St John's Commandery
Swingfield, East Kent
Photo: Chris Gunns, CC BY-SA 2.0
St John's Commandery is the flint chapel and hall of a 13th-century house of the Knights Hospitallers, later turned into a farmhouse. Inside, which you can only see on Heritage Open Days, are a medieval crown-post roof and 16th-century moulded ceilings. Most of the year it is a quiet stop to see from outside.
Highlights
- 13th-century chapel of the Knights Hospitallers
- Medieval crown-post roof
- 16th-century ceilings with moulded beams
Good to know
- Only assistance dogs are allowed
- Interior open on Heritage Open Days only
- Smoking, vaping, barbecues and naked flames are not allowed
Getting there
St John's Commandery, Swingfield, near Dover, Kent, CT15 7HGParking: Car park on site.
Get directionsChecked on 16 October 2026 against english-heritage.org.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
Spotted something wrong or missing? Tell us
Nearby
Image: East Kent RailwayEast Kent Railway
The East Kent Railway is a heritage line on the old Kent Coalfield route, running a four-mile round trip between Shepherdswell and Eythorne through chalk cuttings and the Golgotha Tunnel. Around the station there is a visitor centre, museum, model railway, miniature railways in The Knees Woodland and the Colonel's Café. It is a gentle half day for families and railway fans.
Image: Kent Battle of Britain MuseumKent Battle of Britain Museum
The Kent Battle of Britain Museum on the former RAF Hawkinge airfield holds what it calls the world's largest Battle of Britain collection, with artefacts from over 700 crashed aircraft. Explore hangars, the armoury and original airfield buildings, then the aircraft displayed in the grounds. It suits families with older children and aviation fans, and deserves two to three hours.
Image: Kearsney ParksKearsney Abbey Gardens
Kearsney Abbey is one of three historic parks in the Alkham Valley near Dover, alongside Russell Gardens and Bushy Ruff, with lakes, the River Dour and a landmark Cedar of Lebanon. Stroll the grounds, explore the restored Russell Gardens, let children loose in the two play areas and stop at the Kearsney Cafe in the renovated Billiards Room. It suits families, dog walkers and anyone wanting an easy, free outing.