Stutfall Castle - Hythe

Address: Royal Military Rd, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LQ, United Kingdom.

Specialties: Historical landmark.
Other points of interest: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Good for kids.
Opinions: This company has 12 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.4/5.

📌 Location of Stutfall Castle

Okay, here’s a detailed description of Stutfall Castle, crafted as a helpful and informative assistant, adhering to your specifications:

Stutfall Castle: A Historical Gem in Kent

For those seeking a captivating glimpse into the past, Stutfall Castle presents a unique and rewarding experience. Located in the charming village of Lympne, Kent, this historical landmark offers a tangible connection to centuries of British history. The castle’s address is Royal Military Rd, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LQ, United Kingdom. While it doesn't boast grand, restored facades, its evocative ruins hold a powerful allure for history enthusiasts and visitors alike.

Location and Accessibility

Stutfall Castle is situated just outside the village of Lympne, a relatively easy drive from Canterbury and Folkestone. It’s particularly appealing to visitors who enjoy exploring the quieter, rural corners of Kent. The site is accessible to visitors with mobility issues, thanks to a designated wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. However, it's worth noting that the approach involves a slightly uneven path and a small stream, which can be challenging if recently wet – a little preparation is advised, especially after inclement weather.

Historical Significance and Features

The castle’s history stretches back to the 12th century, with evidence of fortifications dating further into the medieval period. Originally a timber motte-and-bailey castle, it evolved over time, eventually becoming a stone structure. Today, the remains consist primarily of the curtain walls, a tower, and foundations. It served as a strategic defensive position, controlling access to the area. The site is remarkably understated, encouraging visitors to engage their imaginations and reconstruct the castle's former glory. A small information board on site provides a brief overview of the castle’s history and significance – a worthwhile read before exploring the grounds.

Other Points of Interest & Family Friendliness

Stutfall Castle is particularly enjoyable for families. It offers a relatively contained area to explore, stimulating children’s curiosity about history. It's also a good for kids. Beyond the castle itself, the surrounding countryside provides opportunities for a pleasant walk. Visitors are often recommended to park at the West Hythe car park and follow the path leading towards the castle – this provides a scenic route and a good vantage point for spotting the ruins.

Visitor Feedback & Ratings

Stutfall Castle consistently receives positive feedback. It currently holds 12 reviews on Google My Business, with an impressive average opinion of 4.4/5. This suggests a high level of satisfaction among visitors, who appreciate the site’s historical importance and peaceful atmosphere.

Specialties: Historical landmark. It’s a site that rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path and embrace a slightly rustic experience. Remember to check local weather conditions before your visit, and wear appropriate footwear

👍 Reviews of Stutfall Castle

MGX93dot

5/5

Nice ruin overshadowed by Lympne above. Park at West Hythe car park, then take a stroll along the path. You'll see it first, but there's a small stream preventing access for a while. Eventually you'll see an information board on your right hand side, worth a read, then continue until you see a small wooden bridge to your right. Go over and past the fence and wander up. Wouldn't recommend any of this if it has been raining recently.

Heidi-Jane H.

5/5

Lovely walk with our dogs, along the military canal and then turning right across a small footbridge along a small path with incredible views going up the hill alongside the fence around the ruins. You also get to see the fenced field towards the top on the left containing some African wild dogs/Hyenas (not sure which) but they had their young pups running around, very cute. Wear sensible shoes like wellies as it was very muddy in place on the way. Its a shame the ruins are fully fenced but still a great day out, followed by a beer in Unit #1 where the free parking is.

Irina S.

5/5

Lympne Roman Fort or known also as Stutfall Castle, is not sign-posted but is can be easily found.

Head towards West Hythe where a public car park can be found on West Hythe Road. An information board there will help you to get to the Fort, which is just a short walk along the footpath (the old Military Road) and along side of Royal Military Canal and on the way to West Hythe Dam and Lympne Castle.

The Fort was built between AD 260-280. Its remains can be seen on the slopes behind the Royal Military Canal.

The shape and layout of the Fort is unknown as subsidence and shifting land have deformed the remains beyond recognition.

Its purpose was to provide a base for the British arm of the Roman Navy, the Classis Britannica.

It is also possible the Fort's garrison were responsible for overseeing exploitation of the adjacent salt marshes and also iron mining operations in the nearby South Downs.

Lympne Roman Fort was presumably abandoned in the general withdrawal of Roman forces from Britain in the late fourth century/early fifth century.

The Royal Military Canal was built between 1804 and 1809 for strategic defence against invasion in the Napoleonic Wars with France (1793 - 1815).
It runs for 28 miles (45 kms) from Seabrook (near Folkestone) to Cliff End ( near Hastings).

Lympne Castle dates to the 13th century AD, which also worth to visit if you are in the area.

It is awesome place to come for long stretch. The weather was great, so we really enjoyed our visit.

We have finished it by popping in to Unit 1 for our dinner, which I highly recommend too!