Hand held panorama showing the gatehouse and remains of Tonbridge Castle in Tombridge. The mound to the left of the castle gate is the older motte and to the right is the 18C mansion house, now used as offices.

Tonbridge Castle - Tonbridge visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Tonbridge Castle' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Kent.

Tonbridge Castle dominates the market town of Tonbridge in Kent and has existed here in one form or another since the 11th century. The first was a motte and bailey castle built by Richard Fitz Gilbert after the Norman Conquest to defend the River Medaway crossing below it. 50,000 tonnes of earth were moved during the construction of the moat and motte.

This first wooden castle was burnt down 20 years later by King William Rufus who put down a rebellion involving the Fitz Gilbert family. The family retained the land however, and in the 13C built a large stone castle on the site overlooking the town. To this Richard de Clare added a gatehouse, one of the finest in England. In 1793 a mansion was added to the castle, which still exists today.

Today, the remains of Tonbridge Castle is one of the main attractions in Tonbridge. Entrance to the castle grounds, and the old motte, are free. A ticketed tour of parts of the castle gate is also available. The area is popular in the summer months for picnics and walks along the River Medway.

Tonbridge Castle
Castle Street
Tonbridge
Kent

Train: Tonbridge Station.
Road: Tonbridge is about 40 miles from London on the A21. It is 43 miles from Canterbury (M2 then A249, M20, A228 and A26 roads).