Jackson's : Plein Air Day : Scotney Castle 03/07/2026

Due to limited capacity, places are allocated for participating artists only. Supportive companions are welcome to join the day, but will need to purchase a standard ticket directly via the venue's website or on the day. Entry is free for National Trust members.

£3 covers Jackson's costs, and any remaining proceeds support the venue.

Tickets are refundable up to seven days before the event.

Schedule

• 10am arrival
• 10.15am welcome gathering
• Spend the day painting, drawing, or printing
• 3pm meet-up for a group reflection

What to expect

A casual gathering for artists of all levels to connect and respond to the landscape together, with support and advice on hand from a Jackson's art materials specialist, and a meet-up at the end of the day to look at everyone's artworks. Whether you paint, draw, print, or work with any other medium, everyone is welcome.

How to get there

​By car: Signposted from A21 at Lamberhurst.

Sat nav: Use the postcode TN3 8JN or TN3 8JD. Once on the A21, follow the brown tourist information signs with the National Trust oak leaf for Scotney Castle. Please note, there is no access via Finchcocks, Goudhurst.

Parking: All visitors will be directed to designated spaces reserved for the event. There is no need for prior booking.

By bus: The 256 Tunbridge Wells to Wadhurst Autocar service runs via Lamberhurst Monday to Friday.

About Scotney Castle

Located in Kent, Scotney Castle combines a romantic moated medieval ruin with a Victorian country mansion. Surrounded by 780 acres of parkland, woodland, and a picturesque garden, it tells a fairytale story of heritage, horticulture, and dramatic design through the centuries.

Recommended views

Scotney Castle offers dreamlike views: its ruined castle mirrored in the moat, flower-framed paths, and sweeping parkland scenes. From walled gardens to ancient woodland, enjoy atmospheric perspectives full of texture, reflection, and historic charm

What to bring

If you're new to plein air or returning after a break, we've pulled together a curated list of materials to help you prepare - whether you work in oils, acrylics, watercolour, printmaking, or drawing. With thousands of plein air products available on our website, purchasing in advance is the most practical option, and is the reason why we don't bring materials to our events.

Accessibility

Most of the paths in the garden are suitable for buggies and mobility vehicles. Ask the visitor welcome team for details on arrival. Powered mobility scooters and manual wheelchairs are available to borrow and can be booked in advance by calling 01892 893820. There are accessible toilets by the courtyard tea-room. Find out more about accessibility at Scotney Castle.

Food and drink options

The tearoom/cafe will be open between 10am and 5pm for food and drinks.

Wet weather contingency

The event will go ahead, whatever the weather, so bring suitable clothing for wet weather if it rains.

Caring for Scotney Castle

This event is being organised to bring artists together and to highlight the beauty found throughout the UK. Please respect the area throughout the event and take all your litter home with you or dispose of it in bins. All dirty water and solvents should be taken home and disposed of responsibly. Nothing is to be staked into the ground (i.e. umbrellas, gazebos etc.), and please respect the out-of-bounds areas.

Please note

Film and photography may be taking place throughout the event to document the day, for potential promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be filmed or photographed, please let the photographer know.