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Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.
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.
Places to visit
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Top places to visit in Kent
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.
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.
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.
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
Quebec House
Childhood home of General James Wolfe, victor of the Battle of Quebec (1759)
Plan a Christmas day out in Kent
This Christmas, we're bringing festive traditions to life at our country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintry countryside in Kent.
Cover to Cover: Christmas 2025 at Scotney Castle
Cover to Cover: Join us for Christmas at Scotney starts from Saturday 22 November to Sunday 4 January. 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 - plus twelve trees in the beautifully transformed mansion house.
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?
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 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.
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.
What's on for families 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.
Christmas days out in Kent with the kids
During the Christmas school holidays, National Trust places in Kent are bursting with seasonal fun for families. Explore scenes inside the houses beautifully decorated for Christmas, fun trails in the gardens and craft activities. It's the perfect time to enjoy crisp walks in the countryside too, and unforgettable adventures.
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.
Top gardens to visit in Kent
Discover year-round interest in walled gardens, vegetable plots and borders – and one of the most famous gardens in the country.
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.
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.
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 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.
Castles and forts in Kent
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.
Oldbury Hill
Discover the remains of an Iron Age hill fort
Coast in Kent
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.
The White Cliffs of Dover
Magnificent coastal site overlooking the English Channel
South Foreland Lighthouse
Striking and historical lighthouse high on The White Cliffs of Dover
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.
Outdoor activities in Kent
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.
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.
Places to stay in Kent
2 Bettenham Cottages
Immerse yourself in rolling farmland and peaceful countryside. This cosy cottage is the perfect getaway for friends and family.
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.
Sustainable travel
Whether you're looking to travel by train or bus. Plan your visit using greener travel options.
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.
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.
Find your local Kent supporter group
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.
Upcoming events
Family Winter Wander through Emmetts Garden
Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks, KentEmbrace the natural joys of winter with your family at Emmetts Garden!
Beatrix Potter's Christmas Card Trail at Knole
Knole, Sevenoaks, KentPostman Bunny has lost Beatrix Potter's Christmas cards - can you help him find them?
Christmas at Knole
Knole, Sevenoaks, KentGet in the Christmas spirit at Knole with decorated courtyards, a giant wreath and the Great Hall adorned with rich, traditional Christmas colours.
'Dido's Christmas Bones' family trail
Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, KentJoin Dido the Dog on a tail-wagging Christmas Adventure at Ightham Mote
Chartwell Christmas Family Trail: Jock saves Christmas
Chartwell, Westerham, KentWrap up warm and explore Chartwell gardens this Christmas with our Family Trail!
Christmas at Scotney Castle (22 Nov-4 Jan)
Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, KentThis festive season, experience a Christmas as magical and memorable as Scotney Castle itself. From beautifully themed rooms inspired by storybook charm, to twinkling illuminations, festive trail and treats in the tearoom - something for all ages.
Christmas at Sissinghurst (24 November - 4 January)
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, near Cranbrook, KentEscape the crowds and enjoy a gentler Christmas atmosphere at Sissinghurst Castle Garden.
Churchill's Animals: Guided tour of Christmas in the House at Chartwell
Chartwell, Westerham, KentJoin one of our expert volunteer guides on a tour of selected rooms in the house at Chartwell which are decorated for Christmas, each with a different animal theme.
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