Thurnham Castle

Thurnham Castle stands on a hill on the edge of the North Downs, north of the village of Thurnham. It was built in the 12th century by Robert of Thurnham for Henry II. The castle is made of flint and once enclosed about a quarter of an acre. One side of its bailey wall still rises 10 feet high today. The site belonged first to the de Say family and later to the Thurnhams. The castle has been recognised as an important historic site and is now part of White Horse Wood and Country Park. Kent County Council cleared much of the undergrowth to allow public access. The project opened the ruins to visitors within a larger woodland landscape. Scheduled monument status protects the remains for future generations. Visitors find a quiet hilltop ruin surrounded by trees and open paths. The standing wall offers a clear view across the North Downs. The wider park provides walking trails through White Horse Wood. Interpretive signs explain the castle’s history and the families who once lived there. The setting remains peaceful, with few other visitors interrupting the view.