Smallhythe Place

The museum at Smallhythe Place plays homage to the life and career of Victorian actress Dame Ellen Terry. With over 9500 artefacts from her personal and professional life, the collection here explores her history and unravels hidden secrets of how she became an international celebrity.

As Winter approaches and the nights draw in, our resident hedgehogs at Smallhythe Place are preparing for their long winter sleep. A fallen pile of crisp golden leaves hidden in a cosy corner of the garden can provide the perfect nesting area for their hibernation.

Ellen Terry's garden at Smallhythe Place is a haven for wildlife, roses, wildflowers and apple trees. Click here to read more and find out the most recent garden projects.

The recently conserved robes of Ellen Terry in her role as Portia in 'The Merchant of Venice' are now on display in the Lyceum room of Smallhythe Place.

Originally an old tennis court, the area beyond the nuttery was used by Ellen and Edy as a croquet lawn. The gardeners have recently reinstated this area so our visitors can now play a game of their own.

2017 marked 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality. As part of the National Trust’s 2017 celebration of our LGBTQ heritage, here at Smallhythe Place we are commemorating the history of our Literary and Thespian community. In this vibrant, egalitarian, creative and artistic environment, they freely explored gender stereotypes and homosexuality.

Once the most highly paid actress in England, Ellen Terry bought Smallhythe Place in 1899 as her country retreat away from her busy life in London. She lived here until her death in 1928, creating many memories along the way.

In 2013 a hidden secret of Smallhythe Place was discovered, as House Steward Susannah Mayor uncovered a rare collection of paintings by artist, set designer and illustrator Pamela Colman Smith.

Learn about the Barn Theatre's past; with over 80 years of theatrical history and still counting, there's plenty to discover.

It is believed that Smallhythe Place may have been inhabited by one of the portreeves of the River Rother that once flowed through Small Hythe. This was an important waterway that had a thriving medieval shipyard; both Henry V and Henry VIII had large ships built here.

Queer history and pioneering spirits: meet the three women of Smallhythe Place who found refuge in this corner of the Kent countryside to express their art, gender and sexuality, living together in a ménage à trois.

Whether you are interested in conservation, gardening, or simply want to be part of a friendly team doing valuable work, we always welcome new volunteers at Smallhythe Place.

The Tenterden Association has supported the National Trust's work at the White Cliffs of Dover and beyond.