About
Smallhythe Place is a beautifully preserved early 16th-century half-timbered house that was the beloved country retreat of Dame Ellen Terry, the most celebrated actress of the Victorian era. Nestled in the peaceful hamlet of Smallhythe near Tenterden in Kent, this atmospheric property offers a unique window into the life and times of one of Britain's greatest theatrical performers.
The house itself dates from around 1514 and was originally built as the harbour master's house when Smallhythe was a thriving shipbuilding port on the River Rother. Ellen Terry purchased the property in 1899 and lived here until her death in 1928, filling it with personal mementoes, theatrical costumes, and memorabilia from her illustrious career spanning over five decades on stage.
Today, Smallhythe Place is maintained by the National Trust and houses a remarkable collection of theatrical memorabilia, including costumes worn by Terry and her contemporaries, personal letters, photographs, and paintings. The intimate rooms retain much of their original character, with Terry's own furnishings and decorations creating an evocative atmosphere that brings the actress's world vividly to life.
The property includes the charming Barn Theatre, a converted barn where theatrical performances have been staged since 1929. The annual open-air theatre season continues this tradition, making Smallhythe a living celebration of the dramatic arts. The surrounding cottage gardens, which Terry herself lovingly tended, add to the property's considerable charm and provide a tranquil setting for reflection.
Smallhythe Place stands as both an important example of medieval domestic architecture and a shrine to Victorian theatrical culture, offering visitors an intimate and personal museum experience quite unlike any other in Kent.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- Visit during the summer theatre season (typically June to August) to combine a house visit with a live performance in the atmospheric Barn Theatre.
- The house is quite small and intimate, so midweek visits offer a more peaceful experience than busy weekends.
- Smallhythe is in a rural location with very limited public transport. Driving or cycling is the most practical option.
- Don't miss the costume collection, particularly items relating to Ellen Terry's famous roles at the Lyceum Theatre.
- The exterior and gardens are wonderfully photogenic. No flash photography is permitted inside the house.
- Children enjoy the garden trail and the story of Ellen Terry. Family activity sheets are available during school holidays.
- Combine your visit with nearby Bodiam Castle or a ride on the Kent & East Sussex Railway from Tenterden for a full day out.
- National Trust members enjoy free entry. If visiting several NT properties in Kent, membership quickly pays for itself.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
The collection comprises over 2,000 items relating to Ellen Terry and Victorian theatre, including costumes, scripts, photographs, paintings, personal letters, and household items. The archive also includes material relating to the wider Terry family dynasty of actors.
Ellen Terry's Life and Career
The main house displays tell the story of Ellen Terry's extraordinary theatrical career spanning from childhood to her final years, through costumes, personal belongings, and memorabilia.
Victorian Theatre and the Lyceum
Dedicated displays explore the golden age of Victorian theatre, focusing on Terry's legendary partnership with Henry Irving at the Lyceum Theatre.
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.