Christmas in and around Kent

Our places in Kent are ready to share their festive traditions with you. Explore historic houses decorated for Christmas of years gone by, then tackle festive trails around our winter gardens and estates. Warm chilly hands in front of a roaring fire, or join in Christmas crafts. Every time you visit you help us keep those Christmas lights twinkling bright for years to come.

The dining room decorated for Christmas at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

Christmas at Chartwell 

Discover a festive family trail to keep the kids busy, delicious brunches to warm you up and a Christmas market at Chartwell this Christmas. Pop into the beautifully decorated house on selected weekends to enjoy Christmas with Clemmie Churchill in the 1940s, or just take a wintry walk across the Chartwell estate. Daily 1 December to 2 January (closed 24 & 25 December), 10am to 4pm (house by timed ticket, weekends 1am-3pm). Normal admission applies.

Find some festive cheer
Ightham Mote decorated for Christmas

Ightham Mote 

For the perfect traditional experience the house at Ightham Mote can’t be beaten. See it in all its Christmas glory throughout Christmas. 1 December to 2 January (closed 24 & 25 December), 10am to 4pm (house 11am-3pm). Normal admission applies

Christmas magic at the Mote
Putting the finishing touches to the tree

Scotney Castle 

Mix the magic of Christmas Eve in the house with a trip to see Father Christmas in the Old Castle at Scotney this festive season. With a trail around the garden and traditional Christmas lunches in the copy tearoom, there’s plenty to get you in the mood for the festive season. Daily 1 December to 2 January (closed 24 & 25 December), 10am to 4pm. Normal admission applies.

Christmas at the castle
Kipling’s stories of Sussex fairy tales brought to life this Christmas

Bateman's 

This Christmas the ‘Just So’ stories weave their magic around the house at Bateman’s. Discover handmade decorations in opulent fabrics, with colours inspired by Kipling’s time in India, and floral displays based on the ‘Just So’ stories. A glowing fire and majestic tree welcome you and add to the warmth and charm of this family home. Daily 1 December to 6 January (closed 24 & 25 December), 10am to 4pm (house 11am1-4pm). Normal admission applies.

A ‘Just So' Christmas awaits
Mum and daughter looking at berries

Emmetts Garden 

The Boise family have misplaced their Christmas presents, can you help them to find them around the garden? Pick up a trail sheet from our visitor centre and start your festive adventure. Don’t forget to send Father Christmas a Christmas card. Runs 2 December to 3 January (closed 24 and 25 December), 10am to 4pm. Normal admission applies.

Tackle the trail
The garden at Quebec House blanketed with snow

Quebec House 

See the house decorated for a Georgian Christmas with greenery from the garden, warm open fires and the smell of spiced hot chocolate. Taste some Christmas baking, admire our celebratory feast and find out what winter was like for the Wolfe family in the early eighteenth century. House opens weekends in December, 1pm to 4pm.

A Christmas feast
The view from the orchard in the frost at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Winter at Sissinghurst 

Take a look to find out what you can see and do this winter at Sissinghurst, we're open every day apart from 24 and 25 December.

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Family Christmas
Sissinghurst Castle Garden   Kent

Christmas at Lamb House

Join us for a Jamesian Christmas at Lamb House. You can see the house decorated for an Edwardian Christmas, grab a warm drink and enjoy the festive atmosphere in the house and garden.

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