Tonbridge Castle: Kent, England

Number 35 - Tonbridge castle

Following an absolutely delightful time at Hever Castle, our fun filled day was not over yet! We headed over 20 minutes in the car to Tonbridge castle.

I'd bought Chloe tickets to Luna Cinema's screening of Dirty Dancing at the Castle. This couldn't have been more perfect as we both LOVE the film, and it meant we got to tick another castle off our list.

Luna cinema do outdoor screenings all over the country and I'll definitely be investigating what else they have on offer.

We got to the venue three hours before the show started (we like to be early), and we knew the gatehouse opened two hours before the film started. There was a massive queue, so we were right to be prompt. 

We didn't get to go inside the gatehouse tower as it was shut once the event started. However it looks like a lot of work has been done to renovate it and normally you can go inside and have tours. The castle was first built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and his comrades. It's a simple motte and bailey castle.


Once through the gatehouse, there was a grassy section surrounded by the outer wall. It overlooked the whole town and was a great vantage point. Such a contrast to Hever castle which was in the middle of nowhere, Tonbridge is in the middle of a bustling town, sitting on top of the hill looking over everything.

We set up our collapsible chairs, got out our quillows (my grandmother-in-law made me these, patchwork quilts that can fold into a pillow) and worked out what to eat. 

The event had some food and drink stalls, which we did sample. But to be honest, they were really pricey for what they were (even by my London standards). I would have taken a picnic, which most people did, but we'd already had one that day, so I thought double picnic could be over doing it.

The film started at 9pm when it had just started getting dark. 

Such a great atmosphere watching it in the castle walls, and everyone whooping whenever Patrick was on screen, understandably!

When the final scene started everyone was on their feet dancing and singing, so much fun! As soon as the credits started rolling we both pegged it to our cars, as it was late and we each had an hour journey home. But this was a really unique way to experience Tonbridge castle.

Cost: Because I had bought tickets for the screening we didn't pay a separate fee to go into the castle gatehouse itself. However if you want a tour of the gatehouse it's £8. The grounds are open daily and free of charge.

Hints and tips: There are car parks nearby which you can use and pay and display.

Turret score: The tower looked very impressive and robust so I would give the turrets a 7/10.

Want to know why we visited Tonbridge castle? Check out my first blog.