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About this place
Bradbourne House is a Queen Anne style manor in East Malling, Kent, within the Tonbridge and Malling borough. It holds Grade I status, the highest tier on the English heritage list, and stands in parkland of roughly 20 acres.
What is Bradbourne House and how old is it?
A Tudor residence once occupied the site. The house you see today was built between 1713 and 1715 for Sir Thomas Twysden, replacing the earlier building but keeping some older fabric in the kitchen area and west wing. Further works followed in 1748 and around 1774. The Twisden family lived here for more than three centuries, and the house was restored around 1950.
What can you see?
The west front is framed by paired brick pilasters at each end and beside a projecting centre bay, topped with a tall pediment. Inside, the north vestibule contains a fine staircase, and some first-floor panelling is thought to date from about 1580.
The stable block and barns a short distance north of the house are listed separately at Grade I. Built in the same years (1713-15), they carry a cupola and chequered red and blue brickwork.
The grounds include the Hatton Fruit Garden, the former walled kitchen garden, named after Sir Ronald Hatton of fruit-research fame.
Who looks after it, and can you visit?
The East Malling Trust, a body supporting horticultural research, bought the estate in 1938. It lists the preservation of the house and its heritage among its aims. Bradbourne House is not a daily-opening museum. Visits happen through guided history tours of about 1.5 hours, mostly indoors and suitable for wheelchair users. Groups can book tours, and individuals can join on selected dates. Check the house's own website or the East Malling Trust before travelling for current dates.
How do you get there?
East Malling lies west of Maidstone, close to Larkfield. By car it is straightforward; by train, aim for East Malling or West Malling station and continue by taxi or local bus. Coordinates are about 51.295 N, 0.442 E.
When should you go?
Late spring to early autumn suits the park and gardens best. Interiors can only be seen on tour dates, so plan around the events calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bradbourne House a listed building?
Yes. It has been Grade I listed since 1952, and its stable block and barns have their own Grade I entry.
When was it built?
The present house dates from 1713-1715, though the estate goes back to Tudor times and some earlier elements survive inside.
Can I walk in without booking?
Interiors are seen on guided tours held on set dates, or by arrangement for groups.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour operator describes the history tour as suitable for wheelchair access.
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