Temple Manor
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Temple Manor

4.1
·83 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover 13th-century history at Temple Manor, a Knights Templar stronghold nestled on an industrial estate. Free entry!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Seasonal Weekends

Limited opening, check dates!

CrowdLow
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Temple Manor

Temple Manor

Best Time

Seasonal Weekends

Limited opening, check dates!

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover 13th-century history at Temple Manor, a Knights Templar stronghold nestled on an industrial estate. Free entry!

4.1
(83 reviews)

"A fascinating free bit of history to visit, combine it with something else as its only a 30 minute attraction, but very interesting."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Opening Dates First!

Google listings can be wrong. Always verify opening days on the Medway Council website.

🚗 Finding the Entrance

Look for green fencing marking the car park entrance on the industrial estate.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

13th-Century Architecture

13th-Century Architecture

The Manor House

Step back in time at this historic Grade I Listed building, a testament to the Knights Templar's legacy.

Reddit
Knights Templar History

Knights Templar History

Throughout the Manor

Discover fascinating facts about the Knights Templar and their influence on this unique site.

Reddit
Strood's Hidden Gem

Strood's Hidden Gem

Industrial Estate Location

Experience a surprising piece of local history nestled unexpectedly within a modern industrial area.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Check Opening Days Carefully

Temple Manor is only open on specific, seasonal weekends, often during school holidays. Don't rely on general listings; check the Medway Council website for the most accurate dates before you go. Reddit

Location & Parking

Tucked away on an industrial estate, Temple Manor can be tricky to find. Look for green fencing for the car park entrance. Limited parking is available on-site, with a nearby Morrison's offering an alternative. Reddit

Best Times

When
Seasonal Weekends
Why
Limited opening, check dates!
Crowd
Low
When
School Holidays
Why
Often when it's open
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The best candy shop on the cape !! #chatham #candymanor #chatham #eastcoastsummer #chocolate #fudge #coastalgrandmother #coastalgrandma #coastalgranddaughter
@gailthegirl
5.1K likes • 52.4K views

🎯 Check Opening Dates First!

Google listings can be wrong. Always verify opening days on the Medway Council website. Reddit

🚗 Finding the Entrance

Look for green fencing marking the car park entrance on the industrial estate. Reddit

TEMPLE Manor 🏰🟤 Our 2nd part of the @visitmedway summer trails was at @temple.manor. Despite having lived in Medway for 10 years, I had never heard of this! It's such a hidden little gem! It is only small, and not as interactive as the other places we have visited, however if you need to kill an hour then it's worth dropping by! It's free to enter, so nothing to lose! For me the setting was abs...
exploringasfive_
34 likes • 254 views
Luxury Cotswold country home from home living, with all the services of a Boutique Hotel, Temple Guiting Manor estate sleeps up to 32 in 4 unique properties; the Manor, Barn, Granary and Cow Byrne. A truly quintessential retreat to share with friends and family. These retreats can also be booked individually if you wish to enjoy the estate with perhaps a smaller crowd. Facilities on-site inclu...
boutiqueluxuryretreats
138 likes • 3.2K views

🚶 Combine with Rochester Castle

It's a short visit, perfect to pair with nearby Rochester Castle. Reddit

🧒 Kids' Trail Fun

Engage little ones with the kids' trail and a fun jigsaw map of Strood. Reddit

Iskon temple (Hare Krishna Temple), Watford Bhaktivedanta Manor The manor is a spiritual sanctuary spread over 78 acres of land with plentiful gardens, an organic farm, a protected herd of cows, a temple, a monastery and a community of spiritual seekers! There are a lot of things to get involved in too #iskon #temple #iskontemple #watford #manor #bhaktivedanta #ushasgarden #london #uk #unitedki...
ushasgarden
17 likes • 2.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Opening Dates First!

Google listings can be wrong. Always verify opening days on the Medway Council website. Reddit

🚗 Finding the Entrance

Look for green fencing marking the car park entrance on the industrial estate. Reddit

🚶 Combine with Rochester Castle

It's a short visit, perfect to pair with nearby Rochester Castle. Reddit

🧒 Kids' Trail Fun

Engage little ones with the kids' trail and a fun jigsaw map of Strood. Reddit

☕ Relaxing Atmosphere

Enjoy the peaceful setting, even with its industrial surroundings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(83 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Temple Manor as a fascinating historical site with free entry and a connection to the Knights Templar. Its unique location and the helpfulness of staff are often highlighted. However, many wish for more frequent openings and better upkeep of the grounds, noting it can be a brief attraction best combined with other local sights. Reddit

"We loved it but wish it was open more often and a little bit better looked after. Who knew Strood had such a fascinating history and such a place of historical importance in it's own right? The Manor is worth the visit if you love local history - but lots more could be done with it.
You might drive past and not even realise it's there...nestled in between businesses on the industrial estate, we actually drove past then turned back!
The grounds leave a lot to be desired - I mean it's mown grass and a few picnic tables round the back but no flower beds or path ways. You park on the grass in front of the Manor, not many cars would fit there and I dread to think what a rainy day would be like!
The ladies today that were on hand were very lovely, friendly and helpful.
Free entry to the Manor, there's a kids trail to follow - without which there's not lots there to get their interest unless you include various boards of info to read and a krypton factor style jigsaw map of Strood to construct which, although it could do with a clean, was surprisingly fun to do.
So glad we finally got to visit - you really have to dig through the internet to find out when it's open to the public because the Google page is obviously not updated (it said it was closed today!). We found it on the Medway council site."

O W Deer

""Hidden Gem" Temple Manor is a Grade I Listed building situated within an industrial estate opposite Rochester Castle, across the river.
If you're planning to visit the castle, it would be a great idea to explore the manor as well.
Please note that it is NOT open every day, so make sure to CHECK BEFORE YOUR VISIT.
Typically, it is open during school holiday periods, such as Easter and half-term breaks.

There is limited parking available, but you'll find a Morrison's nearby, just a short walk away."

Andy Chan

"Open on rare days through the year. Interesting facts scattered around on information boards. This place is tucked away on an industrial estate! Look for the green fencing for the car park entrance."

Amy K

What People Like

Fascinating history
Free entry
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Limited opening
Grounds need work
Brief visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Temple Manor is located on an industrial estate in Strood. Look for green fencing indicating the car park entrance. Limited parking is available on-site, and a nearby Morrison's offers an alternative. Reddit

It can be tricky as it's nestled between businesses. Keep an eye out for the specific signage for the car park. Reddit

While specific public transport routes aren't detailed, its location on an industrial estate suggests bus routes might be available to the general area, with a short walk required. Reddit

Yes, there is limited parking available directly in front of the Manor, often on the grass. Reddit

Temple Manor is located opposite Rochester Castle, making it easy to combine a visit to both historical sites. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Temple Manor is free, making it an accessible historical attraction. Reddit

Temple Manor has very limited opening hours, typically only on seasonal weekends and during school holidays like Easter and half-term breaks. Always check the Medway Council website for current opening dates. Reddit

The most reliable source for opening times is the Medway Council website, as general online listings may not be up-to-date. Reddit

No, Temple Manor is not open every day. It's crucial to check the specific dates it's open to the public before planning your visit. Reddit

As entry is free and it's open on limited days, advance booking is generally not required, but always check for any specific event or group visit policies. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the 13th-century manor house, learn about the Knights Templar, and enjoy the peaceful grounds. There's also a kids' trail and a jigsaw map of Strood. Reddit

Yes, there's a kids' trail and a surprisingly fun jigsaw map of Strood that can entertain younger visitors. Reddit

Most visitors find it to be a relatively short attraction, often around 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick historical stop. Reddit

Information boards provide historical facts. While specific guided tours aren't always advertised, the staff on hand are often friendly and helpful. Reddit

The grounds are described as mown grass with some picnic tables. While peaceful, they lack extensive flower beds or formal pathways. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the historic architecture and peaceful setting. Reddit

The exterior of the 13th-century manor house offers great photographic opportunities, especially contrasting with its industrial surroundings. Reddit

Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with the management or local authorities before flying a drone over the property. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Temple Manor offers a free and engaging historical outing for families. The kids' trail is a highlight, providing a fun way for children to interact with the site. Don't miss the jigsaw map of Strood, which, despite needing a clean, has been surprisingly fun for younger visitors. Reddit While the grounds are simple, the manor's unique history and the chance to explore a real medieval building can spark curiosity. Remember to check the limited opening days carefully, as it's often only accessible during school holidays. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Local Explorers

For those fascinated by medieval history and the Knights Templar, Temple Manor is a must-visit. This Grade I Listed building offers a direct connection to the past, providing insights into the order's influence. Reddit Its unexpected location on an industrial estate adds to its intrigue, making it a rewarding discovery for those who love uncovering local historical gems. Combine your visit with nearby Rochester Castle for a comprehensive historical tour of the area. Reddit

🚶 Day-Trippers & Quick Stops

If you're looking for a short, impactful historical stop, Temple Manor fits the bill perfectly. Its free entry and manageable size mean you can easily fit it into a broader itinerary. Reddit It's an excellent companion to a visit to Rochester Castle, offering a different perspective on the region's rich history. Just be sure to confirm opening dates in advance, as it's not open year-round. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into the Knights Templar

Temple Manor stands as a significant historical site, dating back to the 13th century and built by the Knights Templar. This medieval military order played a crucial role in the Crusades and held considerable influence across Europe. The manor house itself is a Grade I Listed building, signifying its national importance and architectural merit. Despite its historical weight, its location on an industrial estate means many locals are unaware of its existence, making it a true hidden gem for history enthusiasts. Reddit

Visitors can explore the manor and learn about its past through various information boards scattered around. While the grounds are simple, consisting of mown grass and picnic tables, the peaceful setting offers a moment of respite. The manor's limited opening schedule means planning is essential, but for those interested in local history and the legacy of the Knights Templar, a visit is highly rewarding. Reddit

Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities

Planning a visit to Temple Manor requires a bit of foresight due to its infrequent opening schedule. The most critical piece of advice from visitors is to always verify the opening days and times on the Medway Council website, as online listings can be outdated. Reddit The manor's location on an industrial estate can make it challenging to find; look for specific green fencing that marks the car park entrance. Parking is limited on-site, so be prepared for potential alternatives or consider arriving early. Reddit

Despite its historical significance, the manor is a relatively quick visit, often taking around 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal addition to a day exploring nearby attractions like Rochester Castle. For families, the inclusion of a kids' trail and a surprisingly engaging jigsaw map of Strood can help keep younger visitors entertained. Entry is free, adding to its appeal as an accessible historical experience. Reddit

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