English Heritage - Temple Manor — Attraction in England

We loved it but wish it was open more often and a little bit better looked after. Who knew Strood had such a fascinating history and such a place of historical importance in it's own right? The Manor is worth the visit if you love local history - but lots more could be done with it. You might drive past and not even realise it's there...nestled in between businesses on the industrial estate, we actually drove past then turned back! The grounds leave a lot to be desired - I mean it's mown grass and a few picnic tables round the back but no flower beds or path ways. You park on the grass in front of the Manor, not many cars would fit there and I dread to think what a rainy day would be like! The ladies today that were on hand were very lovely, friendly and helpful. Free entry to the Manor, there's a kids trail to follow - without which there's not lots there to get their interest unless you include various boards of info to read and a krypton factor style jigsaw map of Strood to construct which, although it could do with a clean, was surprisingly fun to do. So glad we finally got to visit - you really have to dig through the internet to find out when it's open to the public because the Google page is obviously not updated (it said it was closed today!). We found it on the Medway...

Beautiful spot, and incredibly quiet. I was there about a half-hour before closing (3:30 is when the last visitors are allowed in), and I was the only one on site. Staff or volunteer presence was minimal, and signage is fairly limited. Not worth going to Rochester for, but worth seeing if you're in the neighborhood if only for the surprising ambience of a site located in the middle of an industrial park.

There's an activity for children (trying on costumes), for those traveling with little ones.

For those interested in the history of the Knights, I'd visit the Guildhall museum in Rochester before coming out here. That museum is free, and it has an entire exhibit on their history that provides much needed context...

"Hidden Gem" Temple Manor is a Grade I Listed building situated within an industrial estate opposite Rochester Castle, across the river. If you're planning to visit the castle, it would be a great idea to explore the manor as well. Please note that it is NOT open every day, so make sure to CHECK BEFORE YOUR VISIT. Typically, it is open during school holiday periods, such as Easter and half-term breaks.

There is limited parking available, but you'll find a Morrison's nearby, just a...