Christmas at Scotney
Time-travel with us to the 1960s for Christmas in the mansion house with Betty and Christopher Hussey. Get ready for fashion, feasting and fun - and lots of sparkly Christmas trees, of course.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Join the last residents of Scotney, Christopher and Betty Hussey as they host a special Christmas get-together for their guests. Immerse yourself in seasonal room sets with gorgeous glittering trees and rarely-seen items from Scotney's vast collection, including Betty's original 1960s' outfits, stunning silverware, and artwork by John Ward RA and John Piper, friends and contemporaries of Betty and Christopher - plus giant fuzzy felt to play and lots of 1960s memorabilia to get nostalgic about!
On our special 'Late Nights and Lights' events, the outside of the mansion as well as the inside will be beautifully lit, the shop is open for stress-free shopping and the tea-room open for hot drinks and seasonal snacks (5-8pm, last entry 7.30pm; last orders in tea room 7pm). For younger visitors, there's Santa's letter-writing station in the main shop while all the family will enjoy finding Carrot & Co, the Scotney snowmen, in a fun outdoor trail. Older visitors may enjoy picking up a 'Secret Santa' mystery book in the second-hand book shop, and there are weekday Christmas lunches for a pre-Christmas catch-up with family and friends you may not see over the holiday (must be booked in advance).
You'll find details of our Christmas activities here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/scotney-castle/christmas-at-scotney-castle
As our car park is very small, please book your parking in advance to guarantee entry. The whole site is closed on 24 and 25 December.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Booking details
Book your car parking in advance. Weekday Christmas lunches must be booked in advance.
- Accessibility
Accessible parking. Accessible WCs and changing facilities. Level access to shop, house and tea-room. Wheelchair access to ground floor of house. Mobility scooters available to borrow - best to book these in advance by calling 01892 893820. Hard surface paths around most of the garden.
- Other
Site is open daily 25 November - 1 January (not 24 and 25 Dec) Mansion house: open 11am to 3.30pm (last entry 3pm) Garden: open 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm) Shop and tea-room: open 10am to 4pm See separate listings for details of late night openings and special events.
Upcoming events
Secret Santas at Scotney's second-hand bookshop
Grab some sensational stocking fillers or super Secret Santa presents at the second-hand bookshop - all pre-wrapped and all £2.
Pooch Passport
Enjoy fresh air, great walks and free dog treats - at Scotney Castle and 18 other National Trust properties across London and the South East.
Family trail: Carrot & Co - the Scotney snowmen
Spot Carrot the snowman and their friends around the garden in this free, family-friendly festive trail.
Letters to Santa
A free activity for little ones to get creative and let Santa know what they would like for Christmas at our special letter-writing station in the main shop at Scotney.