Medieval castle goes up for sale for £5m

A castle where King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn are said to have dined - which comes with its own moat, bear-baiting ring and jousting yard - is on sale for £5m.

Allington Castle, near Maidstone, Kent, is a restored 12th Century building set in about 42 acres of woodland and riverside grounds next to the River Medway.

Sir Robert Worcester, the US-born founder of polling company Mori, lived in the castle from the late-1990s but he died in 2025 and the property has now been put up for sale.

Oli Streeter, from estate agent Knight Frank, said the family were "looking for the next custodian... to take on Allington for the next 20, 30, 40 years, just like Sir Robert".

The medieval castle - which has 30 bedrooms and 26 reception rooms - is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.

The estate was once owned by the Wyatt family, who transformed the castle into a grand residence in the late-15th Century.

King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn are said to have dined in The Great Hall, while the property includes two inner courtyards, a full moat, bear-baiting ring, jousting yard and the Dog Caves beneath the castle.

Streeter said the previous owner spent much of his time restoring his home with original features.

"Ultimately, it's been his home, so he's done everything to upkeep Allington.

"He's even returned items back to the castle including various books and furniture, which were long lost many centuries ago".

The castle is not open to the public, but has hosted weddings and corporate events, with the Great Hall accommodating about 120 guests and a converted barn seating up to 150.

It has also been the location for TV shows and films such as Horrible Histories and The Avengers.

Jen Bassindale, assistant wedding and events co-ordinator at the castle, said the picturesque backdrop was always popular with guests.

Anyone hoping to view the castle can expect it to take up to two hours due to the extensive grounds, which also include the Italian Gardens and riverside moorings, Streeter said.

"There's definitely some nooks and crannies that you you come across and think, 'Oh, I didn't see that door before' so it's really interesting.

"The family have been there for a very long time and I think they're mesmerised every time they come through the castle or go through the grounds," he added.

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