Parking at Scotney

Autumn leaves in the foreground at Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, with the ruins of the fourteenth-century moated castle in the distance — Autumn leaves at Scotney Castle | © National Trust Images/David Sellman

Our car park is quite small and the site can get busy at peak times, so we ask all visitors who plan to arrive in cars, campervans or motorhomes to book their parking in advance. Visitors arriving at Scotney on foot, by bicycle or by motorbike don't need to book. You don’t need to book to enter Scotney Castle itself, but normal admission applies (free for NT members).

How to book your parking

Parking is free for members but you’ll need to book online or over the phone. You’ll be asked to enter your membership number when you book.

If you’re not a member, you’ll need to pay for parking at the time of booking. There is no charge for Blue Badge holders.

You can visit us without a booking for parking at off-peak times. However, at busy times our car park will be fully booked. We therefore recommend booking your parking in advance to guarantee a space.

Arrival time slots start from 10am and the final slot starts at 3pm. If you want to arrive from 4pm onwards, you can drive up and park if we have space.

We release spaces on a four-week rolling basis.

Booking online

You can book online or on the National Trust app up until 9am on the day of your visit, subject to spaces still being available.

Select your preferred arrival time slot. You can arrive at Scotney at any time during this hour.

At the checkout, you’ll have the option to create an account. We recommend doing this so you can amend your booking if needed.

Check availability and book online.

Booking over the phone

You can book over the phone by calling the National Trust Supporter Services (SSC) on 0344 249 1895 within office hours. The SSC is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm weekends and bank holidays. We are unable to take your booking directly at Scotney Castle.

Please note the booking cut-off over the phone is 5pm on the day before your visit.

Arriving at Scotney Castle

On arrival, a member of staff will check your parking booking before directing you to the car park. You can arrive at any time during your allocated slot and stay for as long as you wish. We recommend you arrive a little after the beginning of your time slot as this tends to be the busiest time.

As the booking system is only for the car park, you’ll still need to visit visitor reception to scan your membership card or pay for entry.

Changing your booking

If you set up an account when you made your booking, you will be able to amend the date and time of your booking online up to 24 hours before the date of your visit.

If you don’t have an online account, you can amend your booking by calling 0344 249 1895.

The outside of Scotney Castle seen from across a pond

Book your visit

Check availability and book

Article

Family days out at Scotney Castle

Explore a moated castle, discover hidden paths and natural play areas, take a walk over the estate or get involved with a packed programme of family-friendly events and activities.

Small light brown dog in foreground on large lawn, with Pooch Passport resting on grass

Article

Visiting Scotney Castle with your dog

Pick up your Pooch Passport and start collecting stamps towards a tasty treat. Take a walk through the estate together or soak up the beauty of the formal garden. Here's everything you need to know about bringing your dog to Scotney Castle, a 3 paw print National Trust place.