Chiddingstone Castle, Sevenoaks

The treasures of charming Chiddingstone Castle near Sevenoaks went on show to the public when the attraction opened for the new season on 6 April 2012. Visitors were just in time to see the breathtaking display of daffodils which covered the lawns in front of the Castle.

Nestling in the beautiful, rolling Kent Weald, visitors to Chiddingstone Castle can see the exquisite collections of the late and gifted antiquarian Denys Eyre Bower who had a talent for spotting unusual antiques and collectables before they became desirable collector items.

A new attraction last year year was a display of 15-20 exquisite snuff boxes from the Stuart era.  The snuff boxes of varying shapes and sizes date back to the early 17th Century. The materials used to make these beautiful pieces include tortoiseshell, silver, wood and horn: a quite mysterious material which is the precursor of plastics.  They include beautiful and very intricate relief portraits of Stuart and Jacobite Kings and Queens.  Several are marked with the signature of John Obrisset, a very highly skilled horn and tortoiseshell worker and snuff box maker.

Denys had a particular interest in the Stuart and Jacobite cause, he belonged to the Royal Stuart Society and believed himself to be the reincarnation of Bonnie Prince Charlie!

The Victorian Kitchens at Chiddingstone have also been expanded for the new season and will include an authentic Victorian scullery.

Two new paintings have been added to the Castle history display.  The works are by artists from the Long Dene School (who owned Chiddingstone Castle between 1945 and 1954).

Chiddingstone Castle hosts events all year to highlight the wonderful collections inside the Castle which include:  The Japanese Collection, The Egyptian Collection, The Buddhist Collection, The Stuart and Jacobite Collection and refurbished rooms from the Victorian Era.

Visitors can explore the stunning 35 acres of grounds and gardens including a large lake and waterfall.  There is also an award winning orangery surrounded by rhododendrons.

The historical National Trust village of Chiddingstone, which has been the location for some well known films, including A Room with a View, The Wicked Lady and Elizabeth R, can be accessed from the Castle Grounds.

Opening Times 2012

The Gardens and Grounds continue to remain open throughout the year (apart from days with private functions). The Victorian Tea Room and Gift Shop will also open during these days - these are open to visitors without an admission ticket to the Castle.

Admission Charges 2012

• Adults - £8
• Children under 5* - Free*
• Children 5 to 13 - £4
• Families (2 adults+ 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) - £21.50
• Adult Group per person (min 15 people) unguided - £7
• Adult Season Ticket - £23
• Family Season Ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) - £60.50
• Parking (an honesty box is located in the car park, with a suggested donation of £2 per car) - £2

For More Information

• Chiddingstone Castle
  Hill Hoath Road
  Chiddingstone
  Kent
  TN8 7AD
• 01892 870347
• www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk 

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