Scotney Castle- National Trust

Scotney Castle- National Trust Ruined medieval castle + Victorian mansion house + Picturesque garden + ancient estate = Romance, drama, nature, a castle for all seasons.
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See Scotney website and page links for events, more information, and car park booking. Scotney is not one but two houses. At the top of the hill is the new house, designed by Anthony Salvin in Elizabethan style and built in 1837 for Edward Hussey III, who took the ‘Picturesque’ style as his inspiration. At the bottom of the valley are the romantic ruins of a medieval castle and moat. This is the f

ocal point of the celebrated gardens featuring spectacular displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and kalmia in May/June with trees and shrubs providing autumnal colour. The estate is open all year, offering a variety of walks through beautiful parkland, woodland and farmland. HOUSE RULES
We want our page to be a place where people can share how they feel about the National Trust and talk about their experiences in a fun environment. We welcome feedback – both positive and negative. It helps us to learn and grow. These house rules aim to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves while they’re here. We ask you to be nice and polite to one another – you almost always are!- and respect each other’s views and comments. We ask all users to ensure your contributions are civil, polite, tasteful and suitable for all ages. We won’t
tolerate disruptive, offensive or abusive behaviour, unlawful or objectionable content. This includes any material which might be defamatory, offensive,infringing, obscene, lewd, pornographic, violent, abusive, insulting, threatening, harassing, discriminatory, blasphemous, indecent or otherwise unlawful or objectionable. It also includes any material which is aggressive, argumentative or likely to be construed as bullying. No spamming or repetition, please, nor off-topic material in subject-specific threads or areas. MODERATION POLICY
In general, we don’t moderate posts – except on the rare occasion that someone has used offensive language or made libellous allegations about named or identifiable individuals on our page. We have a duty to protect our
staff and volunteers, so while deleting comments is totally out of character for us, our legal position is that any post containing a libellous accusations, should be removed. If an individual continues to post offensive, threatening or
libellous content then we’ll be forced to block that person from the page. We won’t tolerate postings, content, or links that are racist, sexist or homophobic. We also don’t permit linking to or posting any content which endorses illegal
activity, or any activities against the values of the National Trust. If you’re concerned that a posting or user content has broken any of our house rules or you’re worried about any comment or content then please send us an email to: [email protected] and let us know.

Job vacancy alert | Gardening Apprentice (Level 2) | Closing date: 23 June Come and join an apprenticeship at Scotney Ca...
14/06/2026

Job vacancy alert | Gardening Apprentice (Level 2) | Closing date: 23 June

Come and join an apprenticeship at Scotney Castle, helping to look after one of the most significant designed Picturesque landscapes in the country.

Working alongside your mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, you will develop the skills and knowledge relevant to the apprenticeship standard Horticultural Operative Level 2.

You don’t need experience for this role, just loads of enthusiasm and a desire to learn.

There has never been a more exciting time to join our garden team as we implement the 'Reconnecting Scotney' project to develop the walled garden, historic orchard and restore the vine house.

This is a fixed-term full-time role offering 37.5 hours a week from October 2026.

To find out more about this role and apply, search IRC177270 on National Trust Jobs or click here: https://careers.nationaltrust.org.uk/OA_HTML/a/ #/vacancy-detail/177270

Applications close on 23 June. Interviews will be held in July.

© National Trust Images

What our visitors are saying about our wonderful volunteers.From sharing their knowledge to offering warm welcomes, our ...
07/06/2026

What our visitors are saying about our wonderful volunteers.

From sharing their knowledge to offering warm welcomes, our volunteers play such an important role in shaping every visit to Scotney Castle.

💬 “Thank you to all the volunteers for making our day so memorable.”
💬 “The volunteer ranger was superb. On a very hot day he took us on a shortened tour away from the main area and was so informative about the wildlife, vegetation and history.”
💬 “Lovely walks, beautiful gardens, wonderful and very friendly volunteers.”
💬 “Such helpful and informative volunteers, they really brought the house to life.”

We’re so grateful for everything our volunteers do and for everyone who’s taken the time to share their experience.

© National Trust Images / Laurence Perry

Let’s hear from our volunteers 🙌From sharing stories to welcoming visitors, our volunteers are at the heart of everythin...
04/06/2026

Let’s hear from our volunteers 🙌

From sharing stories to welcoming visitors, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we love hearing just how much they enjoy being part of the Scotney community 🏰

Scotney Castle simply wouldn’t be the same without them, and we are forever inspired by their enthusiasm and passion.

Thinking about joining us?
Find out more via the link in bio 🔗

© National Trust Images / Alice Bowen

It’s Volunteers’ Week! This week, we’re taking the time to celebrate the incredible work our volunteers do at Scotney Ca...
01/06/2026

It’s Volunteers’ Week!

This week, we’re taking the time to celebrate the incredible work our volunteers do at Scotney Castle.

Every day, they give their time, care, love and enthusiasm to help make Scotney the wonderful place that it is. We simply couldn’t do it without them.

So if you're planning to visit us this week, do make sure to say hi to our volunteers and thank them for helping make every visit so special.

© National Trust Images / John Millar

Are you a family who visits Scotney Castle?  As part of our ‘Reconnecting Scotney’ project, we’ll be sharing plans and d...
26/05/2026

Are you a family who visits Scotney Castle?

As part of our ‘Reconnecting Scotney’ project, we’ll be sharing plans and designs for our new playground and we’d love to hear from you.

On Saturday 6 June, 10:30am – 12pm, we’ll be hosting a session for families to help shape our plans around this exciting project.

If you’re a family with children (aged 1-11), why not get in touch with us to find out how you can get involved: [email protected]

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.

‘Reconnecting Scotney’ is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

© National Trust Images/James Beck

🌸 Springtime fun this Half-Term 🌸 Join this charming dragonfly trail at Scotney Castle. Spot dragonflies, explore the ga...
24/05/2026

🌸 Springtime fun this Half-Term 🌸

Join this charming dragonfly trail at Scotney Castle.

Spot dragonflies, explore the garden and take part in activities with the whole family.

The trail includes an activity booklet and a small prize which can be picked up from the Shop afterwards.

📆Daily until 31 May
🎟£2 per trail
🧭Suitable for most 3 - 12 year olds
♿Buggy and wheelchair friendly
🚘Book car parking in advance to avoid disappointment (link in bio)

📣Job vacancy alert | Chef | Applications close 31 MayStep into the kitchen at Scotney Castle, where fresh, seasonal ingr...
21/05/2026

📣Job vacancy alert | Chef | Applications close 31 May

Step into the kitchen at Scotney Castle, where fresh, seasonal ingredients meet passion, creativity, and a real sense of place. As a chef here, you won’t just be preparing food—you’ll be crafting memorable experiences for our visitors in a truly picturesque setting.

You’ll be part of a friendly, supportive team that thrives in a busy but fun environment, proud of the high-quality dishes we serve and the spirit we bring to every shift.

This role includes 5 out of 7 days with flexible hours, no evenings or split shifts, and at least one weekend off per month wording alongside two other chefs.

This is a permanent full time role offering 37.5 hours a week.

To find out more about this role and apply, search IRC175940 on National Trust Jobs or visit the page here: https://careers.nationaltrust.org.uk/OA_HTML/a/ #/vacancy-detail/175940

Applications close on 31 May.

© National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

📣 Scotney's summer performances are back! --Outdoor Theatre | Peter Rabbit | 1 AugustQuantum Theatre are back with an en...
19/05/2026

📣 Scotney's summer performances are back!

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Outdoor Theatre | Peter Rabbit | 1 August

Quantum Theatre are back with an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter's best-loved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny.

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Outdoor Theatre | Much Ado About Nothing | 8 August

Changeling Theatre brings Shakespeare's best rom-com to the outdoor stage at Scotney Castle.

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Outdoor Theatre | Treasure Island | 22 August

Quantum Theatre's swashbuckling new adaptation of this classic pirate adventure.

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Live music | Shades of Simon | 13 August

Shades of Simon returns to Scotney for an evening celebrating the music of Paul Simon.

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Live music | The Jive Aces | 14 August

An evening with the UK's no.1 jive and swing band that is sure to be a non-stop foot-tapping experience.

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Live music | UK Queen | 15 August

An evening of generation-defining classics with this leading Queen tribute band.

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Live music | 'Our Own Way' | 16 August

Rounding off our live music weekend is an ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute experience, playing all the hits you know and love.

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🎟Multiple ticket types available, including group discounts. To book your tickets, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle or call the box office on 0344 249 1895

Object of the month: The model of Scotney Castle This model is one of the few surviving works by architectural illustrat...
17/05/2026

Object of the month: The model of Scotney Castle

This model is one of the few surviving works by architectural illustrator and fine artist Thomas Dibdin Dighton.

It was commissioned by Edward Hussey in 1844 for a prestigious London exhibition celebrating British industrial, mechanical ingenuity and creativity.

At considerable cost to Edward Hussey, he had a protective glass casement specially made for the model as it had been made from watercoloured card.

This model can be seen in the Library in the mansion house at Scotney.

© National Trust Images/Ellen Askey James

Address

Scotney Castle
Lamberhurst
TN38JN

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441892893820

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