Top 4 Castles around Hawkhurst
Best castles around Hawkhurst are situated in the surrounding Kent and East Sussex countryside. This area is known for its historical sites, offering a blend of medieval grandeur and picturesque ruins. The landscape features diverse architectural styles and celebrated gardens. Hawkhurst serves as a base for exploring these significant historical landmarks.
Best castles around Hawkhurst
- The most popular castles is Bodiam Castle, a castle that is a 14th-century moated castle of quadrangular plan. Its structure and situation in an artificial watery landscape indicate that display was an important aspect of its design.
- Another must-see spot is Scotney Castle and Gardens, a historical site with gardens and a castle ruin. Visitors can explore the formal gardens, which are a celebrated example of the Picturesque style, and view the ruins of a medieval, moated manor house.
- Visitors also love Sissinghurst Castle Garden, a renowned garden developed around the surviving parts of an Elizabethan mansion. It is known for its "rooms" concept, where distinct garden areas are created with different planting schemes and themes.
- Hawkhurst is known for moated castles, historical gardens, and medieval ruins. The area offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from well-preserved structures to significant earthworks.
- The castles around Hawkhurst are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 120 upvotes and 135 photos shared.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Bodiam Castle
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Sissinghurst Castle Garden
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Scotney Castle and Gardens
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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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View of Scotney Castle
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The estate is now in the care of the National Trust. For further details see their website nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/scotney-castle
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Castle Woods Motte and Bailey Earthworks
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On the photo, the semicircular protrusion on the bottom left corner of the wood contains the mound where the castle once stood
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Describing Sissinghurst Castle and Garden is not easy. Words like historical, poetic, iconic, beautiful, colorful, breathtaking almost come close to reality. It is a sanctuary dedicated to beauty. Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson fell in love with Sissinghurst Castle and created a now world-famous garden in a very unique way.
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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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There is a lot on offer for children, there are costume boxes, ring throwing and archery, a scavenger hunt and so on. Adults have to decide whether they want to go inside the ruins, only then does it cost admission (free for NT members, including parking) Inside there are 2 towers to climb via very high steps of a spiral staircase!
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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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A National Trust garden. Currently £17 per adult, parking £4. Do what we do and become a temporary member, you save a lot of money if you visit several buildings or gardens and also a lot of parking fees 😉
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On the lower part of the hill, at the moat, is Scotney Old Castle, built on an island in the 14th century. Further up the hill sits Scotney New Castle, built between 1843 and 1843 when the original property started to crumble. The estate is now in the care of the National Trust. For further details see their website nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/scotney-castle
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Bodiam Castle is a beautiful old defensive castle from the time of William the Conqueror. A classic medieval castle as you know it from the movies. The park immediately surrounding the castle is not accessible to cyclists, only to walkers for a fee.
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The site of a medieval earthworks
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the castles around Hawkhurst unique?
The castles near Hawkhurst offer a diverse blend of medieval grandeur, picturesque ruins, and stunning gardens. You can find everything from a quintessential 14th-century moated castle like Bodiam Castle to estates featuring both ruined medieval structures and celebrated Picturesque gardens, such as Scotney Castle and Gardens. The region is particularly known for its moated castles and historical gardens.
Which castles near Hawkhurst are best known for their gardens?
For garden enthusiasts, Sissinghurst Castle Garden is internationally renowned for its 'rooms' concept and continuous color throughout the season. Scotney Castle and Gardens also boasts a celebrated Picturesque garden with rhododendrons, azaleas, and spectacular autumn foliage surrounding its medieval ruins.
Are there any truly medieval castles to explore near Hawkhurst?
Yes, Bodiam Castle is a prime example of a 14th-century moated castle, built in 1385. Its quadrangular plan and defensive features offer a clear glimpse into medieval architecture and its role during the Hundred Years' War. Additionally, Scotney Castle and Gardens features the ruins of a medieval, moated manor house.
What are the best castles for families visiting the Hawkhurst area?
Many castles in the area are family-friendly. Bodiam Castle, Scotney Castle and Gardens, and Sissinghurst Castle Garden are all categorized as family-friendly. They offer space to explore, historical insights, and beautiful grounds for children to enjoy.
Can I find walking or hiking trails near these castles?
Yes, the area around Hawkhurst offers various walking and hiking opportunities. While specific trails directly around each castle vary, you can find numerous routes in the wider region. For example, you can explore the open parkland and ancient woodland on the 780-acre estate at Scotney Castle and Gardens. For more structured routes, check out the road cycling, MTB, and gravel biking guides around Hawkhurst, which often pass through scenic areas suitable for walking.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Hawkhurst?
The castles and their gardens offer beauty throughout the seasons. Spring brings vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas, summer showcases wisteria and roses, and autumn provides spectacular foliage, especially at Scotney Castle and Gardens. Sissinghurst Castle Garden is known for continuous color. Visiting during spring or autumn can offer pleasant weather and stunning natural displays, while summer allows for longer days to explore.
What kind of historical significance do the castles near Hawkhurst hold?
The castles in this region are steeped in history. Bodiam Castle was built in 1385 to defend against French invasion during the Hundred Years' War. Scotney Castle and Gardens features medieval ruins and a Victorian mansion, showcasing architectural evolution. Sissinghurst Castle Garden is developed around parts of an Elizabethan mansion and was famously cultivated by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson.
Is there a less-known historical site or ruin worth visiting near Hawkhurst?
For a different historical perspective, consider visiting Castle Woods Motte and Bailey Earthworks. While not a standing castle, it's a significant late 11th or mid-12th-century earthwork fortress, offering a glimpse into early medieval defensive structures and the landscape where a castle once stood.
Are the castles around Hawkhurst dog-friendly?
Policies for dogs can vary between sites and specific areas within them (e.g., gardens vs. indoor spaces). It's always best to check the individual castle's official website for their most current dog-friendly policies before your visit. Many estates allow dogs in outdoor areas on leads, but restrictions may apply to formal gardens or interior buildings.
Where can I find refreshments or accommodation near these castles?
Many of the larger castle estates, such as Bodiam Castle, Scotney Castle and Gardens, and Sissinghurst Castle Garden, have on-site cafes or restaurants. The village of Hawkhurst and surrounding towns also offer a variety of pubs, cafes, and accommodation options. For specific details, it's recommended to check the official websites of the castles or local tourism resources.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles in this region?
Visitors frequently praise the romantic ambiance and natural beauty of sites like Scotney Castle and Gardens. The picturesque setting of Bodiam Castle, with its moated ruins, is also a highlight. For garden lovers, Sissinghurst Castle Garden is considered a sanctuary of beauty. The komoot community has shown appreciation for these castles with over 120 upvotes and 135 photos shared, highlighting their visual appeal and historical interest.
Are there any special events or programs at the castles near Hawkhurst?
Many of the castles, particularly those managed by organizations like the National Trust, host seasonal events throughout the year. For instance, Bodiam Castle is known for several seasonal events. Sissinghurst Castle Garden offers special summer garden evenings, walks, and talks. It's best to check each castle's official website for their current event schedule.
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