Discover more at Scotney Castle
Find out when Scotney Castle is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Dogs on leads are very welcome at Scotney. With 780 acres of estate covering woodland and parkland as well gardens, we've got plenty of walks to choose from, and dogs are welcome in the tea-room and shops too.
We’ve been working on making it easier for you to find out how dog-friendly your visit will be before you and your four-legged friend arrive. To help with this, we've created a new pawprint rating system and given all the places in our care a rating.
Scotney Castle is a three pawprint place.
Three pawprints shows the very best places you can visit for a day with your dog. You’ll be able to take your dog to most areas, including indoors for a cup of tea and a treat. Read on to discover exactly what is on offer for canine visitors at Scotney and where you can take your dog.
The fields and parkland at Scotney are a working estate and, although letting your dog off lead to run seems harmless, it can cause untold problems for the livestock and wildlife who live on the property. There are sheep and cattle grazing who don't realise your dog 'just wants to play'. Sheep see dogs as predators rather than a friend, and there have been several cases of sheep being mauled on the estate by dogs not on leads. Pregnant ewes can also abort as a direct result of being chased by dogs. Both situations are not only very distressing, their loss has a significant financial impact.
On the rest of the site we ask that dogs are on leads so all our visitors can enjoy their time here.
Scotney is a very dog-friendly property and dogs are welcome on short leads in the main Picturesque garden, the shop and tea-room; we do ask that dogs in the tea-room are tucked under tables to prevent them being an obstacle or trip hazard for other visitors or staff.
The estate at Scotney Castle provides miles of beautiful walking for you and your canine companion. However, it is also home to a variety of wildlife and grazing livestock so dogs must be kept on a lead when walking on parkland.
Only assistance dogs are permitted in the house, old castle and walled garden.
Only assistance dogs are allowed in the house, old castle and the walled garden.
Occasionally we may not be able to accommodate dogs in the tea-room because of events taking place, but the manager on duty will advise you on this upon arrival.
We’ve worked with our partner Forthglade to come up with this Canine Code, which helps to make sure everyone can enjoy their day:
Our definition of close or effective control is:
Find out when Scotney Castle is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
We've partnered with natural pet food maker Forthglade so that you and your dog can get even more out of the special places we care for.
Discover the best places for a dog walk, from coastal adventures and dramatic mountains to more leisurely walks near you. Plus find information on dog-friendly cafés and read our Canine Code.
If you’re bringing your dog to the places we care for, here’s information on the Canine Code and pawprint rating system to plan your visit.
After a good dog walk in the fresh air, find a place to sit and relax with your dog in a dog-friendly café.
We've partnered with natural pet food maker Forthglade to create the Dogs Welcome project, helping you and your dog to get the most out of the places in our care.
Discover the Picturesque garden and wider estate at Scotney Castle. Take time to look around as you explore and discover endless vistas and interesting angles for photographs.
There's nothing better than a warm spring day: fresh air, sunshine and food enjoyed in the outdoors. Whether you're going for the full lunch option or just a snack to keep you going 'til tea, there's a full range of savouries and bakes to entice you. And if the English weather doesn't play ball there'll always be jacket potatoes and fish finger sandwiches ...
From secret doors to ornate furniture and amazing collections of art, costume, books and silverware, find out about the house at Scotney Castle and how the Hussey family made it a home.
Discover some of the beautiful spots in Kent that you and your dog can explore together, from gardens to open parkland and countryside.