Lullingstone Castle
Kent, England
Photo: Marathon, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Ethan Doyle White, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Ethan Doyle White, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Hart Dyke family
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Eynsford, 0.5 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- World Garden; seasonal opening
Pinpoint
Lullingstone Castle, Dartford DA4 0JA
Telephone 01322 862114
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
A family home since the 15th century, better known now for the World Garden that owner Tom Hart Dyke planted after being taken hostage while plant-hunting in Central America - on his release he set about growing a map of the world's flora in the grounds instead. The castle itself opens only seasonally and in part, but the church, manor house, and gardens together make for a genuinely unusual day out.
At a glance
Who to know
Tom Hart Dyke · owner who planted the World Garden after being taken hostage plant-hunting
Worth the trip
The World Garden - a planted map of the globe, laid out by an owner who is often on-site himself to talk about it.
Before you go
It's seasonal and only open on selected days, so check the calendar before setting out; parking is free, and reviewers rate the guided garden tours, when running, as worth timing a visit around.
What visitors say
Lullingstone Castle reviews · 4.5 / 5 across 1,129 Google reviews
Recent reviewers all had thoroughly enjoyable, relaxed visits to Lullingstone, repeatedly praising the World Garden's variety of plants (including an exotic glasshouse), the free parking, and helpful, friendly staff and volunteers.
History boards around the grounds and a pleasant cafe also get positive mentions, with no notable criticisms raised in this set.
“It was an open day for the castle so we had the joy of seeing both the gardens and the house. We had a cream tea in the outside marquee which was delightful. The gardens are worth a visit and I look forward to going…”- Caroline Tye, visitor review
Within reach of London (17 miles), Southend-on-Sea (26 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Walks at Lullingstone Castle
Lullingstone Castle is on our walks roll because a visitor described a walk here in their own review:
“The grounds are beautifully kept, with lovely parkland, small bridges over a little river, and attractive walking paths that make the whole place feel relaxing and picturesque.”- Anatori Sealife, visitor review
Also worth knowing: you can arrive by train (Eynsford is 0.5 miles off).
Comparing options? See every UK castle with a walk visitors describe.
One visitor's account, not a route guide. We hold no distances, waymarks or start points. For the actual route, check the operator's own site and an Ordnance Survey map before you set out, and treat coastal and clifftop paths as weather- and tide-dependent.
History
Sir John Peche · 1497
A Kent manor documented in the 1086 Domesday Book, substantially rebuilt in 1497 by Sir John Peche, who served as High Sheriff. The property became a favoured retreat for Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, then passed into the Hart family through marriage in 1543, remaining their ancestral seat for nearly five centuries.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “One of the first things we appreciated was the very convenient free parking, which made the visit easy and stress-free from the beginning.” - Anatori Sealife
- Facilities
- “In the courtyard there is a very pleasant café in a tent-style setting, where visitors can order hot food, delicious tea and sweet treats.” - Anatori Sealife
Common questions about Lullingstone Castle
Where is Lullingstone Castle?
Lullingstone Castle is in Kent, England, at Lullingstone Castle, Dartford DA4 0JA.
Do you need a ticket to visit Lullingstone Castle?
Yes - Lullingstone Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Hart Dyke family. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Are there walks at Lullingstone Castle?
Visitor reviews describe walking here - one reviewer wrote: “The grounds are beautifully kept, with lovely parkland, small bridges over a little river, and attractive walking paths that make the whole place feel relaxing and picturesque.”. That is one visitor's account rather than a route guide, so check the operator's own site and an Ordnance Survey map for distances, paths and start points before setting out.
What is the highlight of visiting Lullingstone Castle?
The World Garden - a planted map of the globe, laid out by an owner who is often on-site himself to talk about it.
Is Lullingstone Castle a ruin or still intact?
Lullingstone Castle is a partial ruin - World Garden; seasonal opening.
