Scotney Castle

Often described as the most romantic garden in England, the ruins of Scotney Castle, a small 14th-century castle are reflected in its moat, forming the backdrop to a garden of breathtaking beauty and considerable importance to the garden-historian. Rhododendrons and azaleas in season and specimen trees offer picturesque views from all angles; truly an enchanted place.

The castle was built as a fortified manor house towards the end of the 14th century. For 350 years it was the home of the Darell family. They sold the property in the middle of the 18th century. The estate was bought by Edward Hussey in 1778.

The garden was made in the ‘Romantic Picturesque’ style in the middle of the 19th century by Edward Hussey, grandson of the purchaser, with advice from William Sawrey Gilpin.In the castle forecourt there is a pretty herb garden designed by Lanning Roper and a bronze sculpture by Henry Moore stands on an island among wild planting.

In 1970 the grandson of the second Edward Hussey, an architectural writer with the magazine Country Life for 50 years, left the property to The National Trust.

Scotney Castle