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Sutton Valence Castle

Sutton Valence, Mid Kent

Two ruined stone sections of Sutton Valence Castle keep with wooden steps leading up the grassy moundPhoto: Oast House Archive, CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo: Oast House Archive, CC BY-SA 2.0

The ruins of a small 12th-century Norman keep sit on the hillside above Sutton Valence. Simon de Montfort owned it from 1238, before leading the barons' rebellion, and Henry III later gave it to his half-brother William de Valence. It is a short stop, but the view south over the Weald is the reason to climb up.

Highlights

  • Ruined Norman keep from the later 1100s
  • Links to Simon de Montfort and William de Valence
  • Wide views over the Weald of Kent towards East Sussex

Good to know

  • Dogs on leads are welcome
  • No facilities on site
  • Smoking, vaping, barbecues and naked flames are not allowed

Getting there

Sutton Valence Castle, Rectory Lane, Sutton Valence, Kent, ME17 3LWParking: No parking at the castle itself. Park on Broad Street, about three minutes' walk away.

Get directions

Checked on 16 October 2026 against english-heritage.org.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check

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