Discover more at Scotney Castle
Find out when Scotney Castle is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
The estate at Scotney Castle
Situated in 780 acres of ancient parkland and Wealden woodlands, the Scotney Castle estate offers expansive views and a rich sense of history, with a landscape shaped by centuries of farming, industry and conservation.
A landscape shaped by history
Grade I listed, the parkland is full of magnificent veteran trees including what is believed to be the oldest hornbeam tree in the country, showing its association with a formal dwelling for over 1,000 years.
Around 300 acres of the estate are woodland, typical of the Weald. These woods have deep historic roots, once supporting industries such as charcoal burning, iron working and hop growing. Today, waymarked routes criss-cross the estate, revealing ever-changing views of the castle, garden and surrounding countryside.
Woodland and Parkland
The estate’s woodland is rich in character, with a mix of native trees including oak, hornbeam and sweet chestnut.
The management of the woodlands has not changed much in over 200 years but only in how we do it (more mechanised). Its ratio of area coverage of conifer and broadleaved reflects the national trends with more broadleaved and less conifer.
Our team of experts and highly-skilled contractors carry out our Forestry Commission approved 10-year management plan and is reviewed every 5 years to see how effective it is.
The work is divided into three streams from the management plan – National Trust conservation cutting, commercial cutting and contractor conservation cutting. There is a aim to only cut three to four compartments a year for the health and condition of the woodland.
Each season brings something new, from fresh green growth and birdsong in spring, to cool shade in summer and the warm tones of autumn as leaves turn and fall.
Exploring the wider estate
Beyond the castle and garden, the estate expands into quieter corners of the landscape, offering space to wander and explore.
Sprivers Wood
Around four miles north of the castle, near Horsmonden, lies Sprivers Wood. Covering around 50 hectares, it is one of the largest areas of green space in the parish. With origins dating back to the 14th century, it adds another chapter to Scotney's long story.
Nap Wood
To the south-west of the estate lies Nap Wood, an ancient semi-natural woodland just off the Tunbridge Wells Road . Winding paths lead you through a diverse mix of trees and habitats, with signs of past industries such as charcoal making and iron working still visible in the landscape.
You might also be interested in
Conservation grazing at Scotney Castle
Discover how we're working with Kent Wildlife Trust to help manage the grassland on part of the Scotney estate.
Visiting Scotney Castle with your dog
Whether you're enjoying a walk through the estate together, soaking up the beauty of the formal garden or popping in for a cuppa, here's everything you need to know about bringing your dog to Scotney Castle, a 3 paw print National Trust place.
The house at Scotney Castle
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.
Gardens and parks
From 18th-century water gardens and Arts and Crafts landscapes to intimate woodland gardens, there are so many places to discover.
Gardens in Kent
Wander through the National Trust’s autumn gardens in Kent, where golden foliage and late-season blooms create a tapestry of rich colour and texture. Admire the russet tones and crisp air at Sissinghurst Castle, stroll through the mellow hues of Chartwell’s borders, and enjoy the romantic reflections of autumn leaves in the moat at Scotney Castle. From fiery rudbeckia and amber lilies to Japanese anemones and ornamental grasses swaying in the breeze, Kent’s historic gardens offer a serene and striking celebration of the season.
