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Group visits to Scotney Castle

Visitors looking at the moat at Scotney Castle, Kent
Visitors looking at the moat at Scotney Castle | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Group visits are welcome at Scotney Castle and those containing 15 people or more benefit from a discounted rate. The team are more than happy to help you arrange the finer details of your visit, from dedicated coach parking to private garden tours. Find out what you need to know about arranging a group visit to Scotney Castle.

Visiting as a group

  • Discounted rates for groups of 15 people or more 

  • Free entry for National Trust members in the group 

  • Free entry for the tour leader 

  • Access for a familiarisation visit for the tour leader, to plan the day 

  • Free entry and refreshment voucher for the coach driver 

  • Free parking for coaches and minibuses 

 

Planning your group visit 

Please get in touch at scotneycastle@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01892 893820 (option 3) to reserve a group visit and request a booking form 

  • We have limited coach parking. Please contact us to make sure your chosen date is available before promoting the trip. 

  • Coach visits are not accepted on Sundays or Bank Holidays. 

  • We recommend a visit duration of at least three hours to make sure your group has time for all there is to see and do. 

  • The earliest arrival time is 10am. We recommend a latest arrival time of 3pm. Please check our opening hours as parts of Scotney have varying opening hours and dates. 

  • Discounted rates are available for groups of at least 15 people paying in a single transaction. 

  • We can accept single decker coaches and minibuses only. Double decker coaches will be unable to access the car park. 

  • We are unable to reserve seating in the tearoom or offer private catering for large groups (except for seasonal events). 

Wildflowers frame a large mansion in the background
Sunshine over the wildflower terrace outside the Scotney mansion | © National Trust Images

Guided Tours  

  • Guided garden tours are available for an additional charge. Led by a Scotney Gardener, the private tour lasts up to 1 hr and includes the history and design theory of the gardens. Please inquire about availability when you book your visit. 

  • Visits to the Mansion House are self-led and there are volunteer guides stationed in each room. Please note that capacity limits in the Mansion mean large groups may be asked to divide into smaller groups to make their own way around. 

  • Tour leaders are welcome to lead their group around themselves. A free familiarisation visit is available for the tour leader to visit Scotney in advance and plan their day. 

School or Education Groups

Schools or education groups can benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives the whole group free admission and parking at most of the places in our care for a year.

We are happy to welcome school groups at Scotney. However we are currently unable to provide an activity or workshop space for schools. School staff are welcome to make an advance visit to Scotney to prepare for a school trip. 

Please get in touch at scotneycastle@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01892 893820 (option 3) to reserve a date and request an Educational Group Booking form. 

Free familiarisation visits for group leaders 

If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 249 1895 or email us at traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.uk

 

Who is eligible for free entry? 

Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge), coach drivers and tour leaders escorting groups of 15 or more. National Trust members also receive free entry, so it is at your discretion whether to refund the entrance fee to members if you have included it in your package – this is not refunded by the National Trust. 

Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust please direct them to our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.

A view of the Victorian mansion house at Scotney with lavender in the foreground

Discover more at Scotney Castle

Find out when Scotney Castle is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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From secret doors to ornate furniture and amazing collections of art, costume, books and silverware, find out about the house at Scotney Castle and how the Hussey family made it a home.

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The garden and estate at Scotney Castle 

Discover the Picturesque garden and wider estate at Scotney Castle. Take time to look around as you explore and discover endless vistas and interesting angles for photographs and reflection.

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There's nothing better than a warm spring day: fresh air, sunshine and food enjoyed in the outdoors. Whether you're going for the full lunch option or just a snack to keep you going 'til tea, there's a full range of savouries and bakes to entice you. And if the English weather doesn't play ball there'll always be jacket potatoes and fish finger sandwiches ...

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History of Scotney Castle 

Discover the long and rich history of Scotney Castle and its journey with the Hussey family from moated castle to idyllic country estate.

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Education Group Access Pass 

If you’re planning educational group visits to National Trust places, then you could benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives you free admission for a year.

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Explorer Pass 

If you’re planning a trip in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, our Explorer Pass gives you entry to most of the places in our care, plus free parking in our car parks.

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Group visits frequently asked questions 

Visiting a National Trust place with a group? Then our answers to your frequently asked questions might help with any question you may have.

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