Description

On August 30th 1999, the Gatehouse at Tonbridge Castle closed to visitors and work on a £375,000 millennium project began. The missing floors on the ground and first floor levels have been replaced, and spiral staircase in the East Tower repaired.

This enables a circular tour of the gatehouse to be possible. In replacing the floors, two additional rooms have been created. An education room mainly for school and group use, provision for an exhibition space for local community use, and a second venue for Civil marriage ceremonies has been provided. Architect Stuart Page ensured the work was of a high quality and in keeping with the fabric of the Medieval Gatehouse.

In September 2000, the Gatehouse reopened in celebration of the Millennium. A Victorian Birthday Party commemorated 100 years of the castle being in local authority ownership and the Heritage Open Days Festival was celebrated Borough wide.

In 2003, the re-roofing of the Gatehouse was completed. The project, led by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, cost approximately £450,000. The Council received some financial help in the form of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This latest restoration work will help preserve the structure of the Gatehouse, improve the interior of the building and provide shelter all year round. You can now enjoy your visit to Tonbridge Castle whatever the weather!

Grounds open daily free of charge from 8.00am till dusk.

Castle Tour Prices:
Adults £9.00
Children/Senior citizens £5.85 (Children under 5 free)
Family £25.00

The Castle tour is a recreation of medieval life, it is dark in places, has life-like models and involves climbing many steep steps. Therefore it may be unsuitable for very young children. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Disabled access is limited, only the ground floor is accessible for disabled visitors, which does have a virtual tour facility of the whole gatehouse. All of the Castle Grounds have disabled access.

Open all year except Christmas & New year

Castle Street,

Tonbridge,

Kent,

England,

TN9 1BG.

01732 770 929