The moated 14th-century castle and landscape of Scotney together make this one of England's most romantic places. Created in the 1830s by Edward Hussey who had the imagination to transform the medieval Scotney Castle from derelict dwelling to quaint ruin, thus forming the focus of his picturesque landscape garden, which he called his pleasure gardens.

The view from the Bastion, just below the formal terraces of the "new" Scotney Castle, takes in the glorious colours of Ghent azaleas in late spring. In the autumn, golden tulip trees and crimson liquidambars take centre stage against a back cloth of parkland and woodland which are part of the 770 acre Scotney Estate.

Estate walks can be enjoyed throughout the year and children can discover a dinosaur's footprint in the Quarry Garden on the Children's Trail. There is a magnificent display of bluebells in May and spectacular autumn colours. The hop farm is one of the few surviving in Kent.

Scotney holds a number of special events throughout the year. For further information please visit the National Trust events list or call 01892 891081.