Last updated on 12 December 11

Scotney Castle Garden

4.0/5 (3 ratings)

Photograph © Gardenvisit.com
Photograph © Gardenvisit.com
Photograph © Gardenvisit.com
(Photograph © Gardenvisit.com
Photograph © Gardenvisit.com
Photograph © Gardenvisit.com
Photograph © Gardenvisit.com
© James Stringer
Photograph © Gardenvisit.com

Gardenvisit Editorial

A fourteenth century moated castle with a garden that is a prime example of picturesque aesthetic ideas applied to garden design. From 1952 to 1970 it belonged to Christopher Hussey, author of an excellent book on The Picturesque, which traces the ideas to Price and Knight. The author's grandfather, Edward Hussey, was an amateur artist and had the new house built with a terrace, designed by William Sawrey Gilpin, and a transition to the picturesque castle garden. The latter is planted with exotic plants, in the picturesque manner. Lanning Roper designed a circular herb garden near the bridge.

Address - Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, TN3 8JN
Opening times - March to October. Wednesday to Sunday. Open 11am to 5pm. Also weekend opening in November and December. Phone infoline on 01892 893820. Estate walks open all year.
Website - Visit the Scotney Castle Garden website

Designers and Influences

This garden has been designed and influenced by William Sawry Gilpin, Christopher Hussey, Lanning Roper

Nearby Gardens

Gardens within 30km as the crow flies from this garden.

Finchcocks Garden (1km away)
(5.0/5)
Bayham Old Abbey (3km away)
Bedgebury National Pinetum (3km away)
(2.0/5)
Marle Place Garden (4km away)
(5.0/5)
Pashley Manor Gardens (6km away)
(4.6/5)
Merriments Gardens (8km away)
(4.0/5)
Sissinghurst Garden (10km away)
(4.0/5)

Nearby Garden Nurseries

Garden Nurseries within 30km as the crow flies from this garden.

Plantbase (2km away)
High Banks Nurseries Ltd (6km away)
(5.0/5)
Brickwall Cottage Nursery (7km away)
Merriments Gardens (8km away)
(5.0/5)
The Laurels Nursery (11km away)
Iden Croft Herbs (11km away)
(1.0/5)
Rapkyns Nursery (12km away)
(5.0/5)
Bodiam Nursery (13km away)

Luxury Garden Hotels

Nearby Recommended Garden Hotels

Stone House

Reviews and Comments

Have you visited this garden?

over 1 year ago Anonymous said
December 2011. Booked for a group of 4 people to have the traditional Christmas Lunch.
Staff were very friendly although clearly out of their depth. I felt very conspicuous as It all took place in a very normal, un-Christmassy cafe along with some very over - excited kiddies. ( but to be fair - it is Christmas! ). Starter was adequate but the main course was fairly cold, complete with congealed gravy and under-done roast potatoes. Dessert was ok. This was all mentioned to the staff who were, to be fair, very apologetic.
I would certainly not book here again or recommend to friends. Poor value.

(2.0/5)
almost 3 years ago Pete said
A romantic "moated" ruined castle surrounded by Rhodeys? what more can you ask for?

well the national trust could run a shuttle bus for the oldies :D

(5.0/5)
over 4 years ago Gail Fanning said
One of the best romantic gardens I have seen! The ruined castle reflected in the moat with clematis, honeysuckle, and roses growing over and through the walls...what could be better?
Also magnificent rhododendrons and woodland walks by the river: don't miss it!

(5.0/5)

See all the reviews of Scotney Castle Garden

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