The present manor house was started in 1497 by Sir John Peche, High Sheriff of Kent for 1494-95 and later (1509) joint Lord Deputy of Calais, establishing foundations that would witness some of the most pivotal moments in English history. When the estate passed by marriage in 1543 to Sir Percyvall Hart, chief steward and knight harbinger to King Henry VIII, King Edward VI, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I, it began an unbroken lineage that continues today with current owner Tom Hart Dyke, the 20th generation to call this extraordinary place home.

The magnificent 16th-century Tudor Gatehouse.

The castle's architectural evolution tells the story of England itself. The house, now known as Lullingstone Castle was built between 1543 and 1580 by Sir Percyvall Hart as Lullingstone House. It is a Grade II* listed building in red brick and of three storeys, with the stunning Tudor gatehouse standing sentinel as visitors approach. The front elevation of Lullingstone Castle suggests a Queen Anne house; indeed, what we see today was built for a visit by Queen Anne, creating a fascinating architectural dialogue between Tudor and Georgian periods that captures the eye and imagination.

Within these historic walls, you'll discover the state drawing room, a superb barrel-vaulted chamber with an exquisitely detailed plaster ceiling, featuring traditional strapwork designs and classical medallions. The magnificent state bedroom houses the bed in which Anne was reputed to have slept, whilst the elegant rooms showcase period furnishings that transport visitors directly into England's golden age. Remarkably, it was here that Sir William Hart Dyke and Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) drew up the first rules of lawn tennis, adding sporting history to the castle's impressive pedigree.

Beyond the historic house lies something truly unique in British heritage tourism – The World Garden @ Lullingstone Castle is located in a 2-acre Tudor & Victorian walled area. One-acre contains the World Garden laid out as a miniature map of the world with plants located in their correct miniature native land masses. This extraordinary botanical collection, featuring some 6,000 different types of plant taxa, represents one of the most innovative and personal garden creations in England.

The World Garden offers a global botanical journey.

The World Garden's origin story reads like an adventure novel. The idea of the World Garden at Lullingstone Castle, in Eynsford, was born on a day which Tom believed would be his last after he was kidnapped in a Colombian jungle back in 2000. During nine months of captivity whilst plant hunting, Tom — distracted himself by planning his ideal garden. And it's this garden, changed very little from the original plan, which now supports the family estate at Lullingstone Castle in Kent.

Today, visitors can explore this living map of the world, where the planting beds represent continents, separated by large boulders which come from the same countries as the plants. Visitors enter the garden through a moon gate – a round Victorian archway – with South America on the right, and Africa opposite, filled with bold, architectural plants. The remarkable collection includes our 'Hot & Spikey' Cactus House, the 'Cloud Garden' temperate House & spanking new in 2012, The New Islamic Bulb House, offering year-round botanical interest regardless of British weather.

Lullingstone Castle offers an intimate alternative to larger stately homes, where personal stories and family history create genuine connections with England's past. The house interiors are not opulent in the style of, say, Chatsworth or Blenheim, but rather, comfortable and genteel – this authentic family atmosphere makes history accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.

Lullingstone Castle with St Botolph's Church in the grounds.

The estate's 120 acres provide endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. The grounds are located on the River Darent and hidden within it are Queen Anne's bathhouse and an icehouse dating from the 18th century, whilst the park contains some of the oldest oak trees in Britain, wildflowers, and a church (St Botolph's) of Norman and possibly earlier foundation. The medieval church houses exceptional family monuments, including the magnificent tomb of Percyvall Hart that dominates the tiny chancel, creating a perfect complement to your castle visit.

Royal connections permeate every corner of Lullingstone's story. The estate's historical significance extends beyond royal visits to include Zoe Dyke created the Lullingstone Silk Farm here which was visited by Queen Mary and as a result it created silk for the coronation robe of King George VI... including the Wedding dress of Princess Elizabeth and the Wedding dress of Lady Diana Spencer, weaving Lullingstone into the fabric of modern royal history.

Strategically positioned in the heart of Kent's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lullingstone Castle offers exceptional accessibility for London and southeast England visitors. The nearest train station is Eynsford (), and trains take approximately 50 minutes from central London, making it an ideal destination for day trips or weekend heritage touring. The castle sits conveniently near other significant attractions, including the renowned Lullingstone Roman Villa, creating opportunities for comprehensive historical exploration of the Darent Valley.

Set within 120 acres of beautiful Kent Countryside, Lullingstone Castle is one of England's oldest family estates, offering visitors the rare privilege of experiencing authentic heritage within spectacular natural surroundings. Free parking ensures convenient access, whilst the intimate scale makes it perfect for families, couples, and heritage enthusiasts seeking meaningful encounters with English history.