Scotney Castle
Lamberhurst, Kent/Sussex border
Image: Scotney CastleScotney Castle pairs a romantic 14th-century moated castle ruin with a later mansion house on the hill above it, on a National Trust estate near Lamberhurst. Explore the house and the terraced garden that drops down to the old castle, then head out across 780 acres of parkland and Wealden woodland. Allow half a day, or longer with an estate walk.
Highlights
- Moated 14th-century old castle (exterior access)
- Mansion house and walled garden
- 780 acres of parkland and woodland walks
- Coach House tea-room and Betsy's second-hand bookshop
Good to know
- Dogs on short leads are welcome in the garden, shops, tea-room and estate, but not in the house or walled garden
- Pre-booking is essential during October half term
Getting there
Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 8JNParking: Visitors have been asked to pre-book parking during car park works, so check before you travel.
Get directionsChecked on 4 November 2026 against nationaltrust.org.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
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What's on at Scotney Castle
Image: Scotney CastleOld Castle Tours
Guided behind-the-scenes tours of the Old Castle at Scotney Castle in Lamberhurst run from 16 October to 31 December 2026. Tours depend on volunteer availability, and booking is required. Times are listed on the event page.
Image: National TrustA Fairytale Christmas at Scotney Castle
The Victorian mansion at Scotney is decorated with scenes inspired by favourite fairytales, and a gingerbread trail runs outdoors for children. On selected late nights the gardens are lit with twinkling illuminations. Scotney is just outside Lamberhurst, so it combines easily with other festive outings in the area.
Image: Scotney CastleGingerbread Man trail at Scotney Castle
A runaway gingerbread trail around the grounds at Scotney. Children pick up a sheet, search for the escaped Gingerbread Men and other festive characters, and play games along the way. It runs alongside A Fairytale Christmas in the mansion.
Image: Scotney CastleCommunity Coffee Mornings
A free monthly coffee morning in the Tea Room at Scotney Castle, near Tunbridge Wells, on Friday 27 November 2026 from 10:00 to 11:30. A Chatter and Natter table, hosted by a volunteer, is open to everyone who wants a chat over a cup of tea. Booking is required and pre-booking car parking is advised.
Image: Scotney CastleChristmas Lunches in Coach House Tea-room
Christmas lunches are served in the Coach House Tea-room at Scotney Castle in Lamberhurst throughout December 2026. The meal is a festive get-together suited to families and groups, and booking is recommended. Times and prices are on the National Trust event page.
Image: Scotney CastleLate Nights & Lights at Scotney Castle
Scotney Castle in Lamberhurst opens after dark in December with festive illuminations, sparkling decorations and dressed Christmas trees. Dates fall on 12, 13 and 18 to 21 December 2026, with timings on the event page. Booking is recommended, and the event suits families, couples and friends.
More things to do in LamberhurstEvery National Trust place in Kent
Nearby
Photo: Bewl WaterBewl Water
Bewl Water is the South East's largest reservoir, set in the High Weald on the Kent and Sussex border with 13 miles of shoreline. Come for a lakeside walk or bike ride, a watersports session or a summer day on the inflatable Aqua Park, then refuel at the Waterfront Café. It suits families, active groups and dog walkers, and can easily fill a day.
Elphicks Fisheries
Elphicks Fisheries is a seven-lake coarse and carp fishery in the countryside outside Horsmonden, with lakes laid out for everyone from families having a first go to anglers chasing big carp. All fishing is booked ahead through the Swimbooker app, and the on-site Carp Catchers Cafe serves anglers and visitors.
Image: Bedgebury National Pinetum and ForestBedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Bedgebury is Forestry England's National Pinetum, a world-leading collection of over 12,000 specimen trees set among the lakes and valleys of the High Weald near Goudhurst. Wander the pinetum on foot, cycle or mountain bike the forest trails, or let children tackle the play trail. With a cafe at the visitor centre, it can easily fill a day.