See my walk around Scotney Castle and discover its history including ghosts and dinosaurs!
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My photos of Scotney Castle
Built in the 14th century by Roger Ashburnham, Scotney Castle has been in ruins since the 16th century.
Parts of the castle may be in ruin, but it only adds to the charm of Scotney Castle.
You can still go inside and upstairs of Scotney Castle, but the main draw is the picturesque gardens and lake. It wouldn’t look out of place in Disney movie.
The name Scotney is derived from the Saxon for ‘ey’ or ‘ea’ meaning island.
There are rumours of a 100 million year old dinosaur footprint in the quarry which I did not know about before visiting! But while researching for photos or someone who has at least witnessed it, it appears no one has!
I wouldn’t like to visit Scotney Castle on a dark night however. Apparently, a ghost crawls painfully along the moat…
I didn’t go inside the house as it was a sunny day, but apparently Margret Thatcher lived there whilst she was Prime Minister!
I’ll be honest, I thought this house had sunk or something. But apparently it’s a boathouse and it’s supposed to be like that! It’s Grade II listed which means it’s of special interest and warrants every effort to preserve it.
Another Grade II listed building at Scotney Castle is the ice house, a small building used to keep things cool before the refrigerator was invented!
You can also visit another National Trust location, Batemans, which is a 24 minute drive (Google Maps link). See my photos of my day trip to Batemans!
Certainly, Timothy — here’s a clear and tourist-friendly guide to Scotney Castle, with headings tailored to your preferred format:
History of Scotney Castle
Scotney Castle is a romantic country estate in Kent, blending medieval ruins, Victorian architecture, and picturesque gardens across 770 acres. The earliest record dates to 1137, with the moated Old Castle built around 1378 by Roger de Ashburnham as a fortified manor. Over centuries, it was reshaped — the south wing rebuilt in 1580, and the eastern range added in the 1630s. The Darrell family owned the estate for over 350 years, famously sheltering Jesuit priest Richard Blount during Elizabethan religious persecution.
In 1778, Edward Hussey purchased the estate, and his grandson, Edward Hussey III, commissioned architect Anthony Salvin to build the New Castle between 1835–1843. Salvin quarried sandstone from the slope below, creating the Quarry Garden and deliberately left the Old Castle in ruins to enhance the landscape’s Picturesque appeal. The estate passed to the National Trust in 1970 and opened to the public in 2007, offering a layered journey through English history, architecture, and horticulture.
10 Interesting Facts About Scotney Castle
- The estate features two castles — a medieval ruin and a Victorian mansion.
- The Quarry Garden contains a 100-million-year-old dinosaur footprint.
- The Ashburnham Tower is the oldest surviving part of the Old Castle.
- Scotney’s gardens are a Grade I listed Picturesque landscape, rare in Britain.
- A priest hole in the Old Castle helped hide Jesuit Richard Blount in the 1590s.
- The Belfry Flat was rented by Margaret Thatcher during her time as Prime Minister.
- The estate includes the only working hop farm under National Trust care.
- The Victorian ice house and boat house are Grade II listed structures.
- The mansion’s library door is disguised with fake book spines and humorous titles.
- Scotney Castle was a filming location for Yanks (1979) and Netflix’s The Sandman.
Things to See and Do at Scotney Castle
- Explore the Old Castle Ruins
Wander through the moated medieval remains, including the Ashburnham Tower and Elizabethan wing. Look for the lion crest and priest hole. - Tour the Victorian Mansion
Visit the 19th-century house with original furniture, secret doors, and the Hussey family’s art, costume, and silver collections. - Stroll the Quarry Garden
Admire spring bulbs, azaleas, and acers in the sunken garden carved from the sandstone quarry. - Walk the Estate Trails
Choose from woodland, riverside, and hop farm walks. The Hop Trail leads to historic pickers’ huts and Kilndown village. - Visit the Walled Garden
See seasonal fruit, vegetables, and flowers — some still used in the tea room. - Relax by the Moat and Lake
Enjoy reflections of the castle and rhododendrons in the water. Spot the Venetian wellhead and Victorian boat house. - Attend Outdoor Theatre or Events
Catch Shakespeare plays, concerts, and seasonal festivals in the gardens. - Browse the Gift Shop and Bookshop
Find local produce, Scotney bitter, honey, and second-hand books. - Enjoy the Tea Room and Picnic Areas
Try homemade scones, lunches, and dog-friendly ice cream. Picnic tables are available near the walled garden. - Spot Wildlife and Rare Plants
Look for deer, dormice, and rare mosses in this Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Scotney Castle FAQ
Yes you have to pay on entrance. At the time of writing, entrance price for non National Trust member is £15 for adults. See all Scotney Castle ticket prices for more information.
Yes you can go inside Scotney Castle, although there isn’t a whole lot of interesting things to see (it’s also very small)
Yes dogs are allowed in Scotney Castle, but they must remain on leads due to grazing animals.
Certainly, Timothy — here’s a structured and tourist-friendly guide to Scotney Castle, styled to match your Bateman’s and Bodiam Castle sections. It covers everything from tours and events to accessibility and nearby places to eat:
Practical information for visiting Scotney Castle
- Tours: Free guided tours of the garden and estate run regularly. Special interest tours include seasonal planting walks, historical talks, and behind-the-scenes conservation sessions. Booking is recommended during busy periods.
- Events: Scotney Castle hosts a full calendar of events including outdoor theatre, live music, art exhibitions, and family trails. Highlights for 2025 include Twelfth Night, The Secret Garden, and tribute concerts for ABBA and Fleetwood Mac.
- Café: The Coach House Tea-room serves hot and cold meals, drinks, cakes, and children’s options. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. A summer kiosk offers snacks and ice cream, including dog-friendly treats.
- Places to Eat Nearby:
- The Vineyard Lamberhurst: Stylish pub with terrace dining and vineyard views.
- The Chequers: Traditional pub with seasonal menus and Sunday roasts.
- Simply Indian: Indian cuisine in Wadhurst with vegetarian options.
- Jumeira Indian Wadhurst: Popular for curries and tandoori dishes.
- Gun Inn: Country pub with hearty British fare.
- French Help: Café and deli with French-inspired snacks.
- Amthuc Viet: Vietnamese street food in a relaxed setting.
- Where to Visit Before or After:
- Sissinghurst Castle Garden: Famous for its garden rooms and literary history.
- Bedgebury National Pinetum: Woodland walks and cycling trails.
- Finchcocks Musical Museum: Historic instruments and performances.
- Tunbridge Wells: Shopping, spa heritage, and Georgian architecture.
- Bewl Water: Boating, walking, and cycling around a large reservoir.
- Cost / Entry Fee:
- Adult: £19.00 (£20.90 with Gift Aid)
- Child (5–17): £9.50 (£10.50 with Gift Aid)
- Family (2 adults + 3 children): £47.50 (£52.30 with Gift Aid)
- Under 5s: Free
- National Trust members: Free entry and parking
- Opening Times:
- Garden, estate walks, shop, and tea-room: 10:00–17:00
- House: 11:00–16:30
- Old Castle: 11:00–16:00
- Bookshop: 10:00–17:00
- How Long to Visit: Allow 2–3 hours for a relaxed visit including house, gardens, and refreshments
- Parking:
- Free for National Trust members
- £4.50 per car for non-members
- Advance booking required via website or app
- Blue Badge spaces available near entrance
- By Train:
- Nearest station: Wadhurst (approx. 5 miles)
- No taxi rank — pre-booking recommended
- Accessibility:
- Ramped access to shop, tea-room, and garden paths
- Accessible toilets and mobility scooters available
- Induction loops and large print guides on request
- Some steep slopes in the garden — assistance may be needed
- Dog Friendly:
- Dogs on short leads welcome in gardens, estate, shop, and outdoor café areas
- Assistance dogs only in mansion house and walled garden
- Water bowls, dog bins, and dog ice cream available
Looking for more Fun Things To Do In Kent? See my guide for families and adults.
More guides on Kent
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- Best Things To See, Eat And Shop In Broadstairs
- 48 Hours In Margate – Fun & Unique Things To Do
- Best Castles In Kent
- Where Are The Oldest Castles In Kent?
- A Guide To Kent’s Sandy Beaches (And What To See And Do Afterwards)
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