Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden - Image 1

Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden

Dartford, United Kingdom•4.5(1.1k)•Botanical Garden, Castle, Heritage Site

Explore one of England's oldest family estates with a historic castle and The World Garden featuring cutting-edge horticulture and plant heritage displays.

Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden offers families a unique combination of history and horticulture in one destination. The castle itself dates back to the time of Domesday and has been home to the same family since the 15th century, providing visitors with a fascinating glimpse into England's heritage. The Manor House is open to visitors during special event days and Bank Holidays between 11am and 5pm, allowing guests to explore this historic residence without guided tours. The World Garden complements the castle experience by showcasing innovative horticultural displays that blend plant heritage with cutting-edge gardening techniques. The garden is open Thursday through Sunday, including Bank Holiday Mondays, from 11am to 5pm until the end of October. Visitors can explore themed areas including the Hot & Spiky House and enjoy the meticulously curated plant collections. Lullingstone hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, featuring horticultural, historical, and entertainment activities suitable for all ages. From Halloween Magic celebrations to Planthunters weekends, there's something for every family member. The venue offers facilities including the Castle Tea Marquee for refreshments, and is pushchair-friendly and dog-friendly, making it accessible for visitors of all ages from infancy onwards.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 11:00 – 17:00
Friday: 11:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 11:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Castle Tea Marquee

Light refreshments including freshly made lunches and cakes, with 5* food hygiene rating. Gluten free and vegan cakes available. Indoor or outdoor seating.

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Google Reviews

4.5(1.1k reviews)
J
Janet van der Knoop

Janet van der Knoop

a month ago

We had some time before we had to take the boat in Harwich. We saw this castle and gardens on Google Maps and decided to go for a visit. We had a wonderful time here. We took a look in the gardens, which are wonderful. When we went here we also could take a look in part of the castle. In the garden there was a tent where we could drink some coffee and tea with cake. At lunchtime we had some wonderful sandwiches. In the gardenshed we bought some bags with seeds. We really enjoyed our visit her. It was really peacefull and quiet. We were here in the end of may.

D
Darren Dowd

Darren Dowd

2 months ago

A truly amazing place to visit, such a beautiful relaxing environment. We were fortunate enough to meet and talk to Sarah the lady of the house. I would wholeheartedly recommend everyone taking a tour with Tom this was a fantastic experience meeting and listening to someone so knowledgeable and engaging was amazing- Thank you so much

A
Anatori Sealife

Anatori Sealife

2 months ago

Today we visited Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden for the first time, and we absolutely loved it. It is a beautiful and very peaceful place, full of history, charm and carefully maintained gardens. One of the first things we appreciated was the very convenient free parking, which made the visit easy and stress-free from the beginning. The grounds are beautifully kept, with lovely parkland, small bridges over a little river, and attractive walking paths that make the whole place feel relaxing and picturesque. What makes Lullingstone Castle especially interesting is the way its history is presented. Around the grounds there are clear signs, information boards and descriptions explaining what happened in different places in the past. This adds real depth to the visit, as you are not just walking through a pretty garden, but also discovering stories connected with the site. One particularly fascinating spot was connected with Queen Anne, who apparently came here for treatment for her kidneys. Details like this make the visit memorable and bring the history to life. There are also beautiful views of the castle itself and the inner courtyard. In the courtyard there is a very pleasant café in a tent-style setting, where visitors can order hot food, delicious tea and sweet treats. The seating area is very comfortable, with nice tables and chairs, making it a perfect place to rest and enjoy the atmosphere. Another highlight was the wonderful glasshouse with exotic plants. It contains an impressive collection, including cacti, palms and even unusual poisonous tropical plants. It was fascinating to see such variety in one place. Overall, Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden is a delightful destination for anyone who enjoys gardens, history, peaceful walks and beautiful views. We had a very enjoyable first visit and would happily recommend it.

D
diddely squat

diddely squat

3 months ago

Fantastic! We visited during one of their Bank Holiday special events and has a wonderful day exploring the small church, huge Manor House and stunning gardens. Sarah (home owner) was lovely and so knowledgeable. Tom’s garden tour was a real treat - highly recommend! His passion for gardening was palpable. Karen and other volunteers were so friendly. Small cafe but great selection of hot and cold drinks and vegan and gluten free cakes too! Great selection of plants to purchase too. Thank you for a great day!

D
Daniel

Daniel

3 months ago

I’ve been wanting to visit the world garden here for years as I walk past the castle often. But never had the time until today. Entrance is £10 per adult or £25 for a family. As you enter you go through a grand entrance of the castle and are met with the views of a beautiful house and the family estate. I went straight to the world garden first. As a man with autism this was one of the most sensory gardens I’ve ever visited. The sounds of the wildlife and all the aromas of the plants make it such a lovely place to visit. Flower photography has been a hobby of mine for a few years and the world garden certainly didn’t disappoint with opportunities to take some great pictures. The garden is divided into sections from different parts of the world. Nearly every single flower, plant and tree is labelled so you know what they are. For me the best parts of the garden was the Mexican area and the tulips as you enter. I have never been up close and personal with cactuses as large like the ones growing here. It is such a peaceful place to walk around and look at all of the world’s plants growing here. Walking around the lake is also really nice and relaxing. The staff are really polite and friendly. I will definitely go again. Well worth the visit. I hope you enjoy looking at the photos I took today.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden

Is Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden free to visit?

Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden suitable for?

Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden.

Is there parking at Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden?

Yes, Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden has on-site parking.

Is there food at Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden?

Yes — Castle Tea Marquee is on site at Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden. Light refreshments including freshly made lunches and cakes, with 5* food hygiene rating.

Is Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden?

Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden by public transport?

Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden is well-served by public transport.

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