Explore St Leonard's Tower

Discover the hidden history of St Leonard’s Tower in West Malling, a rare example of Norman military architecture dating back to the late 11th century. Built from Kentish ragstone, this striking tower keep is thought by some to have been constructed by Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, though its origins remain uncertain.

For Heritage Open Days, the ground floor of the tower will be open specially to the public—offering a rare chance to step inside and explore its impressive medieval stonework. Friendly volunteers will be on hand to share the site's fascinating history and answer questions.

Located opposite Manor Park Country Park, the site is ideal for combining your visit with a scenic walk or picnic. On the same day, you can also visit The Twitch Heritage Centre, located nearby in the cellar of Douces Manor on St Leonard’s Street. The centre features RAF memorabilia, wartime graffiti, and a photographic exhibition, offering a fascinating insight into West Malling’s 20th-century history.

No booking required—just drop in and enjoy beautiful surroundings and two unique heritage experiences in one visit.

Timings & Tours

Sunday 14 September:

1200-1600

Sunday 21 September:

1200-1600

Location & directions

St Leonard’s Street, West Malling, Kent, ME19 6PD

Directions:

St Leonard’s Tower is located on St Leonard’s Street, West Malling, Kent, ME19 6PD. What3Words///funded.tradition.stay The site is directly opposite Manor Park Country Park, where charged parking is available. Please note that parking is not managed by English Heritage. The tower is a short walk from the centre of West Malling and can be easily reached on foot. For those combining visits, The Twitch Heritage Centre is also nearby, located in the cellar of Douces Manor on the same street. Train: The nearest station is West Malling, located approximately 1 mile (about a 20-minute walk) from the tower. Regular services run from London Victoria, Maidstone, and Ashford International. Bus: Several local bus routes serve the area. Services include: Nu-Venture 70, 123, 149, 151 Arriva 72, 77, and 147 These buses stop in or near West Malling town centre, from where the tower is a short walk.

Contact on day:

Jemma Braidwood-Lewis

Telephone number:

+447585401798

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Access to the site is across a grassy area, which may be uneven in places. The ground floor of the tower is reached via a short flight of steps. Visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the terrain and historic structure, access may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.

Additional information

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs are welcome on leads. There are no toilet or refreshment facilities on site. Parking is available at Manor Park Country Park (charges apply). Please wear suitable footwear for uneven ground and steps. The site may close in adverse weather conditions for safety reasons. Photography is welcome for personal use.

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