Visiting Scotney Castle on a busy day this Easter

We know that lots of you love to come and enjoy Bank Holiday weekends at Scotney Castle and we want to welcome as many of you as possible during this popular time. Here are some tips on getting the most out of your visit.

When's the best time to visit?

For a quieter visit, we recommend you plan to visit early or late in the day. We're open from 10am to 5pm so coming earlier or later will avoid the peak times. If you're planning on visiting the house though, please bear in mind that the last entry is at 4pm by timed tickets. As these are are available on first come, first served basis from Visitor Reception, they may all be handed out by lunchtime.

Where can I park?

Our car park is managed by our team of staff and volunteers who make sure we make the most out of every space. We do have some extra spaces in front of the Walled Garden and our overflow car park will be open (weather permitting) which is just a short walk to the entrance.

Our team will be working every day over the Easter weekend to help you park easily. If we are short on space when you arrive, we'll let you know before you get close to the car park so you can easily turn around and plan to visit another day should you wish to.

What about public transport?

It's not easy to get here on public transport but the 256 Autocar bus service between Tunbridge Wells and Wadhurst runs Monday to Friday stopping at Lamberhurst. Please check their website for running times on the day you intend to visit over Easter. Be aware that it will be about a 30 minute walk to reach us from there too.

Taking part in the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt

If you'd like to take part in the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, head to the gazebo outside the front of the house to get started. You will need to go through Visitor Reception and show your membership card or pay entry first.

The hunt will run from 10am to 5pm but we recommend you start by 4pm to give yourself time to collect your delicious Cadbury treat afterwards. A non-chocolate alterative reward will be available to those with allergies.

In need of refreshments? 

The tea-room can be very busy on bank holiday weekends but we do have a few alternative places for you to pick up a drink and snack.  

Water and sweet treats

Visit the shop to pick up bottles of water, tubs of ice cream, sweets and biscuits. 

Hot and cold drinks, biscuits and cake bars

The kiosk, just inside the courtyard as you arrive, sells a basic selection of hot and cold drinks and a variety of biscuits, chocolate and cake slices to take-away. There are plenty of picnic benches around this area to take a seat.

Ice creams, cold drinks and snacks

Down at the Old Castle, call into Edwy's tuck shop for a scoop or two of Jude's ice cream and a cold drink. Lounge on the grass by the moat under the shade of a tree; just make sure the ducks don't get to your ice cream first.

Hot meals, cream teas and our full selection

Step into the main tea-room for our full menu selection. Lunches are served from 12pm-2.30pm and will be served to your table once you order at the counter. On busy days, there can be a queue to reach the counter.

Bringing your four-legged friends

Dogs are always welcome at Scotney Castle, we just ask that they are kept on a short lead at all times and aren't taken into the main tea-room (except assistance dogs). If you forget to bring a short lead, we have some at reception you are welcome to borrow, as well as dog poo bags so you can pick up after your dog. Dog bins can be found next to the toilets and by the gate to the estate. There are also water bowls outside reception, by the tea-room and the toilets. Dog treats can be bought from the shop too.

Facilities for our younger visitors

Baby changing facilities can be found in the disabled toilets by the entrance to Scotney Castle. Nappy bins are here too and we have baby food warming facilities in the tea-room. We also sell kids lunch boxes where you can pick and choose the compenents to suit your child. 

In the garden, if you're in need of a rest whilst your child runs off steam, head to Badger and Pepper's play area. This is our natural playground with plenty to keep youngsters amused whilst you relax on a bench.

We look forward to welcoming you over Easter to Scotney Castle. Don't forget our Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts will be running everyday over the school holidays from 2-19 April, so for a quieter visit, you may prefer to visit after Easter weekend.