Scotney Castle

The romantic ruined medieval castle sits on its own moated island and forms the centrepiece of Edward Hussey III's visionary Picturesque garden. The castle opens from 28 April until 17 October 2025. On the upper floor you can see 'islandness' an exhibition by Visual Storyteller Rebecca Douglas.

With one of the largest and most eclectic collections in the National Trust the mansion house, built in the mid-19th century by Edward Hussey III, combines the formality of Victorian design with the relaxed sociability of family life. The house will be open until 3 November when it will close briefly for cleaning, conservation work and decorating for Christmas before re-opening on 22 November.

Scotney has one of the best examples of a Picturesque-designed garden in the United Kingdom. With a moat, quarry garden, woodland glade, hidden walkways, heather-thatched icehouse, Victorian boathouse, and expansive views across the wider estate, the edges between tamed and wild nature are deliberately blurred. The separate one-acre octagonal walled kitchen garden is filled with wall-trained and standard fruit trees, vegetable beds and flowers for cutting.

Nestled in the Bewl valley, the ancient woods and parkland of Scotney's 780-acre estate are criss-crossed by waymarked routes, one of which leads to the last working hop farm in the National Trust. Much of the estate is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. Grazing the North Park area of the estate are a small herd of native-breed Longhorn and Sussex cattle.

Scotney's well-stocked second-hand bookshop by Visitor Entrance is full of pre-loved titles from as little as 50 pence. The regularly-refreshed shelves are crammed with fiction, non-fiction, collectable titles and a children’s corner. Powered by donations and volunteers, every purchase made directly helps us to care for Scotney Castle.

With a moated castle, hidden paths, natural play areas, parkland and woodland to explore, and a packed programme of family activities, there's lots to keep younger visitors happy. There are buggy-friendly paths around the garden, baby and toddler change facilities in the Courtyard, and children's meals available in the tea-room.

With 780 acres of estate covering woodland and parkland, we've certainly got plenty of exhilarating walks to enjoy, but we do ask that dogs are on leads at all times to protect livestock and wildlife. Dog water bowls, poop bins and paw wash facilities are available, and doggy ice-creams are on sale for post-walk treats. Well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome in the main garden, shops and outside areas of the tea-room, but only assistance dogs may go into the mansion house and walled garden. Dogs are generally also welcome inside the tea-room but, during certain peak times, we regret this may not be possible.