Tonbridge Castle - Tourist Attractions In West Kent

More great places to visit in Kent - Get all the Yourcounty updates free to you mailbox by signing up for the Kent Review

Tonbridge Castle - Tourist Attractions In West Kent

The Castle in Tonbridge dates from the 12^th Century is a fine example of a motte and bailey castle and was built on a rise in the land in the town centre. The walls date from the 12^th century and shell of the keep and the huge gatehouse and towers added in the late 13^th and early 14^th century. Inside the castle walls is a mound that is thought to be the site of an earlier Saxon fort. The castle was built by Richard Fitzgerald or Richard de Clare as he was also known and stayed in his family until after Gilbert de Clare was killed at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314 when the castle changed hands.

The castle was largely destroyed during the English Civil War but a manor house was added in the 18^th century and this is now the local tourist information centre. The castle is now surrounded by landscaped gardens overlooking the River Medway and there are well organised displays and audio tours on the Gatehouse and site. From the battlements of the castle there are wonderful views over the rooftops of the town and along the River Medway.

Events 2011

May

14th - Castle Bike Ride 01732896196
14th-15th - Tonbridge Scarecrow Trail
21st-22nd - Tonbridge Garden Show. Tonbridge Farm Sportsground

June

12th - Tonbridge Summer Carnival, Fete and Open Air Concert. Tonbridge Castle
19th - Princessof Wales's Royal Regiment Parade. Tonbridge Highstreet
23rd - Ilyria - Fantastic Mr Fox. Tonbridge Castle
25th - Jane Austin's Grandparents. Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul

July

7th-9th - Tonbridge Castle Music Festival
7th- The Lion, The Which and the Wardrobe
8th- The Magic Flute
9th- Candelit Opera Gala Concert

August

7th - Ozignition (Funk/Soul band). Tonbridge Castle
11th - Ilyria - Twelth Night. Tonbridge Castle
14th - East Sussex Concert Band Tonbridge Castle (3pm - 5pm)
21st - Kent Police Band Tonbridge Castle (3pm - 5pm)
28th - Bells Yew Green Big Band. Tonbridge Castle (3pm - 5pm)
30th - Pirates Of Penzance. Tonbridge Castle

September

10th-11th - Medieval Fair and eritage Open Day. Tonbridge Castle

November

27th - Tonbridge Christmas Festival. Tonbridge Highstreet

Open:

Monday to Friday : 9.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday: 10.30am to 4.30pm
Last tour one hour before closing
Grounds open daily free of charge from 8.00am till dusk
Open all year except Christmas & New year

Prices - 1st April 2011 - 31st March 2012

Gatehouse Tours

Adults £6.80
Children/O.A.P's £3.90
(Child under 5yrs free)
Family £19.50

Educational Group Bookings

Children £3.90 (2 adults free per 10 children)
Additional Adults £3.90
Education Facility £65.00 (including Teachers Notes & Activity Sheets)

Group Bookings

A 10% discount is available for groups of 10 people or more visiting the castle

Address:

Tonbridge Castle Tourist Information Centre,
Council Offices,
Tonbridge Castle,
Castle Street,
Tonbridge,
Kent TN9 1BG
Tel : 01732 770929
Fax : 01732 770449
email : tonbridge.castle@tmbc.gov.uk
or visit website www.tonbridgecastle.org

Please refer to our disclaimer, Yourcounty does not have any responsibility for the content of external websites.