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.

0

Close up of white roses from Lady Churchill's Rose Garden with the house at Chartwell in the background

Place

Chartwell

Family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill

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.

Place

Knole

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

The Rose Garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Place

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.

The circular 14th century Ashburnham Tower at Scotney Castle with irises growing in the moat in the foreground and the later ruins behind.

Place

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.

View of the South East Quarter of Ightham Mote Mansion

Place

Ightham Mote

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

Image of visitor walking along the clifftop at the White Cliffs of Dover, Kent on a sunny day in August

Place

The White Cliffs of Dover

Magnificent coastal site overlooking the English Channel

Pink roses in the Italianate Rose Garden with the fountain and a glimpse of the view in the distance

Place

Emmetts Garden

Edwardian hillside garden with year-round features

Apple blossom in the garden at Quebec House

Place

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

Father and his three sons playing chase in the garden at Chartwell.

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 new this month...

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

Article

Churchill's Hellfire Corner Defence Uncovered After 50 Years

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.

Painting of Chartwell by Sir Winston Churchill. Autumnal trees in the foreground and beside the swimming pool, the brick house of Chartwell in the midground. Rolling hills and fields of the Weald of Kent in the background beneath a cloudy sky.

Article

Inspired by Chartwell Painting Competition and Exhibition

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. Churchill, who took up painting at age 40 as a way to relieve stress, produced over 500 works in his lifetime, many of which were painted at Chartwell. To celebrate a major 2026 exhibition at the Wallace Collection in London, Chartwell is encouraging the public to follow in Churchill’s footsteps. Winning entries will be displayed in his former painting studio throughout 2026.

Little People BIG DREAMS trail at Chartwell. Pictures of the book covers for Taylor Swift, Queen Elizabeth, David Attenborough

Article

Little People, BIG DREAMS trail at Chartwell

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.

Illustration of a rabbit in a light blue jacket surrounded by flowers and leaves

Article

The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail at Knole

The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail is a fun, family-friendly, walkthrough experience, and it’s hopping along to Knole in 2025.

The floating pontoon on Middle Lake surrounded by waterlilies at Sheffield Park and Garden

Article

Lakes & Lilies Festival | On now and throughout the summer

Sheffield Park and Garden’s picturesque lakes burst with colour during the summer months. From jewel-like waterlilies to meandering swathes of wildflowers or dramatic explosions of rhododendrons. The summer long Lakes & Lilies Festival is a celebration of this, with sights and activities for all-ages.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Summer holiday adventures in Kent

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..

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Chartwell British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted Highlights Tours

16 July, 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.

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

Emmetts Garden British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted History Tours

16 July, 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.

A volunteer tour guide and British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter present a tour at Quebec House. They are in a room with wooden panelling and 18th century historic furnishings.

Quebec House British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted Tour

16 July 3-4pm Take part in the BSL tour at Quebec House, the childhood home of General James Wolfe, known for his role in the Battle of Quebec (1759). Arrive early to explore the gardens before the 45-minute guided experience begins.

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

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

18 July and 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.

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

Knole British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted Highlight Tours

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.

National Trust staff with a tour group in the Retainer's Gallery (attics) at Knole, Kent

Knole British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted Attic Tours

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.

Place

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.

Woodland pathway through Oldbury Hill, Kent

Place

Oldbury Hill

Discover the remains of an Iron Age hill fort

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.

Place

The White Cliffs of Dover

Magnificent coastal site overlooking the English Channel

A man and a child are walking a black-and-white dog through a grassy field towards South Foreland Lighthouse, Kent. The lighthouse is painted white and stands against a grey cloud that's hanging in the sky.

Place

South Foreland Lighthouse

Striking and historical lighthouse high on The White Cliffs of Dover

The interior of Fan Bay Deep Shelter in The White Cliffs of Dover in Kent, showing its arched corrugated steel construction

Article

Fan Bay Deep Shelter and gun emplacement at The White Cliffs of Dover

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.

A cyclist enjoying a ride along a leafy lane in the Kent countryside

Activity

Cycling, riding and running at Toys Hill

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.

Spring sun through the trees at Toys Hill, Kent

Activity

Walking at Toys Hill

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.

2 Bettenham Cottages

Immerse yourself in rolling farmland and peaceful countryside. This cosy cottage is the perfect getaway for friends, family and one well-behaved dog.

Priest's House

Sitting on the edge of Sissinghurst Castle’s gardens, this is the perfect spot for garden lovers.

Oldbury Hill Campsite

A peaceful woodland campsite near National Trust attractions, and an hour from London by train.

Oldbury Hill Campsite

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.

Bicycle leaning against a wall at Ightham Mote, Kent.

Article

Sustainable travel in Kent

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.

Cyclist at Ditchling Beacon, East Sussex

Article

Sustainable travel in Sussex

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.

A tour group in woodland at Scotney Castle, Kent

Article

Supporter groups in Kent

Join your local supporter group in Kent to meet people and enjoy talks, visits, holidays, outdoor volunteering and other social and fundraising events.

See all events

Event

'Inspired by Chartwell' Painting Competition

Chartwell, Westerham, Kent

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.

Event

Toddler Mondays at Knole

Knole, Sevenoaks, Kent

Have you got a little one under 5? Then come along for a fun morning at Knole with babyccino coffee mornings and storytime in the bookshop.

Event

Exhibition: Ightham at War

Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, Kent

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.

Event

Saving Ightham: celebrating 40 years of Ightham Mote's legacy

Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, Kent

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Charles Henry Robinson gifting Ightham Mote to the National Trust.

Event

The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail

Knole, Sevenoaks, Kent

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.

Event

Islandness- A visual storytelling exhibition

Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

This year's exhibition at Scotney focuses on the work of Kent based visual storyteller, Rebecca Douglas, translating nature's stories into compelling visual narratives through photography, video, drone speaking and writing.

Event

'Between the Covers with Vita' Exhibition (10 February 2025 - 7 September 2025)

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, near Cranbrook, Kent

This exhibition explores the literary prowess of author Vita Sackville-West, accompanied by colourful commissioned artwork by Sarah Tanat-Jones. Runs 10 February 2025 - 7 September 2025. Booking not required.