It seemed apt that in the year we both turned 30 we did our 30th castle. We got a 2 for 1 deal on Groupon to visit Lullingstone Castle in Kent. So in August 2014 we set off.
We weren't sure what to expect, as we knew very little about Lullingstone Castle. It was in the middle of nowhere (somewhere in Kent) but all very picturesque. There is a nice castle gatehouse with turrets and the person on the gate told us that the house was opening (not an every day occurrence) so it looks like we opted to go on the right day!
Once inside the castle walls there is a church... yes, they had their own private church. And a gorgeous manor house which was the main dwelling.
I got the impression part of the house was still lived in by the current owners, but don't quote me on that.
We decided to tackle the gardens first, which were really interesting. There was a World Garden which the owners' son had set up. While abroad, he was kidnapped for 9 months. While prisoner he started planning to build a world garden at his family home (castle). Once free, he went home and set to it. He featured in a BBC documentary showing the trials and tribulations of trying to finance a huge estate like this and building this amazing garden. It's quite surprising just how tough it can be to make these country manors earn money and pay for themselves, and the outgoings are massive with gardens to tend and building fix. So maybe living in the equivalent of 'Pemberley' shouldn't be so high on my 'to-do' list.
Back to our visit, the World Garden had lots of flower beds and decor with plants from all over the place. We particularly liked the Chinese part which had lots of bamboo tunnels as well as the cactus house where a very nice lady talked us through how to look after them.
There were some pretty groovy sculptures as well.
Lullingstone Castle also sells plants at really reasonable prices, which was a nice addition to our trip.
After spending quite a bit of time exploring the gardens, we paid a visit to the marquee for home made cheese sandwiches.
Then it was time for the house tour. The guide was great, interesting and funny and clearly knew his stuff. He kept talking about Henry VIII and 'Queen Ann'. Chloe and myself spent a long time trying to work out who Queen Ann actually was. Ann Boelyn? Ann of Cleves.... someone else? We were too embarrassed to ask, so just kept trying to find clues. We failed... and still don't know who this mysterious 'Ann' is. Maybe I should google it... oh well.
The house was in great condition with lots of interesting things to look at. Some Japanese pottery caught my eye, really distinct.
We wandered downstairs after the tour was over and had a look at some books that were for sale. We got chatting to a lady, who we thought was another guide. Chloe had more interesting things to do so went off to look at some portraits while I carried on chatting to the woman concerned. She seemed to know a lot about the house, and history. Very impressed...well trained..........turns out she was the owner, the lady of the mansion! Oh the sweet pangs of joy as I got to get into her good books while Chloe looked at suite of armour. Ha!
When I broke the bombshell to Chloe upon leaving, she didn't believe me, but it's as true as true can be.
If we'd had more time we would have walked round a rather large and beautiful lake but we both had to dash off.
Cost: Very reasonable. A mere £7 and we got this deal that meant 2 for £9, bargain!
Hints and tips: When you arrive in the village there is a Roman Fort, that is not the castle. Keep going up a tiny road and you'll eventually reach the castle. There is a little marquee selling home made sandwiches and cake, but take cash.
Want to know why we visited Lullingstone castle? Check out my first blog.
