Top 8 Castles around Pembury
Best castles around Pembury are found in a region characterized by its historical significance and diverse natural landscapes, bordering the Kent Downs AONB and the High Weald AONB. This area of Kent and East Sussex offers a rich historical tapestry, including numerous castles and country estates. The local geography features market towns and rural settings, with the River Medway flowing through.
Best castles around Pembury
- The most popular castles is Scotney Castle and Gardens, a historical site featuring an English country house with gardens. Its central attraction is the ruins of a medieval, moated manor house, Scotney Old Castle, situated on an island within a small lake.
- Another must-see spot is Groombridge Place Manor House, a historical site with sculpted formal gardens, a moated 17th-century manor house, and over 200 acres of parkland. Visitors can explore the gardens, which also feature a pirate playground and treetop walkway.
- Visitors also love Penshurst Place and Gardens, a historical site that belonged to King Henry VIII and his son. This remarkable building has been in the possession of the Sidney family for over 460 years, offering both house and garden visits.
- Pembury is known for its variety of castles, including medieval motte-and-bailey structures, moated manor houses, and historic country estates. These sites offer insights into different architectural styles and historical periods.
- The castles around Pembury are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 120 photos and over 30 upvotes shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Scotney Castle and Gardens
Highlight • Historical Site
The gardens, which are a celebrated example of the Picturesque style, are open to the public. The central feature is the ruins of a medieval, moated manor house, Scotney Old Castle, which is on an island on a small lake. The lake is surrounded by sloping, wooded gardens with fine collections of rhododendrons, azaleas and kalmia for spring colour, summer wisteria and roses, and spectacular autumn colour.
At the top of the garden stands a house which was built to replace the Old Castle between 1835 and 1843. This is known as Scotney New Castle, or simply Scotney Castle, and was designed by Anthony Salvin. It is an early, and unusually restrained, example of Tudor Revival architectural style in 19th century Britain. Following the death of the resident, Elizabeth Hussey, in 2006, this house was opened to the public for the first time on 6 June 2007
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Groombridge Place Manor House
Highlight • Historical Site
The main part of the village ("New Groombridge") is located in Parish Withyham in the Wealden district in East Sussex. In Neu Groombridge is a primary school with the Church of St. Thomas, part of the Chichester Diocese of the Church of England. There is a general store, a bakery, a post office, a hairdressing salon, a car dealership and a public house.
The older part of the village ("Old Groombridge") is located in Parish Speldhurst in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells in Kent and consists mainly of the Groombridge Place estate. St. John's Church, part of the Rochester diocese, is in Alt Groombridge. There is also an inn, but no shops.
The border between the two counties East Sussex and Kent and thus between old and new Groombridge forms the River Grom, which flows further west from the right into the River Medway.
Translated by Google •
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Groombridge Place Manor House and Moat
Highlight • Historical Site
The house and its bridges were designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the same architect who re-designed St Paul's Cathedral after the Great Fire of London.
Although the house is privately owned, you can visit the gardens. With a pirates playground and treetop walkway, it's also a great place for kids.
The gardens are only open during summer. You can find more information, here: groombridgeplace.com
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Penshurst Place and Gardens
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tonbridge Castle
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tips from the Community
Groombridge Place is currently closed but the walks around it are lovely. Plenty of streams and a pond with ducks and geese. There is also a train track that has old steen trains going past.
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As of Feb 2025, the castle is temporarily closed for restoration and has scaffold erected around it – but still an impressive sight.
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The complex is dominated by the manor house on the hill and the ruin further down in the valley. The ruin was "created" from a functioning house several hundred years old by the owners of the manor house in order to obtain a romantic view. The two buildings are embedded in a beautiful garden. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/scotney-castle
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This garden, which is not so well known internationally, gave us so much joy! Incredible flowers, and that in April. The "new" house can be visited, the old one is just a very picturesque ruin. Entry per adult £17, NT members excluded. Parking was free today, the guidebook said £4 (?) Café extremely friendly and really good cake.
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Great view of the castle from the bridge over the River Medway. A motte-and-bailey castle was built on this site after the Norman conquest as further defence. The castle as it looks to today was built in the 13th Century, and the mansion was added in the 18th Century. The council now use the mansion for offices, but the castle is worth a visit.
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The remarkable building that stands at this location belonged to King Henry VIII and his son, and it has been in the possession of the Sidney family for over 460 years. You can visit both the house and the gardens and grounds, but you will need to check the opening times and admission prices to purchase a ticket. It remains closed during the winter season, reopening in February 2024. For more information, you can visit: penshurstplace.com/plan-your-visit
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Groombridge Place is a beautiful country estate complete with sculpted formal gardens, a moated 17th-century manor house and over 200 acres of parkland. The house and its bridges were designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the same architect who re-designed St Paul's Cathedral after the Great Fire of London. Although the house is privately owned, you can visit the gardens. With a pirates playground and treetop walkway, it's also a great place for kids. The gardens are only open during summer. You can find more information, here: groombridgeplace.com
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The remarkable building that stands at this location belonged to King Henry VIII and his son, and it has been in the possession of the Sidney family for over 460 years. You can visit both the house and the gardens and grounds, but you will need to check the opening times and admission prices to purchase a ticket. It remains closed during the winter season, reopening in February 2024. For more information, you can visit: https://www.penshurstplace.com/plan-your-visit
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles near Pembury offer extensive gardens to explore?
Several castles in the area are renowned for their beautiful gardens. Scotney Castle and Gardens features picturesque gardens with rhododendrons, azaleas, and spectacular autumn colors, centered around a moated medieval ruin. Groombridge Place Manor House boasts sculpted formal gardens and 200 acres of parkland. Penshurst Place and Gardens also offers significant gardens alongside its historic house. Hever Castle and Leeds Castle are also well-known for their impressive grounds and gardens.
Are there family-friendly castles near Pembury with activities for children?
Yes, several castles cater to families. Groombridge Place Manor House includes a pirate playground and a treetop walkway. Penshurst Place and Gardens is also considered family-friendly. Hever Castle offers mazes and regularly hosts events, while Leeds Castle has a maze and grotto, making them engaging for younger visitors.
What historical periods do the castles around Pembury represent?
The castles around Pembury showcase a range of historical periods. Tonbridge Castle is an 11th-century motte-and-bailey castle with 13th-century additions. Scotney Castle and Gardens features the ruins of a medieval moated manor house. Hever Castle is a double-moated castle from the 13th century, famously associated with Anne Boleyn. Chiddingstone Castle, while having 16th-century origins, displays various architectural styles.
Can I find walking trails or hiking routes near these castles?
Yes, the region offers many opportunities for walking and hiking. For example, you can find walking trails around Scotney Castle and Gardens. The area around Groombridge Place Manor House also has hiking routes. For more general walking options, explore the Easy hikes around Pembury guide, which includes routes like the 'Brenchley and Cinderhill Woods loop from Matfield'.
What is the typical duration needed to visit a castle near Pembury?
The time required varies by castle. For sites like Scotney Castle and Gardens, with extensive gardens and a house to explore, you might want to allocate 3-4 hours. Smaller sites like Tonbridge Castle might take 1-2 hours. Larger estates such as Hever Castle or Leeds Castle, with their vast grounds, multiple attractions, and events, could easily fill a full day.
Are there cycling routes that pass by or near castles in the Pembury area?
Yes, the region is popular for cycling. The Cycling around Pembury guide features routes such as the 'Bough Beech Reservoir – Groombridge Place Manor House loop from High Brooms', which passes by Groombridge Place Manor House. Other routes in the guide offer scenic rides through the Kent countryside.
Which castles near Pembury are open during the winter months?
Some castles have seasonal closures, particularly for their gardens. For example, Penshurst Place and Gardens typically closes during the winter season, reopening in February. It's always best to check the official websites of individual castles for their specific opening times and dates, especially outside of peak season.
What kind of natural landscapes can be found around the castles near Pembury?
The castles are situated in a region characterized by diverse natural landscapes, bordering the Kent Downs AONB and the High Weald AONB. You'll find rolling hills, woodlands, and river valleys. Scotney Castle and Gardens, for instance, is set in the valley of the River Bewl, featuring a lake and wooded gardens. Tonbridge Castle is located along the banks of the River Medway.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles around Pembury?
Visitors frequently praise the picturesque beauty and historical depth of the castles. For Scotney Castle and Gardens, the 'incredible flowers' and 'very picturesque ruin' are often highlighted. The 'awesome and out of time' atmosphere of places like Groombridge Place Manor House and its surrounding walks are also popular. The rich history and well-preserved nature of sites like Tonbridge Castle are also highly appreciated.
Are there any hidden gem castles or less-known historical sites worth visiting near Pembury?
While the main castles are well-known, exploring the smaller, lesser-publicized aspects of the region can reveal hidden gems. Chiddingstone Castle, with its unique collections of artifacts from various cultures and charming grounds, offers a distinct experience beyond the typical castle visit. Its focus on diverse collections rather than just a single historical period makes it a unique find.
Are there options for mountain biking near the castles around Pembury?
Yes, mountain biking is an option in the wider Pembury area. The MTB Trails around Pembury guide offers routes like the 'Haysden Country Park – Penshurst Place loop from Tonbridge', which passes near Penshurst Place and Gardens. These trails provide opportunities to combine castle visits with outdoor adventure.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles near Pembury for optimal weather and scenery?
Spring and summer generally offer the best weather for exploring the castles and their extensive gardens, with blooming flowers and lush greenery. Autumn is also highly recommended, particularly for castles like Scotney Castle and Gardens, which are celebrated for their spectacular autumn colors. Always check the specific castle's website for seasonal events or garden highlights.
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