Open Days 2026
Visit the rare surviving chapel and gardens of the preceptory (monastery) of the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. The chapel dates from the early 13th century and has a moat, part of which is formed by the River Darent.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Classed as a building of national importance, the chapel is the only surviving structure of the preceptory of the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. The timbers of the building have been dated to the early 13th century. The preceptory is thought to have gone out of use by 1338. The chapel is largely unchanged from medieval times and inside provides a peaceful and reflective insight into life 700 years ago. The adjacent house is a private residence dating from the 16th Century, with substantial later alterations. St John's Jerusalem is built on an island formed by the River Darent and a moat. The surrounding gardens are a mass of blooms and insect activity during spring and summer, and it is a place of tranquillity just a short distance from the main road. Only the chapel and gardens are open to visitors.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Supervised children are welcome
- Meeting point
The chapel is reached via a gated entrance off the main A225 in the village of Sutton at Hone. What 3 Words location: skins.gazed.brush.
- What to bring and wear
The chapel is unheated and may be cool early/late in the season. Apart from the chapel, there is no shelter on site.
- Accessibility
The chapel is reached via a series of 11 steps and is not accessible to wheelchair users. There is an accessible route around the garden. Dogs on short leads are welcome in the garden only. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout. There is an accessible drop-off point - please see the full accessibility statement on the website for directions. There is a toilet on site but this is not accessible.
- Other
There is a small grass-surfaced car park with approximately 20 spaces, 80m from the chapel. Spaces are not marked. Paths around the garden are a mix of grass and stone - we suggest wearing stout shoes, particularly after wet weather. The garden has an unfenced moat and river, and we recommend that children and dogs be closely supervised. There is one unisex toilet. There are no refreshments at the property; however, there are shops in the nearby village of Sutton at Hone, a short walk from the entrance to the grounds.