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Family days out at Scotney Castle

Garden, Kent, Scotney Castle, Family Day out, photo opp
Family taking a photo in the gardens at Scotney Castle | © National Trust/John Millar

Let the adventures begin! 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.

Here are some ideas for activities you can do with your family this winter into spring at Scotney Castle. Do book your car parking in advance to guarantee entry to the site, but there's no need to book entry.

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

Here are just a few of the ideas from the list ...

  • No 2: Roll down a really big hill
  • No 4: Build a den
  • No 6: Go welly wandering
  • No 7: Fly a kit - head onto the estate for this
  • No 8: Spot a fish
  • No 12: Have fun with sticks
  • No 13: Make a mud creation - head to Badger & Pepper's play area
  • No 30: Go on a scavenger hunt
  • No 31: Make friends with a bug
  • No 44: Watch a bird
  • No 50: Take a friend on a nature adventure - double the fun!

Why not check out the full list here?

Child enjoying the Badger and Pepper play area at Scotney Castle, Kent
The Badger and Pepper Play Area at Scotney Castle | © National Trust Images/Sam Milling

Planning your visit - Good to know

  • Accessible WCs with baby and toddler changing facilities are available in the central Courtyard, near the shop and tea-room.
  • An additional change area is next to the black timber clad property office by the car park. 
  • There are no toilet facilities or catering facilities in the garden or on the estate.
  • The tea-room in the Courtyard sells a wide range of snacks and ice-creams, children’s lunch boxes, and hot and cold drinks and full meals. Full lunches are available 12-2pm.
  • At peak times there is an additional kiosk in the Courtyard selling drinks and snacks. Doggy ice-creams are also on sale in the Courtyard tea-room so no family member need miss out.
  • The shop in the Courtyard sells a range of good-quality pocket money toys as well as children's books.
  • The second-hand bookshop by the Visitor Entrance has a Children's Corner. With children's books from  50 pence, and others from £1, it's well worth a visit.
  • If it is practicable, baby carriers are a better way to travel with young ones on the estate as the routes are not fully buggy-friendly. The estate can also become very muddy and water-logged in winter or after heavy rain.
  • Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a short lead. Only assistance dogs may go into the house, castle and walled garden.
  • The all-weather paths in the garden are suitable for prams, buggies and mobility scooters. There are some steps from the terrace at the back of the house, but an alternative route into the garden is available.
  • Prams, buggies and rucksack-style baby carriers need to be left outside when visiting the mansion house.
  • For everyone's enjoyment and safety, scooters, bicycles and ball games are not permitted in the garden.
A boy playing in a tree at Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’

Have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors with our list of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’.