Scotney Castle - National Trust
Tunbridge Wells, KentAbout Scotney Castle - National Trust
Scotney Castle is one of the National Trust's most family-friendly days out in Kent, combining a fairytale moated castle, beautiful gardens, natural play areas and hundreds of acres of countryside to explore.
Families can discover hidden woodland paths, wander through the castle grounds and enjoy plenty of space to run, play and explore. Younger visitors can let off steam in the Badger and Pepper play area, tackle nature-inspired adventures such as den building and bug hunting or take part in seasonal trails and family events throughout the year.
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WHAT'S ON THIS SUMMER
Pokémon joins Scotney's Summer of Play
Date: 18 July–6 September
Time: 10am–5pm
Price: Included with normal admission (free for National Trust members)
Set in a beautiful meadow surrounded by historic gardens, woodland and castle grounds, Scotney Castle's Summer of Play is packed with activities designed to inspire creativity, encourage active play and connect families with nature.
Families can explore a range of themed play zones across the festival meadow:
■ Pokémon Zone - Pokémon fans won't want to miss the all-new Pokémon zone, where families can enjoy themed activities inspired by their favourite characters. It's a fantastic opportunity to combine outdoor play with Pokémon-inspired fun.
■ Performance Zone – Dress up with costumes and props, put on a Punch & Judy show, make music at the instrument wall or dance along with the party machine.
■ Sports Zone – Take on football challenges, badminton, Twister, crazy golf, an obstacle course and a space hopper racetrack.
■ Creative Zone – Unleash your imagination with giant drawing walls, storytelling activities and creative play.
■ Nature Zone – Follow the sensory walkway, discover your animal twin and take part in hands-on outdoor nature challenges.
■ Games Zone – Enjoy giant board games and test your circus skills with juggling, plate spinning and stilt-walking.
With plenty of opportunities to play, explore and discover, it's a fantastic family day out set against the backdrop of Scotney Castle's stunning gardens and estate.
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Outdoor Theatre - Peter Rabbit
Date: 1 August
Time: 6pm–7.30pm
Price: Adults £17 | Children (3–16 years) £13 | Family tickets available
Join Peter Rabbit and his mischievous cousin Benjamin as they sneak into Mr McGregor's garden despite knowing they shouldn't. Their adventure soon takes a dramatic turn when they come face-to-face with Mr McGregor himself. Will they manage to escape, or will their naughty exploits finally catch up with them? A charming outdoor theatre adaptation of Beatrix Potter's classic tale, perfect for the whole family.
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Outdoor Theatre - Treasure Island
Date: 22 August
Time: 6pm–7.30pm
Price: Adults £17 | Children (3–16 years) £13 | Family tickets available
Join Long John Silver and his crew of salty sea dogs for an exciting outdoor performance of the pirate adventure classic, Treasure Island.
Packed with action, drama, sword fights and sea shanties, this thrilling adaptation follows young Jim Hawkins as he races to outwit the pirates and reach the treasure first. With plenty of swashbuckling fun and unexpected twists along the way, it's a fantastic family theatre experience under the open sky.
Fairy-tale castle and adventure play
Children can explore the iconic moated castle, hidden paths and the Badger & Pepper natural play area, with plenty of opportunities for den building, muddy play and seasonal family trails.
Acres of outdoor adventure
the 780-acre estate offers woodland walks, open parkland, wildlife spotting and space to complete the National Trust's '50 thing to Do Before You're 11¾' activities, making it ideal for active family days out.
Family-friendly facilities
Buggy-friendly garden paths, baby-changing facilities, a tea-room with children's meals and a children's corner in the second-hand bookshop.
Facilities
Toilets
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Dog Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Opening Times
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-17) : £8.50
- Adult (18+-18+) : £17.00
Under 5s freeFamily (2+2) £42.50Family (1+2) £25.50National Trust members - free admission and parking.
Summer 2024
The Tale of Jemina Puddleduck tickets from £10
Other activities are free with normal admission (free for National Trust members)
Parking£4.50 all-day
All visitors should book their car parking on the website by 09:00 on the day of visit to guarantee entry. This is particularly important at weekends and school holidays when the site can be very busy.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
At the Courtyard Tea Room there is a selection of light bites, snacks, meals and hot and cold drinks.
Full lunches are available from 12:00 - 14:00
Children's lunchboxes are also available and there are ice creams too!
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
By Train
The closest train station is Wadhurst 5½ miles and takes 14 minutes via car/taxi.
By Bus
The 256 Tunbridge Wells to Wadhurst Autocar service runs via Lamberhurst Monday to Friday.
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 11:37 16/07/2026
Scotney Castle - National Trust Reviews
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