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Chilham Castle

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

There has been a castle of some description at Chilham since the early 8th century, but of those early fortresses little is known. There was a stone-built castle here at the time of the Norman invasion, and an extensive medieval castle. Of the medieval buildings only the octagonal keep remains. The bulk of the castle we see today was created by Sir Dudley Digges in the early 17th century. Digges created a grand house in the Italian Renaissance style which was then fashionable.

The design is somewhat peculiar; the house taking a hexagonal shape, with hexagonal buttresses making the whole ground-plan into a rather jagged letter C. Tradition says that the design was by Inigo Jones, but this is open to debate.

Inside, several of the original Jacobean features remain, including the grand staircase and two ceilings.

The house was remodeled several times, making it into a rather intriguing mix of architectural styles, ranging from Regency to Victorian Gothic.

The castle is set in 24 acres of lovely gardens, surrounded by a further 300 acres of parkland. The most prominent feature of the garden is the long set of terraces designed for Digges by John Tradescant the Elder.

The castle is open by arrangement for tour parties and for hire for corporate functions. There are regular garden open days and other events throughout the year.
Chilham, Kent, England, CT4 8DB

About Chilham Castle
Attraction Type: Historic House
Website: Chilham Castle
Location map
OS TR065535

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Chilham, St Mary - 0.2 miles (Church) Mount Ephraim Gardens - 3.8 miles (Garden) Bigbury Camp - 4 miles (Prehistoric) Belmont House - 5.3 miles (Historic House) Canterbury Castle - 5.5 miles (Castle) Canterbury, St Mildred Church - 5.5 miles (Church) Canterbury, St Dunstan - 5.6 miles (Church) Canterbury City Walls - 5.6 miles (Historic Property)

Nearest Towns and Villages Chilham - 0.2 miles away Godmersham - 1.9 miles away Wye - 4.3 miles away Canterbury - 5.7 miles away Charing - 7.5 miles away Fordwich - 8.1 miles away Ashford - 8.3 miles away Whitstable - 8.6 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Chilham Castle

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

The Smithy - 0.2 miles from Chilham Castle Chilham, Kent Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £260

Heron Manor - 0.3 miles from Chilham Castle Chilham, Kent Sleeps: 5 Stay from: £420

Mistletoe - 0.3 miles from Chilham Castle Chilham, Kent Sleeps: 3 Stay from: £278

More Self Catering near Chilham Castle

Nearest Hotels

Woolpack Inn - 0.3 miles from Chilham Castle Chilham, Kent Stay from: £55.00

Homelea Bed & Breakfast - 1.3 miles from Chilham Castle Chilham, Kent Stay from: £60.00

The White Horse Inn - 3.5 miles from Chilham Castle Faversham, Kent Stay from: £65.00

More Hotels near Chilham Castle

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Upper Ansdore - 4.3 miles from Chilham Castle Canterbury, Kent From: £48.00

Anns house - 5.5 miles from Chilham Castle Canterbury, Kent From: £80.00

Magnolia House - 5.5 miles from Chilham Castle Canterbury, Kent From: £114.00

More bed and breakfasts near Chilham Castle

Faversham
Tourist Information Centre
Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre
13 Preston Street
Faversham
Kent
England
ME13 8NS
Tel: 01795 534 542
Fax: 01795 533 261
Email: ticfaversham@btconnect.com
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