Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Chiddingstone Castle School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

1. Where is the event taking place?

The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will take place at Chiddingstone Castle, Hill Hoath Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AD. If you have any problems finding us please call 01892 870347.

2. How do I get there?

Chiddingstone Castle is best reached by car. Please park in our Car Park which is no more than 75 meters from the main North Door of the Castle. There are designated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders, and visitors with disabilities can be dropped directly at the main North Door if necessary. If travelling via train, the nearest stations are Penshurst, Cowden, Edenbridge, Sevenoaks, Hildenborough and Tonbridge. You will need to pre-book a taxi if you are travelling to any of these stations as not all have taxi ranks.

3. Do I have to stay with my child/children?

The content of the event is specifically aimed at children aged between 7 and 12 years and we very much hope that their enjoyment of the four classes (at Morning School or Afternoon School) will mean they can attend without the need for a parent or guardian being present.  We are happy to welcome Accompanying Adults if they wish (ticket price £10).  Please note, however, that adults will not be able to join in the School activities, but may watch from the back of the room if space allows.

4. When do I need to arrive?

Please arrive no more than 30 minutes before your allotted entry time to allow for ticket checking and a prompt start.  A Morning School ticket begins at 11am and an Afternoon School ticket begins at 2pm.

5. How long does the event I am paying for last?

Your ticket allows you access to the Castle and wizarding classes for the time specified on the ticket only.  Morning School admission opens at 11am, with classes from 11.30am until 1.30pm; Afternoon School admission opens at 2pm, with classes from 2.30pm until 4.30pm.

6. Do I get to visit the exhibitions at Chiddingstone Castle?

Your ticket allows you to attend the four wizarding classes during the hours your event takes place. Although some of these take place within some of the historic exhibition rooms of the Castle, other rooms will be closed and the museum collections will not be available for viewing on these days.

7. What do I need to bring?

Please bring a printed copy of your ticket.

8. What should we wear?

It is not compulsory but we do encourage participants to get in the spirit of the magic and dress up. There will be a small prize for the best dressed student in each class.

9. Will I be able to eat and drink?

As on a Castle public visitor open day, our Tea Room will be open serving a selection of sandwiches, cream teas, cakes and hot and cold drinks, albeit the Castle itself will be closed to visitors. You will not need to pay entry to the Castle to visit the Tea Room.

10. Safeguarding of children

Chiddingstone Castle will be working with Little Foot Events Production Company to deliver this event.  All members of the production company are DBS checked.

11. Medicines and medical needs

As with all our events, there will be a member of staff on site who is First Aid trained. Any children with specific medical needs should be accompanied by an adult as we will not take responsibility for distributing medicines or minding children with specific needs.

12. What can parents do whilst they wait?

If you choose not to buy an Accompanying Adult ticket for £10.00, you will not be able to enter the Castle or view the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry activities. However, without a ticket you will be able to visit our Gift Shop and Tea Room.

13. Ticket refunds

If for any reason you are no longer able to attend the event, you will need to send an email to support@liveit.io with the booking reference number to get a refund. If your ticket is refunded then it will not be valid when scanned on entry. Please note that tickets are non-refundable after 18 October 2017.

14. Photos (we would like the right to use your image unless you don’t want us to)

We always encourage visitors to take and share photos whilst at Chiddingstone Castle and at our Special Events. We do however request that the taking of these photos does not interrupt the event or distract participants. The photos you take and share will remain the property of you but may be used by Chiddingstone Castle to promote the event in the future.

15. Extras available (T-shirts)

We will be selling merchandise on the day of the event if you wish to provide your children with additional spending money.

16. Registered Carers

If you are a Registered Carer  you will be entitled to a free ‘Accompanying Adult’ ticket if arranged in advance, please contact support@liveit.io to make arrangements.