Chilham Castle — Attraction in Ashford

Chilham Castle, Kent, UK:

Nestled in the charming Kent village of Chilham, Chilham Castle is a serene and enchanting escape steeped in centuries of English history and landscaped beauty. The magnificent Jacobean manor, completed in 1616 for Sir Dudley Digges and built beside a Norman‑origin keep dating to 1174, stands proudly amidst 300+ acres of Capability Brown‑designed gardens and wild woodland. 

Visitors stepping into the grounds are greeted by terraces framed with clipped yews, kitchen gardens bursting with seasonal blooms, and tranquil woodland paths leading down to a peaceful lake. Row a boat, explore the island or simply enjoy the sweeping Stour Valley views from the elevated vantage points.

While the interior house isn’t open to the public, the surrounding gardens offer a rewarding experience at a modest entry fee—with benches scattered throughout and picnic spots under ancient oaks.

Chilham Castle also plays host to bespoke events and wellness-focused retreats, including gastronomic experiences, wellness programs, and even vineyard tours. Stay within elegant chambers, unwind in curated gardens, or attend seasonal Shakespeare performances outdoors. 

Rustic charm, timeless elegance, and peaceful gardens make Chilham Castle a hidden gem in Kent—perfect for a relaxing day visit or a thoughtfully...

Chilham Castle - A Picturesque Setting, But Check Ahead for Access

We took an afternoon trip from Canterbury to explore Chilham Castle, thinking it would be a perfect spot for a leisurely day. Trains to Chilham were running hourly, making it convenient to get there. However, upon arrival, I discovered that an event was taking place, which meant the grounds were off-limits to visitors. While the gates were open, security was present, and we couldn’t enter to see the gardens or the castle up close. It seemed like a lively event, as we could hear the band playing from a distance, and the square was packed with cars, adding to the festive atmosphere.

What I hadn’t realized beforehand was that Chilham Castle is actually a private residence, which limits access to the grounds. It appears that the gardens are open to visitors on a limited basis. I wish I had researched better before planning this outing—it ended up being a bit of a disappointment.

If you’re considering visiting Chilham Castle, I recommend checking in advance for any scheduled events and verifying the hours when the gardens are accessible. It’s a beautiful area, but careful planning is essential to avoid a...

We recently hired Chilham Castle for a private event and we cannot possibly sing the team and venue's praises enough. Every detail, from start to finish, was simply magical and exceeded all of our expectations.

The Castle transported our guests into another dimension of history, timeless beauty, and total tranquility. It's a truly unique space to escape and feel free, unlike anywhere else in England. The bedrooms were fit for a King or Queen allowing our well-travelled guests to feel right at home, the entertaining spaces were akin to any famous palace or castle from around the world, and the gardens were a haven of natural beauty.

Most of all the Amin family and their team welcomed us into their home with open arms, exuberant kindness, and second to none professionalism and class.

I cannot recommend Chilham Castle enough. We can't wait to...