Scotney Castle
Scotney Castle is an English country house with formal gardens south-east of Lamberhurst in the valley of the River Bewl in Kent, England. It belongs to the National Trust. The gardens, which are a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a celebrated example of the Picturesque style, are open to the public.
There are two castles, “the Old Castle” and “the New Castle” as well as a restaurant and extensive gardens.
It’s described as “a Quarry Garden, filled with azaleas. Clouds of cherry and Amelanchier blossom guard the entrance to the Quarry Garden, whilst the Walled Garden fruit trees are covered in delicate blooms.” by the National Trust, which it belongs to.
They have quite a few events being held over spring for adults and children alike. For example, Garden Tours, Guided Estate Walks, Easter Egg Hunts, Spring Colours and Wildlife – Photography Workshop for 7-11 year-olds, for 12-16 year-olds, Walled Garden Wednesday.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, at Sissinghurst in the Weald of Kent in England, was created by Vita Sackville-West, poet and writer, and her husband Harold Nicolson, author and diplomat. It is among the most famous gardens in England and is designated Grade I on Historic England’s register of historic parks and gardens
It has an estate, a garden, a “Long Library”, a tower, and a south cottage which are all open to the public but with limited capacity. They also have a restaurant, coffee shop, plant shop, and a gift shop called “the Shop”
You can also walk your dog as well as fly your drones (with permission given)
No need for online booking! You can just turn up.
Smallhythe Place
in Small Hythe, near Tenterden in Kent, is a half-timbered house built in the late 15th or early 16th century and since 1947 cared for by the National Trust. The house was originally called ‘Port House’ and before the River Rother and the sea receded it served a thriving shipyard – in Old English hythe means “landing place”.
It was the home of the Victorian actress, Ellen Terry, from 1899 to her death in the house in 1928. The house contains Ellen Terry’s theater collection, while the cottage grounds include her rose garden, orchard, nuttery, and the working Barn Theater.
The garden has a breathtaking traditional rose garden, orchard, nuttery, and ponds, all of which are home to an abundance of wildlife. In spring, exquisite primroses, bluebells, and fritillaries are in bloom in all parts of the gardens. Spring bulbs appear in the ponds, and pale pink and white apple blossom litters the grounds of the orchards. Open Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays.
Cissbury Ring Butterfly Walk
One of the very best butterfly sites in Sussex. Specifically Findon, West Sussex.
Explore the most historic hill on the South Downs. The walk is also very rich in flora, including bee orchids, field fleawort, and round-headed rampion and has impressive areas of chalk lichen lawns.
It’s an easy 3-hour walking trail that’s perfect for walking dogs, exercise, or an activity to do with friends and family.
Devil’s Dyke butterfly walk
A 2 hour, easy, dog-friendly walk with lots of different species of butterflies to see and take note of, including large populations of Adonis blue, chalkhill blue, and green hairstreak and smaller populations of brown argus, dark-green fritillary, and silver-spotted skipper and many more.
