Visiting Scotney Castle with your dog

From November until the last Sunday in February 2022, you can pick up your free Kent Pooch Passport at Scotney and get rewarded simply for walking with your canine companion in some of the area's most beautiful places. Complete a walk at each of the six National Trust properties taking part, get your passport stamped each time, and at the end of your last walk your dog can choose their very own dog-toy prize.
 

Where can my dog go?

We welcome dogs on short leads within the garden, shop, and the 780 acres of estate here at Scotney. In the formal garden, there is 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 we ask you to stay on the footpaths at all times.

Where can't my dog go?

The house, walled garden and inside the tearoom are just for humans and assistance dogs but, as well as the main garden and estate, you're welcome to browse the shop and second-hand bookshop with your dog, and use the tea-room courtyard.

What do I need to be aware of at Scotney Castle?

• Take the lead: help reduce the chance of your pup disturbing wildlife and livestock by keeping them on a lead.

• Scoop that poop: bag it and bin it to keep your favourite places beautiful.

• Paws for thought: look out for information signs.

• Be on the ball: not everyone loves dogs, so keep them close by.

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

Facilities available for my dog

Water bowls can be found in the courtyard by the tea-room and at the walkers' toilet block, so your dog can always be refreshed. Dog bins are located by the toilets in the main courtyard and to the entrance of the estate by the Salvin Gate.

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.