Things to see & do
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The house
The house
Trace the changing fortunes of Smallhythe Place over its 500-year history. Encompassing medieval shipbuilding, sleepy backwater farm house, home to renowned Victorian actress Ellen Terry and now nationally importrant theatrical museum and collection.
See Ellen Terry's beetle wing dress
© NT Smallhythe Place
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The Barn Theatre
The Barn Theatre
The Barn Theatre was the brainchild of Ellen Terry's daughter, Edy Craig. Throughout her time at Smallhythe, Edy wished to convert the barn into a theatre but Ellen wouldn't allow it. Edy finally got her way after Ellen's death in 1928, with the first performance in 1929. The theatre hosts productions to this day.
© NT Smallhythe Place
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The garden
The garden
‘There was something of wildness in her nature, something wilful and untamed, something almost fey, which assorts well with this brave old house, with these rich beams, these windows.' So wrote the critic E.V. Lucas after visiting Ellen at Smallhythe. This is reflected in the nature of the lovely cottage garden.
© National Trust
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Shipbuilding at Smallhythe Place
Shipbuilding at Smallhythe Place
Smallhythe was one of the most significant ship-building centres of medieval England from the 13th to the mid-16th century.
Come and learn how the lay of the land has changed to what we see today.
©
The house
The Barn Theatre
The garden
Shipbuilding at Smallhythe PlaceWhat's on
We've an extensive programme of theatre, family activities and events throughout the year. Highlights include a music and beer festival, Shakespearean and contemporary theatre, and children's workshops.
Group visits
If you're coming on a group visit, there's a lot to see in the charming 16th-century house and you can wander in the beautiful garden. You can even book a show in our Barn Theatre. Find out more on our group pages.
Don't miss
- Dress in the limelight: newly restored beetle wing dress display
- Shipbuilding exhibition: explore Smallhythe's early history
- Children's activities: quizzes and trails for all ages
- Barn Theatre exhibition: Smallhythe after Ellen
Theatre events
Enjoy outdoor theatre at Smallhythe Place
Here's what's coming up:
- Great Expectations
- New comedy - What Would Helen Mirren Do?
- Music season to suit all tastes: Baroque to folk, jazz to classical
- The Knicker Lady makes a return
- The Importance of Being Earnest showing in the garden