Hever Castle is the perfect location for a picnic and there are plenty of spots for this around the grounds as well as numerous picnic benches.
Anything else you need to know:
There is ample free parking.
Much of the grounds are wheelchair and pushchair friendly but the castle itself is not. You can leave your buggy in an area outside.
You can pay to visit just the gardens or both the gardens and the castle
During the summer months there are jousting events which the kids (and the rest of the family) will love
Dover Castle
This is my son’s favourite; there are so many nooks, crannies and different parts to explore. Known as ‘the key to England’ the Castle looks stunning perched on Castle Hill, overlooking the English Channel and the gorgeous White Cliffs. Atop the castle, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views and will even be able to see France on a good day. And with such a vast history there is more to explore than just the castle, including a secret wartime tunnel and underground hospital.
A brief history:
Although it is believed the original settlement pre-dates the Roman Iron Age the castle visible today was built in the decade 1179–89. Spending lavishly, Henry II created the most advanced castle design in Europe. Under Henry III’s ownership building continued sporadically becoming one of the largest and most sophisticated castles in Europe.
Royalty last used the castle in 1625 and after this, the castle was neglected.
Skip to the first world war the castle was used as a garrison for 16,000 troops. During WWII underground casemates were re-commissioned as bomb-proof offices and in 1942 a small underground hospital was built.
Why the kids love it:
Unlike the other castles there is no playpark here but that doesn’t bother the kids. There is so much to see and do as well as loads of space for them to run off steam. My son particularly loves a castle with cannons and cannons there are plenty!
During the school holidays, there are often themed trails for the children.
The history:
Food and drink:
There is a restaurant, cafe and tearoom where you can buy hot and cold food and refreshments. There is plenty of space if you choose to bring your own picnic.
Anything else you need to know:
There is free parking on site.
Much of the grounds are accessible for wheelchairs and buggies however the different attractions are very spread out and some of them are not accessible. There are spaces to leave pushchairs. There is a free to use mobility bus that is accessible to wheelchair users.
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