Visiting Scotney Castle with a family this summer

Scotney Castle family picnic — Enjoy a picnic in the garden at Scotney Castle

Visitors on a bridge over the moat at Scotney Castle — A family peer down into the moat at Scotney Castle

Children of Scotney summer trail — Chess board and interpretation at Scotney Castle

Scotney has plenty to offer families throughout the summer, from guided walks around the estate to picnics in the garden. From Monday 19 July we'll have games to entertain the whole family and there's plenty to explore in our natural play area and wilderness camp.

Good to know

• Baby changing facilities can be found in the courtyard toilet block near the shop and tea-room.

• Bottles and baby food can be warmed up in our tea-room.

• If you fancy a picnic, you’ll find picnic benches on the lawn opposite the Walled Garden.

• There are plenty of buggy friendly paths around the garden, just ask at the garden entrance.

What’s on this summer at Scotney Castle?

Badger and Pepper play area

Badger and Pepper were the beloved dogs of Arthur Hussey and we have now introduced their playground into the garden, to keep our younger visitors entertained. Swing from the trees on our new tree swings, play our natural drum kit or hide out in the play house. For those not afraid to get their hands dirty there is also the opportunity to make a mud pie, or two, in our mud kitchen.

Scotney Castle Kent

Summer fun

Find our garden games located near the walled garden and play against your friends and family to see who’s the best at chess, quoits and jumbo jenga! Don’t forget to sanitise your hands before touching any of the equipment. You can also pick up some of our Get set, go! activity cards located around the property and be inspired by what you can do this summer.

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Trails, walks and other fun activities

Join a guided walk around the estate and learn about Butterflies, Dragonflies and Damoiselles. Your guide will take you to some of the best locations for species on the estate and you’ll be able to spot and identify them. It may be worth bringing some binoculars with you to help spot things from a distance.

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Photography courses for kids and teens - Tuesday 17 August

Join sharpshots this summer and learn how aperture and focus make colourful images pop, giving you the confidence to use your camera settings in creative ways. Kids Photo Workshop: Capturing Colour 10.30am-1pm (ages 7-11) Teens Photo Workshop: Capturing Colour 2-4.30pm (ages 12-15)

Find out more and book

A family enjoying 50 things to do before you're 11 3/4

Scotney Castle Kent

50 things to do before you're 11 ¾

From the trees on your street to the flowers on your way to school, nature's all around you. Each challenge helps you become an awesome explorer and it also helps you understand a bit more about the nature around you and how to care for it too. Ask a member of the team for more details and start exploring today!

Wilderness Camp

Explore inside a tree, build a den or create some wild art - just a few things you can do at our wilderness camp. Set your imaginations free and start ticking off some of your 50 things to do before you're 11 ¾.