Latest Update
Scadbury Moated Manor Open Weekend returns on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, giving visitors a rare opportunity to explore the archaeological site and Tudor foundations in Scadbury Park, Chislehurst.
The site is open from 2pm to 5pm on both afternoons, with last entry at 4.30pm. Entry is free and donations are welcome. The event is organised by the Orpington and District Archaeological Society (ODAS).
Overview
This is one of those wonderfully local events where the interesting bit is normally hidden from view. Scadbury Park itself can be explored throughout the year, but the moated manor archaeological site is not normally open to the public.
During the open weekend, visitors can follow a self-guided trail around the manor site and see archaeological excavations alongside the foundations of the Tudor kitchens and great hall.
Dates, Times & Price
- Dates: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026
- Opening hours: 2pm–5pm
- Last entry: 4.30pm
- Location: Scadbury Park, Chislehurst
- Entry: Free; donations welcome
- Organiser: Orpington and District Archaeological Society
What Can You See?
The open weekend provides access to the remains of Scadbury’s moated manor, including the archaeological excavations and foundations of the Tudor kitchens and great hall. The interpretation helps show how these parts of the house would have been used when the estate belonged to the Walsingham family.
The wider site has a much longer story. Archaeological records place the manorial complex in use between the 13th and 17th centuries, while the Walsingham family owned Scadbury from the 15th century into the 17th century.
The Walsinghams and Queen Elizabeth I
Scadbury has a particularly good Tudor connection. Bromley Council records that Queen Elizabeth I visited Scadbury in 1597 to knight its owner, Thomas Walsingham.
The manor and its fishponds are now a nationally significant scheduled monument. Conservation work continues at the site, with Bromley Council, Historic England and ODAS involved in efforts to protect the surviving remains.
Getting to the Open Weekend
Access to the event is from the public nature trail around Scadbury Park. ODAS says the open-weekend entrance is where the estate circular footpath crosses the moated site.
The nearest road access is via the footpath between 12 and 14 St Paul’s Wood Hill; ODAS advises turning left onto the circular footpath, with the manor around a five-minute walk away. Alternatively, the walk from the Perry Street entrance is around 20 minutes.
Scadbury Park has one council-listed car park off Old Perry Street, Chislehurst BR7. Allow enough time to walk to the manor before the 4.30pm last-entry point.
Accessibility & Practical Information
This is an archaeological site within a nature reserve, so access conditions may differ from an indoor heritage attraction. Bromley Council lists both a Nature Trail and an Easy Access Trail at Scadbury Park. Its Easy Access Trail is around 1km and was described when the council leaflet was produced as suitable for self-propelled wheelchairs, with no steps or stiles but three speed humps and gradients of up to 10%.
However, the 2026 event information does not confirm that the route to, or the ground within, the moated manor open weekend follows the Easy Access Trail or has the same accessibility. The wider Acorn Nature Trail can be muddy and includes steps, kissing gates and steeper gradients.
Visitors using wheelchairs or mobility aids, or anyone who needs specific access information, should check directly with ODAS before travelling rather than relying on the general park trail information. Outdoor footwear suitable for the weather and natural paths is sensible.
Why Visit?
For local families, history fans and anyone interested in archaeology, this is a chance to see a piece of Chislehurst history that usually sits behind the scenes. It also works brilliantly alongside our growing Chislehurst coverage, from the caves and alternative markets to wildlife and local walks.
More Things to Do Around Bromley & Chislehurst
Explore our Bromley Days Out, Events & Local Guide for more local ideas. We’re also building dedicated coverage of Chislehurst Caves, Wisdom & Wyrd Market and autumn wildlife events around the borough.
FAQ
When is Scadbury Moated Manor Open Weekend 2026?
It takes place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, from 2pm to 5pm each day. Last entry is at 4.30pm.
Is Scadbury Moated Manor free to visit?
Entry to the open weekend is free, with donations welcome.
Can you normally visit Scadbury Moated Manor?
The public can explore Scadbury Park and its nature trail, but the archaeological manor site itself is not normally open to the public. That is what makes the open weekend particularly useful for anyone wanting a closer look.
What will I see at Scadbury Manor?
Visitors can see archaeological excavations and surviving foundations associated with the Tudor manor, including the kitchens and great hall.
Who runs the open weekend?
The event is organised by the Orpington and District Archaeological Society.
Information checked 1 September 2026 against current London Borough of Bromley and ODAS information. Event details can change, so check with the organiser before travelling.
