2017 sees a host of special heritage and horticulture events throughout the season for all the family to enjoy, with the castle and garden re-opening on Saturday 1st April.
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. An historic family mansion frequented by Henry VIII and Queen Anne. It is also home to 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, the vision of modern-day plant hunter Tom Hart Dyke.
Key dates for the calendar
- 15, 16 & 17 April – Easter Egg Quiz & Trail (closed Good Friday only)
- 28 & 29 May – Medieval Weekend*
- 18 June – National Gardens Scheme
- 8 & 9 July – Fire Engine Rally*
- 26, 27 & 28 August – Plant Hunters Weekend*
- 16th & 17th September – Mexican Celebration Weekend – NEW EVENT
- 29 October – Halloween & Pumpkin Carving*
2017 Admission Prices
*2017 Special Events – events with asterisk – admission charge £10 per adult and children (under 15) FREE entry with an accompanying adult. Please note – 2 for 1 entry and family tickets are not valid on special event days.
Standard Admission Charges
Adult – £8; Senior Citizens – £6.50; Child – £4 (5-15 years old) and Children under 5 – FREE
Family £18 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children) World Garden Passport – 1 year – £20 See website for guided group details. English Heritage Members – 2 for 1 entry
Fire Engine Rally
Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 July – 11am – 5pm
An action packed ‘special event’ for all the family! A spectacular showcase of fire-fighting history with over 20 fire engines and carts from the Victorian hose carts and the Edwardian period right up to present day, courtesy of the Kent Firefighting Museum and the Kent Fire and Rescue Service. Experience epic live fire displays run by the Fire Service Preservation Group South East Branch enthusiasts, demonstrating how to put out various kinds of fires! Younger visitors can get a slice of the action and learn how they operate, with the opportunity to even squirt the hoses!
Plant Hunters Weekend – 26, 27, 28 August – 11am – 5pm
Celebrating the lives of some of Britain’s most intrepid plant hunters, Tom and friends in Victorian dress lead FREE guided tour of the World Garden at 1.30 – 3.30pm – join at any time!
2017 we will be joined again by Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) www.scarrehoming.wordpress.com. They have very special animals and reptile guests joining us during our garden tour. SCAR expert handlers during the tour will showcase different animals to see amongst the continents to truly bring the tour alive, see a Shetland pony in Europe, an Emu in Oz and even a Bengal cat as you walk through Asia plus many more! Visitors are offered a unique glimpse into the past to experience an authentic plant hunter’s expedition camp, complete with plant presses, roaring fire, porters and canvas tents.
Mexican Celebration Weekend – NEW for 2017 Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 September – 11am – 5pm
2017 sees a new event arrive at The World Garden at Lullingstone Castle, a Mexican celebration weekend, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a Mexican plant tour with Tom, enjoy the music and indulge with a taste of Mexico! Tom will lead FREE guided tour of the World Garden at 1.30 – 3.30pm – join at any time! Our castle marquee will have a Mexican themed menu for the weekend, so pop along for a great family day out!
Lullingstone Castle & World Garden – Eynsford, Kent, DA4 0JA
Telephone: 01322 862114 www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk
Facebook – ‘The World Garden’ Twitter – @Lullingstone