Attractions and Places To See around Pembury - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Pembury include a mix of historical landmarks, natural landscapes, and cultural sites. This village in Kent, England, provides access to extensive woodlands and significant historical buildings. The area is characterized by its blend of preserved heritage and natural beauty, offering diverse points of interest for visitors.
Best attractions and places to see around Pembury
- The most popular attractions is Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, a forest that is home to over 12,000 conifer specimens. It features a 10 km family paved trail and offers bike rentals.
- Another must-see spot is Scotney Castle and Gardens, a historical site with formal gardens. The site includes the ruins of a medieval, moated manor house and gardens with seasonal flora.
- Visitors also love Groombridge Place Manor House, a historical site with sculpted formal gardens and a moated 17th-century manor house. Its gardens are open to the public and feature a pirate's playground and treetop walkway.
- Pembury is known for its historical sites, extensive woodlands, and formal gardens. Visitors can explore ancient churches, enjoy scenic walking trails, and discover grand estates.
- The attractions around Pembury are appreciated by the komoot community, with 92 upvotes and 11 photos shared across 3 highlights.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Highlight • Forest
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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.
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Scotney Castle House
Highlight • Monument
Margaret Thatcher lived in one of them during her time as Prime Minister.
Here she was "easier to protect" than in London.
Now everything has been returned to the way it was before the conversion 😉
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Bewl Water
Highlight • Lake
It's around 12 miles all the way round with signs saying to allow 6 hours to walk whole route.
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Tips from the Community
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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After the Hussey family gave up the house and the last resident of the family died, the house was initially converted into 6 apartments. Margaret Thatcher lived in one of them during her time as Prime Minister. Here she was "easier to protect" than in London. Now everything has been returned to the way it was before the conversion 😉
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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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This Victorian mansion was built in 1837. Constructed from sandstone quarried from the grounds of the Old Castle, its privileged position offers splendid views of the castle and the estate. As a curiosity, during Margaret Thatcher's time as Prime Minister, she had an apartment in this building. Currently, it is owned by the National Trust, and you can find more information, plan your visit, and check the opening times at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/scotney-castle
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Parking is £7 per car for a full day. No other options for shorter periods. Cafe, toilets, bike hire, laser tag and water sport activities on site. Plenty of space to park on weekends. Great views of the reservoir and access to walking trails.
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Managed by Forestry England, the National Pinetum is home to over 12000 specimens of trees and is a great place to visit for anyone interested in conservation. The adjacent forest is full of tracks and trails for cycling, walking, running and a tree top adventure, Go Ape. Take a moment out from your ride and breathe it all in. There is also a visitors centre with toilets and a cafe on site.
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New Scotney Castle was built as a mansion in the early 19th century by Edward Hussey after he had purchased the entire site including the ruined Scotney Castle. It has been furnished with valuable furniture and today shows how the upper class lived in the countryside in the Victorian age,
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A very romantic ruined castle in a lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in Pembury and its surroundings?
Within Pembury village, you can explore St. Peter's Old Church, a Grade I listed building with Norman origins, and St. Peter's Upper Church, a Victorian Chapel-of-Ease. The village also features Knights Place, a historic house, and a War Memorial. Nearby, don't miss Scotney Castle and Gardens, a National Trust property with a medieval moated manor house ruin, and Groombridge Place Manor House, known for its 17th-century manor and sculpted gardens.
Are there any notable natural attractions or outdoor spaces in Pembury?
Pembury offers access to Pembury Woods, providing scenic walking trails through extensive coppice woods. For a larger outdoor experience, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is nearby, home to over 12,000 conifer specimens and miles of trails. Additionally, Bewl Water, the largest body of inland water in southeast England, offers various water sports and walking trails.
What family-friendly attractions are available near Pembury?
Families will enjoy Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, which features a 10 km family paved trail, adventure playgrounds, and bike rentals. Groombridge Place Manor House offers sculpted gardens, a pirate's playground, and a treetop walkway. Scotney Castle and Gardens also provides beautiful gardens for families to explore.
Where can I go for a walk or hike near Pembury?
The area around Pembury is excellent for walking. You can explore Pembury Woods for scenic trails. For more structured routes, consider the easy hikes available, such as the Brenchley and Cinderhill Woods loop or the Kent Cobnut Tree loop. You can find more details and routes on the Easy hikes around Pembury guide.
Are there cycling opportunities around Pembury?
Yes, cycling is popular in the area. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest has a 10 km family paved trail and offers bike rentals. The Tudor Cycle Trail is also accessible from Pembury. For road cycling, routes like the A21 Cycle Path loop or the River Medway loops are available. Discover more options on the Road Cycling Routes around Pembury guide.
Can I find places for water sports or activities near Pembury?
Absolutely. Bewl Water is a large reservoir offering various water sports activities. It's also a great spot for walking, with a water bus service that can transport bikes.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Pembury area?
The natural areas around Pembury, particularly Pembury Woods and Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, are rich in wildlife. You can spot various bird species, deer, and other woodland creatures. Bewl Water also hosts a large variety of wildlife, especially waterfowl and aquatic species.
Are there any easy walking trails suitable for all abilities near Pembury?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. The 10 km family paved trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is suitable for families and those seeking a less strenuous walk. Additionally, the Easy hikes around Pembury guide lists routes like the Brenchley and Cinderhill Woods loop, which are rated as easy.
What is the best time of year to visit Pembury's attractions?
Pembury's attractions offer something year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the gardens at Scotney Castle and Groombridge Place, as well as water activities at Bewl Water. Autumn brings spectacular colors to the wooded areas like Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest. Historical sites are generally accessible throughout the year.
Are there any dog-friendly walking options around Pembury?
Many of the outdoor spaces around Pembury are dog-friendly. Pembury Woods and the trails at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest are popular choices for walks with dogs, though specific rules may apply in certain areas. Always check local signage for restrictions, especially around wildlife or livestock.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Pembury?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse experiences available. They particularly enjoy the extensive trails and family-friendly amenities at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, the picturesque ruins and beautiful gardens of Scotney Castle, and the unique blend of history and family fun at Groombridge Place Manor House. The natural beauty and historical significance of the region are highly appreciated.
Are there other notable historical points of interest in Pembury village itself?
Beyond the churches, Pembury village is home to 75 listed buildings, reflecting its rich history. You can also find the Margery Polley Drinking Trough, another point of historical interest, and the Pembury Village Hall, which serves as a central point for community events and has its own historical significance.
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