Scotney Castle Gardens

I have had some very exciting emails this week, I found out I was nominated for the Muddy Kent awards as the best photographer in Kent! The nominations are now closed but if by some miracle I get through to the next stage, it would mean the world to me to win! I will share further details if I hear anymore.

I also received an email from the BBC as they are looking for people to take part in their new series of 'Escape to the country' and whilst the thought of being on film makes me nervous, I'm not going to pass up that opportunity! It's not guaranteed that I will make the cut to whichever episode but I have so many ideas of how I am going to show off where I live and why I love it.

Who knows, after this maybe I will end up in LaLa Land!

Anyway, back to reality. I recently I took myself off to Scotney Castle to enjoy their wonderful gardens. The weather has been a bit rubbish and now that the Summer solstice has passed I get anxious about the Winter coming and I try to make the most of any sunshine that we get! 

I have recently been leaving Mr Poachie at home when I go off on my excursions, this sort of thing used to make me nervous, driving by myself and being alone in public but I think it's important for me to do things like this (I have agoraphobia so I need to exercise 'exposure' therapy). Also, I think in some ways it's probably more enjoyable as I don't need to worry about if he is bored and I can take 1000 photo's at my own pace.

Scotney is beautiful year round, I have visited so many times before which you can read here, here and here. Usually you would have to book tickets in advance but it was quiet on the day I visited so I called to check and they confirmed I could come along. The main house was open but I was tight for time so just wanted to enjoy being out in the sunshine.

Scotney has a very romantic garden with view of 14th century moated castle and the Victorian country mansion and - all in a beautiful wooded estate. You can also do the estate walk which I would recommend as the views are gorgeous.

They also have a second hand bookshop, a tearoom and a shop selling all of the usual National Trust merch. There is a lovely walled garden here but I didn't have time to visit that on this occasion but if you are there for the afternoon, make sure you pop in and have a wander around.

The next National Trust venue I keep meaning to visit is Sissinghurst, I haven't been for a long time and their gardens are at their best this time of year. I have so many places that I want to visit and it feels like I have have enough time!

Thanks for reading!