In this blog, we are going to showcase some of the local castles in Kent that you can visit. Which are within easy reach from our glamping site. We’ve also included a few further afield, just in case you may want to venture to other parts of Kent that are all easily accessible within an hour from Greenhill Glamping.
Castles under 30 minutes from Greenhill Glamping
Dover Castle
Greenhill Glamping to Dover Castle by car: 15 minutes
Dover Castle is the closest castle to us. It is one of the oldest castles in England and is on top of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. It started life as a Roman hill-fort and when the Normans arrived in 1066, they used the same site to build a more formidable structure. The castle additionally has been at the forefront of the UK defences for over 900 years. More recently it played an important role during both world wars. The tunnels were used as an underground hospital and it was from here that the evacuation of British troops from the beaches of Dunkirk was masterminded. Further along from Dover Castle are Walmer Castle and Deal Castle.
Book a ticket to Dover Castle
Walmer Castle (and Gardens)
Greenhill Glamping to Walmer Castle and Gardens by car: 15 minutes
Walmer Castle was built as a Tudor artillery fortress by King Henry VIII in 1539 alongside Deal and Sandown Castles. Situated right on the Kent coast and it was key in defending England from the threat of French and Spanish invasions. Walmer Castle eventually became a stately home and official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in the 18th Century and is set amongst award-winning gardens offering a mix of formal and informal gardens.
Book tickets to Walmer Castle and Gardens
Deal Castle
Greenhill Glamping to Deal Castle by car: 20 minutes
Deal Castle is the largest and most elaborate of Henry VIII’s artillery forts along Kent’s coastline. Designed in the style of a Tudor rose which has over 100 gun positions. The castle is just a short walk to the beach and the small town of Deal with its wealth of 18th century houses fronting the beach.
Castles under an hour from Greenhill Glamping
Leeds Castle
Greenhill Glamping to Leeds Castle by car: 35 minutes
Leeds Castle is a wonderful, moated castle, built in 1119. It has often been described as ‘the loveliest castle in the world.’ Discover 900 years of history or explore the beautiful 500-acre parkland with beautiful streams and gardens, a maze and a grotto. Or for keen golfers, the historical golf course is both challenging and picturesque. An entry ticket purchased is valid for 12 months, so you have the bonus of being able to revisit at any time of the year. Leeds Castle is also well known for the events they hold as well as daily activities and tours. So definitely plan to spend a whole day at Leeds Castle.
Rochester Castle
Greenhill Glamping to Rochester Castle by car: 54 minutes
Rochester Castle is a very imposing fortress strategically placed to guard over the River Medway. It has the tallest Norman Keep in England reaching 113 feet tall. You can explore the impressive remains of the Keep enjoying breath-taking views and discover how the castle survived 3 major attacks during its history. It is one of the three royal castles in Kent with Dover Castle and Canterbury Castle being the other two.
Prices and opening times Rochester Castle
Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens
Greenhill Glamping to Sissinghurst by car: 50 minutes
Sissinghurst Castle was built in the 1530s as a house but in the 1700’s it was used as a prison for French sailors who were captured during the Seven Years War. They nicknamed it ‘Le Chateau’ which translates as ‘the castle’. In the 19th Century it was used as a poorhouse, before it was bought by Vita Sackville West, a famous British poet, who, along with her husband Harold, transformed the house and gardens into the well know National Trust property you see today.
Opening times and prices at Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens
Finally, one castle little further a field.
Hever Castle and Gardens
Greenhill Glamping to Hever Castle by car: 1 hour 25 minutes
A little further afield is Hever Castle, the Royal Tudor home of Anne Boleyn. It is well worth planning a day’s visit to enjoy the 13th-century castle and stunning gardens and grounds including a water maze, beautiful lake and woodland walk. Hever Castle is well known for its jousting events held during the summer months as well as other numerous events throughout the year.
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