Kent

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.

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Chartwell

Family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill

Knole

Take in the scale and magnificence of this 600-year-old estate with its courtyards, showrooms, Gatehouse Tower and acres of parkland.

View of historic stone building, with blue sky and cloud above, green grass in the foreground and a large green-leaved tree to the left.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

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.

A view of the Rose Garden from the Elizabethan Tower at Sissinghurst

Scotney Castle

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.

A view across the moat towards the old castle with flowers in the foreground

Ightham Mote

Outstanding 14th-century moated manor house, gardens and estate

The White Cliffs of Dover

Magnificent coastal site overlooking the English Channel

Emmetts Garden

Edwardian hillside garden with year-round features

Autumn colour in the rock garden. Vibrant burgundy acers, red, orange and gold foliage alongside evergreens and pale pink flowers among the rocks.

Quebec House

Childhood home of General James Wolfe, victor of the Battle of Quebec (1759)

The Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent, filled with colourful summer flowers. Beyond is the Elizabethan Tower with a backdrop of blue skies filled with light clouds.

Gardens in Kent

Spring blossom by the house at Scotney Castle, Kent

Houses and buildings in Kent

A summer view across the Weald of Kent from Mariners Hill, a National Trust countryside site in Kent

Countryside and woodland in Kent

People walking dog at One Tree Hill, Kent

Walking in Kent

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Family-friendly places in Kent

Dog-friendly places in Kent

People sat at tables enjoying eating and drinking inside the tea-room at Knole in Kent

Places to eat in Kent

A garden volunteer kneeling in the lower Alpine area at Emmetts Garden in Kent

Volunteering in Kent

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 coming up near you.

‘Churchill: Image and Power’ – the Uniform Room at Chartwell

Following a major conservation project, made possible by generous donations and supporters’ legacies, the Uniform Room at Chartwell has been transformed to showcase Sir Winston Churchill’s newly restored uniforms. ‘Churchill: Image and Power’ explores how Britain’s wartime Prime Minister became one of the most recognisable figures in history.

Two conservators adjust a hat at on a Winston Churchill mannequin beneath lettering on the wall which says Churchill.

A Century of Costume Exhibition at Scotney Castle: 1 September-2 November

Curated to mark the launch of the National Trust’s new book 100 Things to Wear: Fashion from the Collections of the National Trust, this exhibition showcases 20 rare outfits and accessories from the large textile collection at Scotney Castle collection, some never seen before. Spanning 1890 to 1990, these pieces offer a unique glimpse into the lives and wardrobes of the Hussey family, who lived at Scotney Castle until 2006.

The Sissinghurst Series

The Sissinghurst Series hosts garden experts with a focus this year on the evolution of the English Garden.

The 2025 Sissinghurst Series line up at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Discover Knole's hidden attic spaces

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.

Long view down a covered area with a ceiling with beams showing, wooden floorboards and a window at the end.

Ana Maria Pacheco: A Modern Bestiary

Enjoy a rare opportunity at Ightham Mote to see internationally renowned artist, Ana Maria Pacheco’s, striking take on the tradition of the bestiary, the richly illustrated medieval book pairing animal imagery with human lessons. From platypuses to armadillos, these creatures are far more than just animals, they are sharp, witty reflections on the political, ecological, and social issues of our time.

Image of an armadillo in front of an illustration of Roman soldiers

Churchill's Hellfire Corner Defence Uncovered After 50 Years

New tours reveal the dramatic wartime history of Fan Bay Battery, built in 1940 on Churchill’s orders to defend the Dover Strait. Once buried and forgotten, this coastal stronghold has been restored, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Britain’s WWII defences.

Image of a circular concrete gun emplacement with the sea in the background

Bring friends for free

You're invited to join us for Heritage Open Days, bringing members and non-members together for talks, walks and workshops, all for free! There's a packed programme of free events and activities with chances to peek into secret spaces, find out about historical architecture, learn about local heritage and much more at places across Kent.

Guided tour in the garden during the Fungi Festival at Emmetts Garden, Kent

Autumn festivals and events

Autumn transforms Kent’s National Trust places into vibrant tapestries of gold, crimson and amber, offering breathtaking walks, stunning views and wonderful autumn themed events. From the fiery foliage at Emmetts Garden and Scotney Castle to the orchard and garden harvests at Ightham Mote, Chartwell and Sissinghurst, each location celebrates the season’s natural beauty and rich heritage.

A heavy horse and their handler at work to move tree logs at Scotney Castle

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.

Family Events in Kent

Halloween adventures in Kent

This October Half-Term, National Trust places in Kent are bursting with seasonal fun for families. Explore Knole’s grand estate with autumn trails, uncover Churchill’s artistic side at Chartwell, or follow the We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt Halloween Adventure at Ightham Mote. With creative crafts, spooky storytelling, and hands-on conservation activities, it’s the perfect time to enjoy crisp walks, colourful gardens, and unforgettable adventures.

A group of four children dressed up for Halloween walk along a garden trail.

Hands-on learning

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.

Perfect for pre-schoolers

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.

A man pushing a pushchair along a path through lawned gardens with two toddlers – one walking behind and the other in front of him

We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt Halloween Adventure

Based on the bestselling children’s books, this Halloween the bunnies are setting off on an adventure to find the ghosts hidden around Ightham Mote with heaps of exciting things to see and do along the way. Pick your bunny name, play Halloween hoopla, race your broomstick and watch out for the warty toads as you cross the stepping stones, before joining the celebration party and collecting your prize/sticker.

An illustration of four bunnies running in front of the moon for the We're Going on a Ghost Hunt ™ this Halloween family October half term trail

Discover year-round interest in walled gardens, vegetable plots and borders – and one of the most famous gardens in the country.

Autumn highlights

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.

Autumn leaves in the foreground at Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, with the ruins of the fourteenth-century moated castle in the distance

Summer highlights

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.

Visitors admire the stone columns and plants in the re-created Delos garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent

Winter highlights

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.

A view over the misty garden at Ightham Mote manor house, complete with small bridge, pond and shrubbery

Spring highlights

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.

Apple blossom with the house in the background at Chartwell, Kent

This Christmas 2025, we're bringing festive traditions to life at our country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintry countryside in Kent.

Christmas at Chartwell

Get into the festive spirit with Chartwell's Christmas fair complete with local makers and plenty of craft stalls between 20 to 23 November and then enjoy a wonderful Christmas as Chartwell is dressed with stunning lights and Christmas trees all inspired by Sir Winston Churchill’s love for animals from cherished pets and exotic creatures to farmyard favourites. Will you spot them all?

The Lalique glass Cockerel statue with the Christmas tree in the background in the Drawing Room at Chartwell, Kent

Cover to cover: Christmas at Scotney

Cover to Cover: Christmas at Scotney' starts on Saturday 22 November. Other favourites returning this year include bookable Christmas lunches in the Stables tea-room, 'Late Nights & Lights' events, and our North Pole letter-writing station, popular with older and younger visitors alike.

Christmas tree in the hall at Scotney Castle, Kent

Christmas at Knole

Get in the Christmas spirit by wandering through the grand courtyards at Knole, decorated with trees and garlands. Step into the Great Hall to find a magnificent, decorated tree and centuries-old long table adorned with decorations in rich, traditional Christmas colours. Look out for the giant wreath perfect for a selfie stop and find hidden Christmas post boxes. Explore the parkland and discover Beatrix Potter's original Christmas Card designs in a charming trail with plenty of activities along the way. At the end of the Beatrix Potter Christmas Card trail post your Christmas wish and receive a cuddly bunny as a Christmas gift.

A Christmas tree and decorations in The Great Hall at Knole

A Timeless Christmas at Ightham Mote

Explore how Christmas has been celebrated over the last 700 years from the medieval period to the 1980s. Wander through beautifully decorated rooms and gardens as you experience festive traditions from the pagan medieval period to the sparkle and glitz of the 20th century with family fun and events to match.

Christmas in the Great Hall at Ightham Mote, Kent

A Georgian Operatic Christmas at Quebec House

This Christmas, come to Quebec House on weekends from 22 November for an 18th century operatic experience. Glimpse the world of the opera through miniature and life-sized scenes set out in the rooms of the former family home of General James Wolfe. Follow delicious scents that will take you from observing the cooks in the kitchen to tasting samples served by our volunteers in the Coach House across the garden.

Christmas wreath being placed on a door at Quebec House, 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.

Chartwell British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted Highlights Tours

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.

A volunteer guide and a BSL interpreter give a tour of Chartwell, Kent.

Emmetts Garden British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted History Tours

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.

BSL British Sign Language tour at Emmetts Garden led by Head Gardener and BSL Interpreter

Bateman's British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted House Tour

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.

Four people standing outside a stone building, engaged in conversation. One of them is demonstrating British Sign Language.

Knole British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted Highlight Tours

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.

Volunteer with a group of visitors in the Stone Court at Knole, Kent

Knole British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted Attic Tours

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.