0191 2094161

World Garden of Plants, Lullingstone Castle, Kent

BRIEF HISTORY
Where heritage meets horticulture

Set within 120 acres of beautiful Kent countryside, Lullingstone Castle is one of England’s oldest family estates, dating back to the time of Domesday. The present Manor House and Gatehouse, which overlook an expansive 15-acre lake, were built in 1497 and have been home to the same family ever since. Both Henry VIII and Queen Anne are known to have been regular visitors. Also in the grounds is the Parish Church of St Botolph, which is of Norman origin and contains some of the oldest stained glass windows in the country.

Lullingstone has an interesting involvement with lawn tennis dating back to the 1870s when the rules for the game were drawn up and more recently, during World War Two, Lullingstone was taken over by the British Army for training purposes. Owing to its proximity to Biggin Hill airport, a decoy airfield was established just beyond the Gatehouse.

Lullingstone was also home to the famous Silk Farm, established in the 1930s, which was commissioned to produce silk for the last two coronations and other royal occasions. At Lullingstone we have various displays documenting the history of the Silk Farm. Visitors can also wander along the River Darent and see an 18th century ice house as well as “Queen Anne’s Bathhouse”.

HORTICULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
The World Garden of Plants - Around the world in 80 minutes

The UK’s first ever ‘World Garden of Plants’ containing some 8,000 plant species, cultivars and hybrids planted in their respective countries of origin, is the vision of modern-day plant hunter Tom Hart Dyke. The Garden pays homage to the amazing achievements of Victorian and Edwardian plant hunters, who risked life and limb in pursuit of the plants we now cherish in our gardens in the UK - almost 80% of the plants we grow are not native to this country. Tom himself was kidnapped in Colombia in 2000 whilst in search of orchids. Partly in order to endure his nine months in captivity, Tom drew a map of the World Garden he envisaged creating within the two-acre walled garden at Lullingstone. Built in 2005, it flourishes year on year adding rare and important botanical plants to its collection.

LOCAL AREA
The Lullingstone Roman Villa is our nearest attraction as well as the birds of prey centre Eagle Heights and beautiful farm shop The Hop Shop. There are also some lovely village pubs in the Eynsford and Farningham.

HOW TO FIND US
Lullingstone is less than 10 minutes from Junction 3 of the M25.

Our nearest train station is Eynsford, around 50 minutes from central London. We're a 15-minute walk from the station.

OPENING TIMES
April - September

World Garden Open:
Every Friday (except Good Friday), Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday: 12 noon - 5pm

House Open:
Only on Bank Holiday Weekends: Fridays (except Good Friday), Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays at the same times as the World Garden (12 noon - 5pm) and for special events (11am - 5pm)
Please note that last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.

ENTRY
NB With regret, we are unable to accept debit/credit cards

Adult £7.00
Child £4.00 (5-15 yrs old)
Senior citizen £6.50
Family £18.00 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children)
Group rate £6 (minimum number in group: 20)

World Garden Passports
Season tickets are also available on site or via the website
1 year £20, 2 years £30

Guided Groups
Guided tours are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays for pre-booked groups: the group rate is £8 per person plus £40 per group for a dedicated guide. Pre-booked groups receive a guided tour of the House, Church and World Garden which lasts approx 2-3 hours.
Garden-only guided tours are available on Mondays and Tuesdays until the end of October, and are also £8 per person.

FOOD & DRINK
Refreshments are available on site. Picnics are welcome.

POSTCODE FOR CAR SAT NAVs
DA4 0JA or DA4 0HX

WEBSITE / TEL No.
www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk
01322 862114