Scotney Castle
Stunning gardens, a fairytale castle and a Victorian country mansion to explore! There is plenty to entertain children:
* Discover the natural play area with ball run, tree swings, wooden obstacles and a mud kitchen
* Spot thousands of small fish (and some ducks) in the castle moat
* Hunt for the lost Noah's Ark animals hidden in the rooms of the mansion house (adults will love this too!)
* Find a wide variety of fruit and vegetables growing in the walled garden (fresh produce available to buy)
* Explore 780 acres of wonderful woodland and parkland
* Additional events for children are often run during school holidays (there is generally a small charge for these). Click here for more information.
Stunning gardens, a fairytale castle and a Victorian country mansion to explore! There is plenty to entertain children:
* Discover the natural play area with ball run, tree swings, wooden
obstacles and a mud kitchen
* Spot thousands of small fish (and some ducks) in the castle moat
* Hunt for the lost Noah's Ark animals hidden in the rooms of the mansion
house (adults will love this too!)
* Find a wide variety of fruit and vegetables growing in the walled garden
(fresh produce available to buy)
* Explore 780 acres of wonderful woodland and parkland
* Additional events for children are often run during school holidays (there
is generally a small charge for these). Click here for more information.
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KEY INFO:
ADMISSION:
Free for National Trust members and children under 5
SUITABLE FOR
LOCATION:
Lamberhurst, Sussex/Kent border, TN3 8JN
PARKING:
Free for NT members. Non-members £3, all day
AMENITIES:
DISTANCE:
OPEN:
Open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm (house open 11am-5pm, last entry one hour before closing)
Scotney castle is not one but two houses - the 'new' mansion house (built in 1837) and the ruins of a medieval castle and moat. The gardens at Scotney are truly beautiful and there are plenty of pushchair friendly paths to explore.
Whilst much of the castle is ruined, it is possible to enter the few rooms which remain intact. These are sparsely furnished and somewhat underwhelming, but offer good views across the moat and gardens.
Please note that during peak periods, it is necessary to book a time slot to visit the mansion house. Times will be offered to you at visitor Reception.
As well as the 20 acres of formal gardens, there are 760 acres of woodland and parkland to explore at Scotney. Estate 'Explorer' maps can be collected from Reception.
A tea-room serving hot and cold lunches and light refreshments is situated near the main visitor entrance. Picnics are allowed at Scotney and a number of picnic benches can be found on the lawn opposite the mansion house.
Dogs on short leads are welcome in the garden and estate, but are not allowed inside the castle or mansion.
The castle, house, tea room and shop are indoors and could provide places to shelter during rain showers.