The Best Hotels to Book Near Scotney Castle, Kent

Stay close to the Scotney Castle in Kent to explore its impressive architecture and surrounding woodlands | © Panther Media GmbH / Alamy

Kim Gregory

25 September 2021

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National Trust’s Scotney Castle – in Kent’s River Bewl Valley – is a Victorian country mansion of impressive Tudor Revival architecture. Get your stay right with these hotels nearby, bookable now with Culture Trip.

Here at Scotney Castle, you can stroll the 770-acre (312ha) gardens of special scientific interest and enchanting woodland. Make sure you stop for coffee-accompanied cake in the tea room and let your children explore the Badger and Pepper play area. Best of all are the medieval moated castle ruins, majestic on their own island. You’ll love these nearby stays, from quirky pubs to a luxury golf hotel.

The Star and Eagle Hotel

Courtesy of the Star and Eagle Hotel / Expedia

A cosy pub stay awaits at this 14th-century hotel overlooking flowering orchards and hop gardens. Visit the restaurant with its ever-changing menu for dishes like house classic Spanish paella, enjoyed by the ancient inglenook fireplace. Sunny? Hit the terrace for lovely rural views – heaters allow for late-night stargazing. Enjoy more views from your room: think country chic with modern colours and furnishings, and one even has a renovated four-poster. Mornings bring a hearty full English, served in the historic rectory.

The Goudhurst Inn

Courtesy of the Goudhurst Inn / Expedia

The Goudhurst Inn is more than just a stay with cosy rooms decorated in silver and velvet accents. The countryside pub – with homely decor such as exposed brick and a roaring fire – serves up sourdough pizzas fresh from the stone oven: try the taste-sensation pulled Middle Eastern lamb pizza. Kids will love the beer garden here with colourful birdhouses and a teepee – while you can grab a table and sample goods from the pub’s winery.

The Vineyard

Courtesy of the Vineyard / Expedia

Nestle into your 13th-century coach house room – finished with wooden spiral staircases, exposed beams and private terraces overlooking the vast, green beer garden. The pub itself dates back to the 17th century and is just as cosy with crammed-full bookshelves, log fires and intricate murals on winemaking. You’ll love the outdoor grill bar here, overlooking Lamberhurst vineyards. Try the burger menu featuring exciting twists like lime and chilli chicken – followed by Kentish apple and strawberry crumble. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the once-a-month live music.

Dale Hill Hotel & Golf Club

Hotel

Courtesy of Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club / Expedia

Two impressively difficult, 18-hole golf courses are just the beginning of the fun at this four-star, 350-acre (142ha) countryside retreat – a 10-minute drive from Scotney Castle. Indulge in the lounge’s afternoon tea, or more sophisticated plates like tomato and mozzarella ravioli at the AA Rosette-awarded, window-surrounded Wealden View Restaurant. Work off the treats at the gym, heated indoor pool and sauna – before resting in your plush, contemporary room or suite, many with views over the golf course and Sussex Weald.

T and J Motel

Courtesy of T and J Motel / Expedia

Wake up amongst the trees at this 20-acre (8ha) campsite overlooking picturesque villages. The family-run, tents-only site offers the full wild experience – you can barbecue and build open fires for marshmallow toasting under the stars. There are plenty of facilities here: free parking, a toilet and shower block, outdoor kitchen and children’s play area, to name a few. Dogs are welcome, too. Prefer home comforts? The motel – by the handy main road – has en-suites and wifi. Groups should book family rooms or the chalet with lounge and kitchenette.

Shoyswell Cottage B&B

Courtesy of Shoyswell Cottage / Expedia

The rooms at this gorgeous 1920s villa are inspired by the owners’ worldly travels – featuring French-style furniture and a beautiful carved Chinese headboard. Don’t miss strolling through the big, peaceful gardens with a pond, statues and wildlife, including deer. With friendly owners and their dogs – you can bring yours, too – and only four rooms, you’re well looked after. Cooked or continental breakfast is done to your taste, and the fireside living room is yours to relax in.

The Bell in Ticehurst

The Bell - Ticehurst, East Sussex bedroom interior

Courtesy of the Bell in Ticehurst / Expedia

Quirkiness runs throughout here – starting in rooms strewn with typewriters, old dentist chairs and silver birch trees. Yes, in your room. Book an enchanting garden lodge to snuggle around the fire pit – or the Love Nest with its wood burner, curved TV and sofa and view-clad roof terrace. You’ll love the pub’s dining options: worth a mention are the excellent Sunday lunches or more adventurous dishes like five-spice chicken with banana leaf. It’s all rounded off with brilliant events from comedy nights to garden-side willow weaving.

Camden Arms Hotel

Hotel

Courtesy of Camden Arms Hotel / Expedia

This family-run village pub has been part of Pembury for 200 years – where you’re surrounded by overhead beams and wall-lining books in the bar, dining room, garden room or on the terrace. Expect hearty dinners like handcrafted pies or fresh steak burgers with exciting toppings: try the peanut butter and chilli jam. Summer Sundays mean live music, al fresco style. Book a country chic room featuring handcrafted furniture and luxurious fabrics – then enjoy an award-winning breakfast including fresh fruit, deli and cooked options.

Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel

Courtesy of Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel / Expedia

There is so much to do here – from a dip in the heated pool to an evening event like clairvoyance. You’ll be spoilt with many dining options, including room service, but the best is afternoon tea on the pebbled, tree-surrounded terrace – there’s even a gazebo for cooler days. Here on business? Appreciate eight award-winning meeting rooms with AV equipment, free parking and catering options like the Working Buffet. End days in your contemporary, dog-friendly room: choose the four-poster bedroom for added luxury.

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