Dog Walking at Scotney Castle

We love dogs, and they're more than welcome to come and explore the estate and garden at Scotney Castle. Although the house is just for humans, there are plenty of walks in 780 acres of parkland for you to enjoy with your canine companion.

Dog walking in Hughenden Park

Pick up a Kent pooch passport 

We know how much you love walking your dogs at our special places so why not pick up a pooch passport and start collecting your stamps from selected properties in Kent to claim an extra special treat.

Where can my dog go?

We welcome dogs on short leads within the garden, shop and estate here at Scotney. If you don’t have a short lead then we have plenty to borrow at visitor reception. In the formal garden, there are a network of hard-standing paths which lead down to the Old Castle and around the edges of the garden. If you choose to go onto the estate, you'll need appropriate footwear for the weather and you're free to roam wherever you choose.

Enjoy a catch-up with a friend whilst walking your dog at Scotney Castle
Two ladies walking their dogs down past the mansion in the garden
Enjoy a catch-up with a friend whilst walking your dog at Scotney Castle

We only allow assistance dogs in the house and inside the tearoom seating area but you're welcome to browse the shop and secondhand bookshop with your dog.

Paws-ing for snacks

When stopping for refreshments, you're welcome to bring your dog to the outdoor seating at our tearoom. With a protective cover for drizzly days or when you want to shelter from the sun, there's also water bowls here for your dogs to have a drink. More water bowls can be found at visitor reception and the walkers toilet block, so your dog can always be refreshed.

If you need anything for your dog whilst at Scotney, head into the shop where you can pick up degradable poo bags, Little Stars treats in two flavours: pork and chicken, collapsible water bowls and olivewood chews. 

Take a break undercover outside the tearoom with your dog
Two visitors enjoying a drink and food outside the tearoom with their dogs
Take a break undercover outside the tearoom with your dog

Doggy doo-doos

Don't worry if you forget to bring dog bags with you, our visitor reception team are happy to supply you with bags so you can pick up after your dog. Dog bins are located by the toilets in the main courtyard and to the entrance of the estate by the Salvin Gate.

Two ladies walking their dogs across the courtyard to the house at Scotney Castle Play Video
Video

Bring your dog to Scotney Castle

With 780 acres to explore, you and your dog can enjoy some great walks around the garden and estate here at Scotney Castle. We're also taking part in the Kent Pooch Passport which gives your dog an extra special treat when you visit six participating properties in Kent. Find out more below.

Collect your Kent Pooch Passport today

 

Watch out for wildlife

Our estate is home to a variety of wildlife and livestock, including our famous herd of Sussex Cattle and sheep. For this reason, we ask that you please keep your dogs under control at all times, and on a lead in all areas.

Feeling adventurous?

Dogs are welcome at our woodland sites, Sprivers and Nap Wood. Both are areas of woodland where dogs are free to roam off the lead. A dog bin is located at the entrance to Sprivers, but please note that there are none at Nap Wood and there are no other facilities at both sites.

Nap Wood, just off A267 Tunbridge Wells to Eastbourne road. Roadside parking.

Sprivers Wood, TN12 8DN.

Scotney Castle in the frost
Scotney Castle   Kent

Scotney parkland trail

Discover more about the history of Scotney Castle estate by following our parkland trail, featuring the iconic view of Scotney, the old Hornbeam Pollard, and Second World War bomb craters.

Learn the secrets of the estate
Placeholder Image
Scotney Castle   Kent

Nap Wood walk, in the footsteps of drovers

A tranquil walk in Nap Wood, home to a fantastic array of wildlife, from the mature trees that tower above you to the vivid displays of bluebells that decorate the woodland floor in late spring.

Discover a woodland oasis