National Trust - Scotney Castle image

National Trust - Scotney Castle

Tourist attraction Castle

One of the Best Places To Visits in Tunbridge Wells


Address

Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JN, United Kingdom

Website

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Contact

+44 1892 893820

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (5.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: castle (36) house (25) gardens (20) visit (20) beautiful (16) grounds (15) walk (14) National (12) Scotney (11) lovely (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jamie M. 2 years ago on Google
    We finally got round to using our National trust memberships... A 45 minute journey brought us to a beautiful site. We were guided in from the initial parking attendants were we were given a map to show us what was to offer. Our daughter took charge in guiding us! We decided to do a walk around the fields of the castle which took us roughly 45 minutes ( not forgetting that we left our wellies in the car...🫣) When we got back to the main facilities, we sat outside and enjoyed a Red pepper soup and cheesy wedges from the coach House cafe. Which, was very tasty. As we initially took the long route around we missed the castle. So, this time we walked through past the secondhand bookshop and through the tranquil gardens. We finally got to walk through and around the castle which looked stunning in its setting. As a family, we had a fantastic time and made a whole day of it. Thanks for having us 😁👍
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bob A. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent in all respects. The house is fully furnished and was lived in until 2006. You get to see more than 50% of it. The grounds are generally wheelchair accessible although there are some large slopes. They have a modern toilet block with disabled and baby changing facilities. They have a cafe although the choice is fairly restricted. If you are holidaying in the Sussex / Kent area I would strongly recommend you buy an annual National Trust subscription we have already got back our Couple subscription (£106.00) by visiting just 4 National Trust sites and still have 11 months remaining.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sandie P. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely gardens with the ruined castle in the valley bottom. The house looks very grand, but inside it's furnished as a comfy country house. The flower festival was on when we visited. The rooms were decorated with beautiful floral arrangements. The grounds are extensive, with plenty of hard paths so very wheelchair/mobility scooter friendly.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ralph F. 9 months ago on Google
    I know this place is a favourite for many and I can see why, there is something for everyone. The cafe with it's courtyard seating outside is superb, always popular. Ice cream kiosk in the summer with delightful flavours and plenty of picnic places. The obvious draw is the gorgeous folly in the middle of the lake but do explorer more further afield. The Badger and Pepper play area, the adventure den building. One word of advice is that the map they provide is not truly accurate and there are not always cleat signage around the place. Definitely a place to enjoy in different seasons and one to come back to again and again. Dog friendly in all but the house and the walled garden.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Helen G. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this place and visit regularly. Coming off season meant that the house and old castle were closed but the gardens were open and fewer than usual other visitors. It looked gorgeous in the sunny weather. A bit early yet for the rhododendrons to be in flower. The great framework of the garden was still visible though. Usual yummy things in the tea shop. Huge and very well organised secondhand book shop
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sami P. 10 months ago on Google
    What a beautiful castle! This has definitely been one of my favourites. The castle and the surroundings are breathtaking. There is a small playground and many spots to sit or for a picnic. Staff are friendly and enhance the whole experience. Definitely recommend a visit!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sharon H. 7 months ago on Google
    I had the pleasure of visiting Scotney Castle at the weekend and what a lovely day it was. The grounds are huge and has something for everyone. There is a café and shop with outdoor seating areas. The manor house to go in. Paths that lead down beautiful gardens and ruins. A wooden play park for children. I highly recommend ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pepster 9 months ago on Google
    Better to prebook the car park which saves you a 10 minute walk from the overflow one. Currently £15 per adult admission. We didn't bother looking inside the Victorian Scotney house instead opting for the castle. This is such a stunning building it actually could be a film set. Beautiful walk around the moat. Best visited on a sunny day to enjoy the well kept grounds.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ky “Kye” B. 9 months ago on Google
    Lovely day out, grounds are absolutely stunning, so peaceful too! Free entry for National Trust members! Staff all over the site and at the cafe are really friendly and clearly love what they do. Would definitely recommend a visit! :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hannah W. 9 months ago on Google
    A lovely place to see with loads too see. The castle is well laid out with some very knowledgeable volunteers. The gardens are spectacular with a few different areas. You have the quarry garden heading down from the house to the castle. Then the formal gardens around the castle and finally the walled garden up towards the carpark which isn't to be missed. Cafe is nice with a good range of hot and cold food and drinks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ifat k. 1 year ago on Google
    Brilliant national trust location in Kent . The main house, from the 1800s is fully set up as if the family have just left. A mix of treasures from across eras and artwork on every wall. The tranquil moat and old castle ruins make for an interesting walk as well as the gardens. Cafe serving hot and cold food and drinks, lovely ice cream. There are toilets available. Free parking for NT members and a traditional NT shop. Lovely day out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael 1 year ago on Google
    Firstly make sure you book the car park as with most national trust places it fills up quickly. Every member of staff was friendly, helpful and always smiling. Great place to go for a nice long walk where they have set walking paths around the castle in different lengths. Even get up close to sheep. The castle itself is amazing too see. Surrounded with water on one side make sure you look over to spot the fish. Take some duck food and you'll have friends for life. Lovely place to see and visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great house and great garden. Been visiting for many years from before the house was open to the public. The house is full of lovely artifacts, and very atmospheric. The garden is especially good in the spring with its rhododendrons and azaleas and wonderful for kids with its castle ruins. Nice tearoom too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephanie W. 10 months ago on Google
    A wonderful day out! Such a beautiful place to spend your time. The castle was lovely, the cafe had a good selection and the gift shop and plant shop were also great. The gardens were beautiful. Lots of countryside to walk through. The staff were great.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 BEN P. 9 months ago on Google
    Had a great day out at Scotney. Really lovely gardens and lake, the house was full of interesting artifacts and the staff very knowledgeable about the previous owners. Tea rooms were good value for money all in all a very enjoyable day out.

  • 5/5 Michael L. 7 months ago on Google
    A site that could easily be overlooked but is well worth a visit. The castle ruins are still beautiful, the setting is almost fairytale in appearance. The main building is now home to an emotion stirring art exhibition. The gardens, which incorporate the quarry used to excavate stone for the main house, are very pleasant with walks around the estate. The house itself is very interesting, contrasting rooms some a little dour, others bathed in light and airy. The most notable feature, in my opinion, is the wonderful collection of paintings from several periods that literally cover every wall space. A delightful discovery.

  • 4/5 Greg T. 6 months ago on Google
    An interesting National Trust site worth a visit. Not that crowded when we visited, with plenty of parking. If you are not a member you have to park further away than the members car park and trudge across. OK when it’s dry, but wouldn’t want to do it after heavy rain. Gardens are quite interesting and various walks 0f differing lengths are suggested.

  • 4/5 Brian T. 6 months ago on Google
    What a fabulous place to visit the mostly ruined original castle is so romantic, almost a folly to the new house. An incredibly interesting visit. Don't be afraid to ask questions the volunteers are very knowledgeable. If you're like me (a soft heart) you'll be moved by the exhibition of clay birds, heartbreaking what we're doing to this planet. Anyway have a fabulous day and enjoy your visit.

  • 5/5 David A. 5 months ago on Google
    We just visited Scotney castle and grounds for their Halloween trail, it was beautiful with the autumn colours popping out everywhere. The food at the cafe was delicious, the staff was super friendly and informative - we’ll be back! I would advise to book your car parking in advance on their website to avoid disappointment on the day.

  • 4/5 Paul K. 5 months ago on Google
    Fantastic grounds. Unfortunately the castle itself wasn't open on the day we visited as it was closed for its winter clean. But the grounds were lovely to walk around, especially with the autumn colours. Though not massive, but big enough for a wander around for an hour or so.

  • 5/5 Maxine C. 5 months ago on Google
    Dog friendly, pick up a Pooch Passport to see more dog friendly national trust locations. All staff met were lovely. Beautiful buildings (couldn't go inside with the dogs but outside is stunning)

  • 5/5 Jeremy F. 5 months ago on Google
    Scotney is a long standing favourite of ours. Set in a beautiful location. A picture postcard castle overlooking wonderful grounds. A good walk ( lots of slopes)..Good shop and cafe with decent food. Accessible to all if needed. Compared to some other National trust properties its well worth a visit. Especially at Christmas 🎄

  • 4/5 Sue H. 7 months ago on Google
    Very pretty location and the grounds and garden are wonderful. The house which they say is a house of curiosity most definately is. It didn,t hold our attention I'm afraid. However The NT have done an amazing job as always. There are so many collections. The castle sits in the little valley at the bottom of the grounds. Its beautiful. You can only book parking as a NT member.

  • 5/5 Bobby F. 7 months ago on Google
    Lovely place , very picturesque. The main house is a real time capsule from 1830 to 1980. Grounds are lovely even just for a picnic. National trust membership is always great value.

  • 5/5 Jennie E. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful place to visit, staff were very welcome and knowledgeable and the food was very yummy! Great for children and grown ups of any age. A place we will visit over and over again. If you are a national trust member you can book a space for the car park in advance, if you turn up on the day there is additional parking with a beautiful 8-10 minute walk through woodland.

  • 5/5 Paul C. 1 year ago on Google
    An excellent day out, a smallish house (for this type of venue at least, or at least the public areas were) which the children took us through quickly. Fantastic gardens, well kept, the ruined castle and moat at the bottom of the grounds was very scenic, there were lambs, and the rustic children's play area was a hit with our 5 and 8 year olds. Recommended.

  • 5/5 Sue W. 8 months ago on Google
    Loved seeing the old castle ruins in the lovely ground. Brings an aura of romance. Be aware it is advised that you book in advance to secure a parking space...

  • 5/5 James Y. 8 months ago on Google
    Carpark booking required but wasn't told on the National Trust App. But they had overflow carpark, so it wasn't an issue, just a 10-minute walk to the entrance. my second visit as the old Scotney Castle wasn't opened 2 years ago. Beside the castle, there is the Victorian mansion you can visit. Other facilities such as the cafe, toilet and gift shop. Joining the National Trust membership lets you have free entry in all National Trust across the country.

  • 5/5 Penko P. 1 year ago on Google
    It's an amazing little castle with beautiful gardens and huge green land hosted by the national trust. Nice coffee shop and restaurant, with a lot of space outside “not much indoor “ Worth the visit Carpark near the castle but isn't big, The large one is located a 5-10 min walk from the castle. Amazing spot for a picnic and friends and family. Not too far from London 1.5h. Driving

  • 5/5 Jay T. 10 months ago on Google
    Scotney Castle is a beautiful National Trust property located in Kent, England. It is a medieval castle that was built in the 14th century, and it is now surrounded by stunning gardens. The castle is set in a valley, and it is surrounded by a moat. The gardens are full of flowers, trees, and shrubs, and they are a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Scotney Castle is a popular tourist destination, and it is well worth a visit. The castle is fascinating, and the gardens are beautiful. There is also a tea room on site, so you can enjoy a snack or a meal while you are there. Here are some of the things you can do at Scotney Castle: Explore the castle ruins. Walk through the gardens. Have a picnic in the grounds. Visit the tea room. Take a boat ride on the moat. Scotney Castle is a great place to visit for a day out with family or friends. It is a beautiful place with a lot to offer.

  • 5/5 Grahame G. 11 months ago on Google
    Such a nice place to walk around ....we were there for 5 hours ....there is good 45 minute track around the grounds.....the house was very well kept with knowledgeable people in the rooms should you have questions. Although we didn't use the cafe as we had a packed lunch, there was one and toilets, plus tables where you can sit down to eat.. Disabled facilities available., I would also say wheel chair friendly in my opinion. Well worth a visit. Please be aware that it is wise to book your car parking space as the carpark is always full....

  • 4/5 Archie 10 months ago on Google
    Scotney Castle is a captivating historic place. The castle's ruins, surrounded by a moat and picturesque gardens, create a fairytale-like atmosphere. Exploring the castle's rooms and wandering through the enchanting gardens makes for a delightful and memorable experience that transports you back in time.

  • 5/5 David B. 10 months ago on Google
    Although the outside of the house looks very grand inside is very homely, including 1950s kitchen. Lots of interesting artifacts collected by the Hussey family over the years are displayed around the house. In the picturesque gardens are the ruins of the medieval castle surrounded by a moat. Taking a walk around the garden you will find walled gardens, heather thatched ice house, hidden walkways and woodland glade areas to sit and enjoy the view.

  • 5/5 Kate K. 11 months ago on Google
    Such a lovely place, the old castle is fit for a fairy princess! Good accessibility to most of the grounds. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable without being intrusive. The rhododendrons were blooming with such magnificent colours. It really is a must visit.

  • 5/5 Robert B. 10 months ago on Google
    Great castle to visit with two separate parts - old castle and new house. It has a long and rich history and beautiful trails. It's easy accessible with parking and overflow parking, big tearoom with outside space, and fantastic National Trust staff members. It's worth visiting for sure!


Call +44 1892 893820 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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