Lullingstone Castle: Kent, England

Number 30 - Lullingstone Castle 

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.

Ripley Castle: North Yorkshire, England

Number 20 - Ripley Castle


I have a friend who's surname is Ripley, so I was already open to loving this place whatever it looked like. Luckily I was not disappointed, Ripley Castle is really beautiful. Our visit took place in July 2012 on the way back from staying the night at Lumley Castle. We were hoping for sun but it was a bit grey and cloudy. This did not, however, dampen our spirits.

It's in a stunning part of the country and the village contains lots of sweet little independent butchers and florists. We found a parking spot and went in. 

Ripley castle is very much a 'house' castle, looking like a stately home. Apparently it's been like this since the 15th century.

As we were time limited we decided not to go inside, but instead to explore the grounds. There is a beautiful lake which we walked half way round. However, at this point quite heavy rain started so we had to hot foot it back to shelter.

One of my favourite elements of the castle was the walled garden with a whole variety of plants. 

 

Places like this always remind me of watching 'The Secret Garden' when I was little and constantly trying to find doorways in my own garden that lead somewhere I'd never been.... I didn't have much luck. But then, I didn't live at Ripley Castle!

After admiring all the plants and flowers (Chloe took a shine to a rather unusual piece of tree bark) we went to have a nice slice of cake and drink in the tea rooms, to keep our energy up for the long drive that lay ahead of us.

Cost: Just over £10 for castle and gardens and £7 for the gardens on their own.

Hints and tips: I am sure the house is really lovely inside and well worth a look. Picnicing by the side of the lake would be a lovely way to spend an afternoon (minus the rain). As Ripley hosts weddings and things it may be worth checking whether it's free when you visit or you might be restricted in what you can see.

Barnard Castle: County Durham

Number 19 - Barnard Castle

After staying at Lumley castle overnight we set off in the morning and headed for Barnard castle. It's managed by the English Heritage and sits in a lovely little market town. We parked a bit of a walk away, but it wasn't a problem as there were lots of things to look at as we pootled along.

From the outside the castle doesn't look like there's that much to see and do, but once you get in it's actually really big with lots of the ruin still in tact. We were pleasantly surprised and actually spent quite a while there.

It was built in the 12th century and overlooks the Tees Gorge, so lots of fantastic views. You could climb stairs that took you to the top of the various turrets.

There was also a lovely herb and flower garden which Chloe loved as she is a keen gardener.

There were swathes of green fields, and crossing them took you to other parts of the castle and a rather lovely drawbridge etc. It must have been really huge when it was all in one piece.

Costs: £5 approx for adults

Hints and tips: Don't be deceived by first impressions, you get a lot of castle for your money!

Lewes Castle: East Sussex, England

Number 8 - Lewes castle

Lewes was a real gem. It's based in the middle of Lewes town centre, kind of behind the high street. If you've not been to lewes before, it's worth a visit. Lovely little vintage and antique shops, independent boutiques and sweet cafes and restaurants. 

When we got to the castle you could see straight way it was going to be good. Lots of turrets, walkways and gorgeous gardens. You could even buy weeds.... though why you'd want to do that, I don't know. 

As an added bonus, there was a musician rehearsing for a concert which was happening that night in the gardens, so we got to listen to some beautiful guitar music as we wandered round.

 

Lewes castle is run by Sussex Past, it's a 1000 year old Norman castle and we visited it on a lovely day in July 2011. It's in pretty good nic considering how old it is. 

Once in the main part of the castle, it snaked round to a mound which took you higher and higher. At the top another separate bit of the castle appeared. It's much bigger than it first looks and there is lots to see and admire.

To be honest, the main highlight of the trip came when we happened upon a dressing up and props room with gowns, furs, and a fake catapult. 

 

It was a dream come true, and yes, we tried as much on as possible before any little kiddywinks interrupted us.

Cost: £7 approx

Hints and tips: There isn't a car park so you'll need to park in Lewes, take some loose change with you.

If you want to know more about why we're doing this, read my first blog!