Scotney Castle
A Victorian mansion on a hillside overlooks a 14th-century castle ruin surrounded by a moat in the valley below. It is a classic example of picturesque landscape gardening.
Scotney consists of two parts: the 14th-century castle ruin surrounded by a moat in the valley, and a Victorian mansion newly built on the hillside in the 19th century. The owner deliberately dismantled part of the old castle to create a "picturesque" ruin. Combined with the rhododendrons, heather, and old trees on the slopes, it represents the English picturesque garden style. The best times to visit are May, when the flowers bloom, and October, when the autumn colors peak. It is managed by the National Trust, and both the mansion and the gardens are open to visitors. It is located near Lamberhurst in Kent, about 40 km from Rye, roughly a 50-minute drive.
Opening hours
About 10:00–17:00 (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Bateman's
- Bodiam Castle
- Sissinghurst Castle Garden
- Battle Abbey & 1066 Battlefield
- Great Dixter House & Gardens
- Herstmonceux Castle
- De La Warr Pavilion
- Kent & East Sussex Railway & Tenterden