Christmas at Scotney Castle (22 Nov-4 Jan)
This festive season, experience a Christmas as magical and memorable as Scotney Castle itself. From beautifully themed rooms inspired by storybook charm, to twinkling illuminations, festive trail and treats in the tearoom - something for all ages.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
What happens when you blend the spirit of Christmas with the magic of literature? Something truly heart-warming and unforgettable. Step into 'Cover to Cover', a storybook Christmas inside the Victorian Mansion house at Scotney Castle this festive season. Each room of the House will be beautifully transformed with individual decorations inspired by much-loved books from Scotney Castle’s own collection. From the timeless whimsy of Alice in Wonderland to the nostalgia of A Christmas Carol, The Jungle Book, Peter Pan, Agatha Christie mysteries, and Jane Austen favourites—around every corner, a new chapter of enchantment awaits.
Extend the Christmas fun spotting cheeky elves dressed as storybook characters on our new outdoor garden trail. Little ones can also write their Christmas wishes at our Santa letter-writing station in the gift shop.
The festive magic continues into the evening with our Late Nights & Lights events (5-8pm on selected dates). As dusk falls, the mansion glows with beautiful illuminations, the shop stays open for relaxed, stress-free gift shopping, and the tea-room serves warming drinks and seasonal treats—perfect for a cosy evening stroll. * Mark your diary and come back for more info soon.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Booking details
🚗 Please note: Our car park has limited capacity—book your parking in advance to guarantee entry.
- 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 22 November - 4 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
Scotney Castle Heritage & Harvest Autumn Fair (13-14 September)
With craft stalls and artisan food stalls in our Makers' Market, displays of traditional skills and have-a-go activities, the Heritage & Harvest Autumn Fair is a fantastic day out for all ages, with lots to see and do.
Islandness- A visual storytelling exhibition
This year's exhibition at Scotney focuses on the work of Kent based visual storyteller, Rebecca Douglas, translating nature's stories into compelling visual narratives through photography, video, drone speaking and writing.
A Century of Costume at Scotney Castle
Scotney Castle is proud to present a captivating new exhibition 'A Century of Costume at Scotney Castle' from 1st September to 2nd November
Guided Hop Walks at Scotney Castle - September 2025
Join our estate guides for a 2 hour guided walk to Scotney’s hop gardens to view the hops ready for harvesting. Learn about how hops are grown, picked and dried and see how the hop pickers lived and worked. Returning to Scotney to sample beer...