Hadlow Tower (Hadlow Castle)

Hadlow Tower is the extraordinary Gothic folly that rises above the village of Hadlow, between Tonbridge and East Peckham. Built in the early 19th century as part of Hadlow Castle for the wealthy landowner Walter Barton May, the octagonal tower stands around 52 metres tall and is one of the tallest Gothic Revival towers in Britain. Local tradition holds that May built it so he could see the sea, or, in the more famous version, to keep watch on his estranged wife.

Most of the surrounding castle was demolished in the 1950s, leaving the tower isolated and, for many decades, in serious disrepair. A major restoration project completed in 2013 saved the structure and returned its pinnacles, lantern and ornate cast-iron details to their original appearance. It is now cared for by a charitable trust and can be visited on selected open days each year.

Even when the interior is closed, the tower is a striking sight from the village street and from the wider Weald. It sits close to St Mary's Church, so the two can easily be combined into a short walk around Hadlow.