Kent Castle to open its gardens this summer

We are excited to announce that Allington Castle Gardens will be opening their doors on Sunday 20 July and Sunday 3 August 2025 to raise much needed funds for the hospice.

Children can take part in a fun treasure trail with prizes for all those who complete the trail.

Event Manager Maisie Bass said: “As most hospices are local charities, including Heart of Kent Hospice, we only receive a small amount of NHS funding and rely heavily on local fundraising. We need to raise the £6.6 million it costs each year to support thousands of people as well as their families, friends and carers living in our community both at home and in the hospice. By supporting events, including the Allington Castle Gardens open days, we can help our hospice to continue providing free end of life care and support to those living with a terminal illness who need our services in the Maidstone, Aylesford, Tonbridge, and surrounding areas. We would like to thank Kerrie Gibbons and the team at Allington Castle for making this event possible.”

Allington Castle is quite simply one of Kent’s best kept secrets and is also one of Kent’s finest private residences and is not normally open to the general public.

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. 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. This historical gem provides a fascinating glimpse into England’s rich past, complimented by the natural beauty of its woodland and riverside setting. The vibrant, eco-friendly gardens and grounds are also home to a diverse array of thriving wildlife.

There is free parking and you are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy in the gardens. There will also be a bar offering refreshments. Please note that no dogs are allowed in the gardens.

Location: Allington Castle, Castle Road, Allington, ME16 0ND.
Ticket prices: £15 for adults and children £10. A family ticket is £45