
Where will you visit next?
Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.
Find fairy tale castles, a treasure house fit for a king, the home of Churchill and a world-renowned garden dedicated to beauty. These are just some of Kent’s highlights along with spectacular coastline, ancient woodlands and rolling downs. Discover what to see and do in the Garden County of England.
Take in the scale and magnificence of this 600-year-old estate with its courtyards, showrooms, Gatehouse Tower and acres of parkland.
Historic, poetic, iconic: a refuge dedicated to beauty. Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson fell in love with Sissinghurst Castle and created a world-renowned garden.
Ruined medieval castle. Victorian mansion house. Rolling parkland. Ancient woodland. Picturesque garden. With romance, drama and nature around every corner, Scotney is truly a castle for all seasons.
There's always so much to see and do at National Trust places in and around Kent that it's hard to keep track. National Trust places near you have a whole range of new experiences and exciting activities so whatever your interest, you'll find something to suit you. Read on to see what's new this month...
Let the games begin! Make the most of your Summer with a whole range of family-friendly fun all designed to inspire young minds and encourage little legs to explore. From wild play zones and creative crafts to nature trails and historic castles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Why not try them all?
The scene’s set, the soundtrack queued, and every seat fluffed. All we need now is you. Make the most of your summer days and evenings and book your place for theatre, cinema and music all set against the gorgeous garden and historic backgrounds of places near you. Hurry, don't miss out, tickets are limited.
Enter from 1 July to 30 September. The Inspired by Chartwell painting competition invites amateur artists of all ages to create artwork inspired by Chartwell, the beloved home of Sir Winston Churchill. Chartwell is encouraging the public to follow in Churchill’s footsteps. Winning entries will be displayed in his former painting studio throughout 2026.
The Sissinghurst Series hosts garden experts with a focus this year on the evolution of the English Garden.
Hidden above the grandeur of the showrooms lie Knole's attics - sometimes inhabited but more often used for storage, these spaces have evolved over the centuries with each generation. Find out more about the history of the spaces as well as witchmarks and unusual items that have been discovered.
The Ightham at War: Prisoners With Parallel Fates exhibition tells the extraordinary stories of two men at war, one a captured British soldier, the other a downed German pilot, both connected by Ightham Mote. Through personal photographs, letters, and wartime memories you'll discover the personal stories of Sir James Colyer-Fergusson, who earnt a distinguished war record before returning to, and eventually inherited Ightham Mote, and Helmut Ortner, the survivor of the crash of a Messerschmitt airplane on the Ightham Mote estate on 15 August 1940.
A guided house highlights tour is great way to discover more about Chartwell’s stories. Choose from four different themes focusing on specific elements of Chartwell’s history.
New tours available now. The story begins in May 1940, just after the Dunkirk evacuation. With the threat of German invasion looming, Prime Minister Winston Churchill demanded superior artillery positions along the Dover Promontory to control the Dover Strait. This led to the fastest and largest expansion of coastal artillery in UK history. Construction of the Fan Bay Battery began in October 1940, with three heavy guns installed by February 1941. These guns weren’t just for defence, they were designed to strike enemy shipping across the Channel, marking a shift in British coastal artillery strategy from passive defence to active engagement. After the war, the site was decommissioned, and much of it was buried or left to nature. But thanks to recent restoration efforts by staff and volunteers, visitors can now explore this once-secret stronghold and get a glimpse into Britain’s World War Two coastal defences.
Let little explorers loose in the outdoors. They'll love squelching in mud kitchens, scrambling across natural play areas and running free across open meadows and parkland at places like Chartwell, Knole and Sissinghurst Castle Garden.
This summer, National Trust places in Kent offer a perfect mix of history, nature, and adventure for all ages. Whether you're exploring Knole’s grand estate, discovering Winston Churchill’s legacy at Chartwell, or enjoying wildflower walks at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, there’s something for everyone. With family-friendly trails, outdoor theatre, and hands-on activities, summer is the ideal time to experience Kent’s most beautiful places and make family memories you'll never forget..
From toddlers to children under 5 you'll find a delightful range of family-friendly events and play activities designed to spark curiosity and a sense of adventure. From enchanting garden trails at Scotney to engaging playtime sessions at Knole, little explorers can enjoy safe and exciting spaces while you relax in picturesque surroundings. Midweek during term time is a wonderful opportunity to avoid the crowds and experience our family nature play areas, join in with characters like Peter Rabbit and The Very Hungry Caterpillar and soak up the sunshine in our gardens.
Whatever your children are interested in and learning at home or at school our places are jam-packed with learning opportunities for families and home-schoolers and you can beat the crowds by coming before the school holidays. From exciting explorations about World War Two at Chartwell or Fan Bay Deep Shelter, Tudor History at Ightham Mote, Armour displays at Bodiam Castle, Archaeological discoveries at Knole and Smallhythe or the nature trails at Scotney Castle, Sissinghurst Castle Garden or Emmetts Garden, come and learn something new about Kent's amazing heritage, history and wildlife.
The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail is a fun, family-friendly, walkthrough experience, and it’s hopping along to Knole in 2025.
Little People, BIG DREAMS® at Chartwell encourages kids to be bold, be brave and dream big. Discover artists, activists and adventurers as well as scientists, musicians and writers on a trail that takes you through the gardens and house with activities inspired the bestselling picture-book biography series. Six of the 25 featured characters were selected by the children and teachers from nearby Crockham Hill Primary School. 19 July–7 September 2025, 10am–4pm. Normal admission applies. £3 for lanyard with activity pack.
Explore Scotney Castle's Summer of Play! A festival-themed meadow packed with fun zones, nature, games & creativity—perfect for family adventures all summer long!
Discover year-round interest in walled gardens, vegetable plots and borders – and one of the most famous gardens in the country.
Kent’s Head Gardeners and gardening experts reveal their summer highlights. From hopelessly romantic old roses at world-famous Sissinghurst Castle Garden, to new exotic planting at Scotney Castle. Plus stunning Wealden views from Chartwell, and a slice of Italy in the rose garden at Emmetts Garden. Pause in Ightham Mote’s Quiet Garden, surrounded by 700 centuries of history. Fast forward to the early twentieth century in the rose garden at nearby Bateman’s, designed by Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling. For boutique beauty, try Smallhythe Place, Quebec House or Lamb House.
With gardens filled with colour and orchards hanging low with fruit, autumn is a great time for a day out at National Trust places nearby. Catch late flowers in the Purple Border in early autumn at Sissinghurst, and breathe in the intoxicating scent of the Katsura Cercidiphyllum japonicum (toffee apple tree) near the North Lake at Ightham Mote. Dahlias and sunflowers continue to bloom in the early autumn sunshine at Chartwell. Later in the season, spot weird and wonderful mushrooms emerging at Emmetts Garden.
Explore rich evergreens at Emmetts Garden and garden water features at Chartwell and Ightham Mote. Keep your eyes peeled for the pure white of snowdrops as they begin to grow. Our gardens offer peace and tranquillity in the winter months. Wrap up warm and take in their structural beauty.
Gardens in Kent burst into life in springtime. From sunshine-yellow daffodils at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, to beautiful blossom across the gardens at Chartwell and a sea of tulips at Emmetts Garden. The orchards are soon filled with fruit tree flowers, including heritage varieties in delicate pink and white. Magnolia trees are a particular favourite, lining the paths later in spring at Chartwell and Sissinghurst. Blue skies bring with them beautiful reflections in the lakes at Ightham Mote, whilst Scotney’s Flower Festival spreads spring cheer into the mansion house too. Discover more highlights for the spring season in Kent.
National Trust places in Kent and East Sussex are offering British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted tours, making history and heritage more accessible to Deaf visitors and allowing more visitors to engage fully with the stories behind these iconic sites.
23 September, 6 December 11am-12pm Join an experienced guide for a small-group tour exploring Winston Churchill’s life at Chartwell, his home for over 40 years. With BSL interpretation, visitors can join an intimate tour of select rooms in the house at Chartwell and learn about its renowned collection, making history accessible to all in this one-hour experience.
23 September, 6 December 1-2pm Explore the history of Emmetts Garden with a National Trust guide and BSL interpreter. This tour highlights key areas of the Edwardian garden, sharing its heritage and seasonal beauty. Pre-book your place to enjoy this unique experience.
13 October 2-3pm Join a small-group BSL tour at Bateman’s, the former home of Rudyard Kipling, renowned for The Jungle Book and Just So Stories. Explore the Jacobean house, its collection, and the history of the Kipling family, guided by an experienced volunteer with simultaneous BSL interpretation.
3 September and 9 October 10:30-11:15am Book your place on this highlights tour of the showrooms which offers access to the house and it's magnificent collection at Knole with simultaneous BSL interpretation from Heritage Interpreters. This tour will last approximately 45 minutes and is reserved for Deaf people, but can still be enjoyed by accompanying visitors. Normal admission to Knole applies. As well as a ticket for this tour, please pre-book an Outdoor and Tower ticket per person.
3 September and 9 October 13:30-14:15pm Explore the spaces hidden above the showrooms and see a different side to Knole with simultaneous BSL interpretations from Heritage Interpreters. This behind the scenes attic tour will take in the decorated ceilings, graffiti, witchmarks (also known as ritual protection marks) and artefacts found in the Retainer's Gallery, South Barracks and Upper King's Room. This tour will last approximately 45 minutes and is reserved for Deaf people, but can still be enjoyed by accompanying visitors. Normal admission to Knole applies. As well as a ticket for this tour, please pre-book an Outdoor and Tower ticket per person.
Ruined medieval castle. Victorian mansion house. Rolling parkland. Ancient woodland. Picturesque garden. With romance, drama and nature around every corner, Scotney is truly a castle for all seasons.
The Kent coast is home to towering chalk cliffs and grass downland teeming with wildlife. Pack your binoculars and get ready to take in some fantastic views.
Explore Fan Bay Deep Shelter, the sound mirrors and gun emplacement in an immersive, hard-hat and head torch tour with our expert, friendly guides.
With a network of bridleways, there are plenty of ways to explore Toys Hill including horse riding, mountain biking, road cycling and running on a 6km Run England route.
Discover lots of walking routes, points of historical interest and wide-ranging views at one of Octavia Hill’s favourite places. Visit to see the landscape that inspired her.
Immerse yourself in rolling farmland and peaceful countryside. This cosy cottage is the perfect getaway for friends, family and one well-behaved dog.
Sitting on the edge of Sissinghurst Castle’s gardens, this is the perfect spot for garden lovers.
A peaceful woodland campsite near National Trust attractions, and an hour from London by train.
A peaceful woodland campsite near National Trust attractions, and an hour from London by train.
Whether you're looking to travel by train or bus. Plan your visit using greener travel options.
There are a number of sustainable travel options for travelling to and from the places in our care in Kent, whether you're looking to travel by train or bus.
There are a number of sustainable travel options for travelling to and from the places in our care in Sussex, whether you're looking to travel by train, bus, bike or foot.
Join your local supporter group in Kent to meet people and enjoy talks, visits, holidays, outdoor volunteering and other social and fundraising events.
This summer, amateur artists of all ages are encouraged to be inspired by Chartwell with a chance to have their painting displayed in Sir Winston Churchill’s studio.
Encouraging kids to ‘be bold, be brave’ and ‘dream big’, don’t miss this trail Little People, BIG DREAMS® at Chartwell this summer.
Enjoy fun, active, and musical play at Emmetts Garden this summer.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Charles Henry Robinson gifting Ightham Mote to the National Trust.
Step into a Wonderland of summer fun from 19 July to 31 August.
Enjoy playful family days out this summer at Scotney Castle from Saturday 19 July to Sunday 31 August. Normal admission applies.
In celebration of the much-loved classic, The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail is a fun, family-friendly, walkthrough experience, and it’s hopping along to Knole in 2025.
The Ightham at War: Prisoners With Parallel Fates exhibition tells the extraordinary stories of two men at war —one a captured British soldier, the other a downed German pilot— both connected by Ightham Mote.
Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.