Smallhythe Place

A half-term visit to Smallhythe Place. With new exhibitions, kids' crafts activities, colourful gardens and performances in The Barn Theatre, it's the perfect time to explore and spend some quality time with the family.

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

There is theatre for everyone this season at Smallhythe Place. From open-air productions of Peter Pan and As You Like It, to Shakespeare classics, comical new writings and award-winning shows performed in the Barn Theatre, it’s a great opportunity to do something different with the family.

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.

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.

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.

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.