Smallhythe Place

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Ellen Terry's early 16th-century house and cottage gardens

More about this place

Ellen Terry and her only son Edward Gordon Craig

Edward Gordon Craig exhibition at Smallhythe Place  

The new exhibition at Smallhythe Place explores the early drawings and writings of Edward Gordon Craig, the only son of actress Dame Ellen Terry. He was also one of the most prolific designers, directors and actors of 20th century British theatre. Click here to find out more.

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Smallhythe Place

Things to see and do

Find out what you can do when you visit

Rose garden at Smallhythe Place

The garden at Smallhythe Place 

Ellen Terry's cottage garden is alive with colour this summer. Click here to find out more.

The Barn Theatre at Smallhythe Place, the home of actress Ellen Terry from 1899 to 1928 at Tenterden, Kent

The Barn Theatre at Smallhythe Place 

Learn about the history of The Barn Theatre and the diverse programme of shows we have coming up this year.

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Smallhythe Place

What's on 

Shakespeare mask at Smallhythe Place

Events this autumn... 

Click here to find out about our events this autumn. From costume tours and history talks, to theatre performances and our annual Orchard Day, there's plenty to get involved with.

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Smallhythe Place

Eating and shopping

A close up of a traditional cream tea, served in the café

Our tearoom and gift corner 

We have a characterful vintage tearoom and a new gift corner, so pay us a visit and enjoy a scrumptious slice of cake and a browse of the jams and books available to buy.

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Smallhythe Place

History

History

Post card of Dame Ellen Terry's farm

Ellen Terry's life at Smallhythe Place 

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.

Archive black and white photograph of the barn in 1928 at Smallhythe Place, Kent, home of Ellen Terry between 1899 and 1928.

The history of the Barn Theatre 

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

A boat on a waterway in 1905

Shipbuilding at Smallhythe Place 

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.

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Smallhythe Place

Groups

A group visiting in the summer

Visit with your group 

Get in touch to arrange a day out to Smallhythe Place with your group. We can help make sure it's the perfect day out for family and friends.

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Smallhythe Place

Venue hire

Hire the barn theatre for any occasion

Hire the theatre for your event or function 

The Barn Theatre is a fully-operational theatre that can seat up to 75 people. Whether you want to stage a private function or give an interesting twist to a business conference, get in touch to see how we can make your vision a reality.

Hire the Barn Theatre
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Smallhythe Place

Weddings

The bride and groom in the gardens at Smallhythe Place in Kent

We'll help make your day special 

Get married on the historic stage and have exclusive use of the cottage garden for your special day. Click here to find out more.

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Smallhythe Place

Get involved

Get involved at Smallhythe Place

Volunteer at smallhythe place

Volunteering at Smallhythe Place 

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 garden and early sixteenth-century half-timbered house at Smallhythe Place

Tenterden and District Association 

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

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