History and heritageGardensArts and culture

Smallhythe Place

Tenterden, Kent/Sussex border

Image: Smallhythe Place

Smallhythe Place is the early 16th-century home of the Victorian actor Ellen Terry, near Tenterden. Her house is now a museum of her theatrical life, and the 17th-century thatched Barn Theatre still stages live performances. The cottage garden, rose arbour, orchard and ponds make a gentle stroll before tea.

Highlights

Ellen Terry Museum
Thatched 17th-century Barn Theatre
Cottage garden and rose arbour
Theatre tea room

Good to know

Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds but not in the house or theatre
The Kent and East Sussex Railway at Tenterden is nearby

Getting there

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Smallhythe Place, Smallhythe, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 7NGParking: Free parking in a layby about 50 yards from the house, plus overflow at Smallhythe church car park except on Sundays. No Blue Badge bays; drop-off at the main gate.

Get directions

Checked on 15 October 2026 against nationaltrust.org.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check

Where: Smallhythe, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 7NG
Price: £10 to £25. With Gift Aid: adult £14.30, child (5 to 17) £7.20, family £35.80, one-adult family £21.50. Under-5s and National Trust members free.
Opening: House and garden 11am to 5pm, tea room 11am to 4pm on open days. Check the National Trust page for winter opening.
Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
Dogs: Dog friendly
Parking: Free parking in a layby about 50 yards from the house, plus overflow at Smallhythe church car park except on Sundays. No Blue Badge bays; drop-off at the main gate.
Access: Portable ramp into the museum, toilets and tea room; ground floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible but the upper floor is restricted. Garden paths are uneven with steps, and there are two unfenced ponds. Wheelchairs available on request.

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