Key facts
- Operator
- Hart Dyke family
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
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.
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.
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.
World Garden; seasonal opening
“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
