Scotney Castle & Estate

Scotney Castle Estate & Gardens

Scotney Castle, Kent, UK. — The Elizabethan wing of old Scotney Castle, Kent, UK

Scotney Castle near Tunbridge Wells in Kent is an English country house with formal gardens set within a large estate.

Scotney Old Castle, on an island on a small lake, is the oldest part and dates back to 1137. The circular Ashburnham Tower is the only one of the four original towers still standing. The now mostly-ruined medieval castle forms the centerpiece of the formal gardens. The lovely gardens are known for their autumn colors and azalea, kalmia and rhododendron in season.

The large estate is ideal for walks and picnics and is still farmed for hops, sheep and cattle.

The house and grounds stage various events throughout the year.

History

Scotney Castle was built in the late-14th century and at the time belonged to one Lambert de Scoteni.

This structure was largely rebuilt during the Elizabethan period and though used as a house for a bailiff until 1905 is now largely ruined.

The castle then came into the hands of the Catholic Darrell family. In the late 16th century Thomas Darrell once hid a Catholic priest in the house which still contains a priest hole. The Darrells sold to the Hussey family in 1778.

It was they who built the so-called "New" Castle from local sandstone on the estate. The quarry is now the Quarry Garden complete with an ancient dinosaur footprint.

The houses and estate were left to the National Trust in 1970. They in return rented out various apartments in the manor house at the beginning of their tenure. One famous client was Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who came here at weekends to escape the pressures of Downing Street.

The partially-ruined Old Castle is surrounded by a moat. — The partially-ruined Old Castle is surrounded by a moat

The Old Castle is now a garden feature. — The Old Castle is now a garden feature

Things to See & Do

Scotney Castle puts on a variety of annual events aimed at both young and old visitors.

These events include an Edwardian Christmas with the house decorated in the style of that era and a number of different tours of the garden with the park keeper. There has also been outdoor theatre put on in the garden.

There is a tearoom serving a range of refreshments including drinks, hot and cold food, snacks and cakes. There is also a shop selling souvenirs and books.

Scotney Castle, Kent. — The "New" Castle was built by the Hussey family in the 18th century

Nearby

Scotney is close to Sissinghurst Castle in the Weald of Kent which is also owned and maintained by the National Trust. Sissinghurst is among the most famous gardens in England. It was created by husband and wife Vita Sackville-West and Sir Harold Nicolson, and today remains a verdant testament to their long, if slightly unconventional marriage.

The gardens at Sissinghurst were first opened to the public in 1938 under the National Gardens Scheme for just two days a year - now they draw around 150,000 visitors each year. The garden has various individual gardens which resemble rooms in a house, with hedges acting as walls. The particularly stunning White Garden is a mix of plantings using only white flowers and greenery.

Scotney Castle Garden, Kent, UK. — The gardens at Scotney Castle are a delight in any season

Access - Getting to Scotney Castle

Scotney Castle (nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle)
Lamberhurst
Tunbridge Wells
Kent, TN3 8JB
Tel: 01892 893 820

The castle is less than 10 miles from Tunbridge Wells on the A21 or B2169.

Scotney Castle is also about 11 miles from another fine British castle, Bodiam Castle in neighboring Sussex.

Tunbridge Wells Station has trains to London Charing Cross in London as well as to Hastings on the Hastings Line.

The 256 Tunbridge Wells to Wadhurst Autocar service runs via Lamberhurst Monday to Friday.

Book a hire car for your holiday in Britain - pick up at the airport or in the major cities

Accommodation

Places to stay nearby include The Vineyard Lamberhurst, a charming property set next to Lamberhurst's vineyards, the charming Bewl Rookery B&B in nearby Wadhurst with well-furnished rooms along with alpacas in the garden or the Star & Eagle Hotel, once an historic 14th century monastery.

See a listing of accommodation near Scotney Castle