Discover more in Kent
Fairy-tale castles, historic royal residences and the home of Churchill can all be found in Kent.
Family-friendly places 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, whatever the weather. When it's time to refuel, grab a coffee and kids lunchbox from the café or pitch up with a picnic blanket on the lawn. There's no need to book in advance for most of our places, and with wide parking spaces, baby changing facilities, picnic benches and buggy-friendly paths we are ready to welcome you.
Perfect for pre-schoolers
I's toddle time and where better to ignite your little ones' sense of wonder and adventure than in Kent. From vibrant natural play areas with swings and see-saws to gentle woodland trails designed for budding explorers, our places offer safe and exciting spaces for unforgettable family moments. Uncover toddler-friendly fun with spotter sheets, enchanting garden trails, and a range of activities throughout the year, all complemented by nearby cafés serving up delightful snacks and treats for everyone to enjoy.
Toddler Mondays at Knole
Monday mornings during term time, 10am-12pm Perfect for under 5's join us for babyccino coffee mornings and storytime at Knole, meet other parents and carers and play with toys and games with your little one. Free with normal admission, pre-booking essential.
Knole Fawns baby and toddler group
Most Fridays in term time, 10:30am-12pm Enjoy toys and games, including musical instruments, a small craft activity each week with light refreshments provided. Free with normal admission, pre-booking is essential.
The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail at Knole
22 May to 25 August, 10am-5pm 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.
Signs of Spring Family Trail at Emmetts Garden
1 May to 1 June, 10am-4pm Pick up a spotter trail sheet at the Visitor Centre and find the seasonal signs of spring hidden among the flowers and wildlife in our gardens.£2 per trail including a trail and sticker sheet.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail at Sheffield Park
3 May to 22 June, 10am-5pm Swing by our beautiful garden this May and June to enjoy a fun-filled trail based on Eric Carle’s beloved book ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’. You will find a wide variety of trail stops including fruit sculptures, nostalgic illustrations, and insect themed activities throughout the trail.
Join in the family fun this May Half Term
Head over to Kent and East Sussex to discover family adventures with some of your child's favourite characters. Pick up our spring wildlife spotter sheets and explore the stunning gardens.
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VE Day 80 Children's trail at Chartwell
1 to 31 May - This year marks 80 years since the Allied victory in Europe over Nazi Germany in 1945. Discover more about Chartwell's wartime characters and celebrations in this interactive family trail round the gardens which lasts all month long including May half term.
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Georgian Cooking Programme at Quebec House
24 to 26 May - Tempting scents fill the air as our volunteer cooks prepare 18th-century-style treats ready for visitors to taste. Explore the childhood home of General James Wolfe then head over to the Coach House to enjoy the delicious bakes. Donations gratefully received.
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Dragonfly Trail at Sissinghurst
24 May to 1 June - Follow the dragonfly trail at Sissinghurst and uncover the fascinating facts about the bugs, birds, and wildlife that call it home. Collect your complimentary self-guided trail sheet from Visitor Reception to start your adventure.
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Spring butterfly spotter trail at Scotney Castle
17 May to 15 June - This spring, explore the captivating world of butterflies with our thrilling spotter trail through the picturesque Scotney Castle Gardens.
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How to Train Your Dragon trail at Bodiam Castle
24 May to 7 September - Step in the footsteps of Hiccup and Toothless the dragon as you channel your inner Viking on our family trail. Pick up tips and tricks to master the art of dragon training, discover different dragon species, learn the forgotten language of Dragonese and so much more!
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Pesky Pests Trail at Bateman's
17 May to 1 June - Discover the fascinating world of pests at Bateman’s, where fun games and activities bring these critters to life. As you explore the trail, you'll learn more about woodlice, ladybirds, silverfish, and carpet beetles, uncovering their secrets and learning about their role in nature.
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Teddy bears picnic at Ightham Mote
24 May to 1 June - If you go down to the Mote today...you're sure of a good surprise. Come and enjoy our annual May half term Teddy Bear displays at Ightham Mote and join in with the picnic on 25 May as music plays in the garden.
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Guided tours at Fan Bay Deep Shelter
Friday to Monday until 26 October - Explore wartime tunnels that reveal the hidden history of soldiers stationed beneath the White Cliffs of Dover. Step back in time on this unforgettable guided tour suitable families with children aged 8 years and above.
Visit multiple places in Kent
Did you know that many of our Kent places are within 30 minutes of each other? That means you can visit multiple places in one weekend or even in one day! We've put together some handy itineraries to help you explore more wonderful places near you. Remember our places can get especially busy during school holidays so check our website pages before you set off.
Heroes and Heroine’s Adventure: Chartwell, Emmetts and Knole
1) Start your weekend at Chartwell in Westerham where you can climb the treehouse, swing high in the Old Quarry and let your imagination go wild in the Canadian camp and bomb shelter. 2) It's just 10 minutes to Emmetts Garden in Sevenoaks where energetic adventurers can let off steam in the wild play area, have a go at giant Jenga in the meadow and enjoy woodland walks. 3) Then pre-book and travel 15 minutes to Knole in Sevenoaks for a parkland adventure, join in with family activities and watch our conservation team in action.
Garden Explorers' Quest: Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bateman's
1) Begin your adventure at Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Cranbrook, pick up your spotter sheet from visitor reception then explore the famous gardens, climb the tower, and visit the library. 2) Next, travel 20 minutes to Scotney Castle in Tunbridge Wells, discover the castle ruins and gardens full of family trails and play activities. 3) Drive 25 minutes to Bateman's in Burwash, East Sussex, for family-friendly events all year round and enjoy the natural play area with swings, see-saw and climbing frames before learning more about the family home of Rudyard Kipling.
Wild Wander: Ightham, Knole and Emmetts
1) Start your tour at Ightham Mote, exploring the 14th-century moated manor house and gardens complete with natural play area. 2) It's just a 15 minute (6 miles) drive to Knole to explore the historic house and deer park to let off steam. 3) Finally, drive for 20 minutes (8 miles) to Emmetts Garden to enjoy the beautiful gardens and wild play area before refuelling in the cafe. Enjoy a mix of historical exploration, scenic walks, and family-friendly activities!
Coastal Hike & Learn: White Cliffs, South Foreland and Fan Bay
1) Arrive at the White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre, enjoy the stunning views, coastal walks and watch the boats and ferries. 2) Walk for about an hour (3.3 miles) to South Foreland Lighthouse for a tour and a well deserved lunch at Mrs. Knott's tearoom. 3) Buy your tickets and walk for 20 minutes (1 mile) along the coastal path to Fan Bay Deep Shelter to discover the wartime tunnels with a guided tours before heading back to White Cliffs for an ice cream .
Sussexsplorer's route: Sheffield Park, Bateman's and Bodiam
1) Arrive bright and early at Sheffield Park and Garden to discover, fun ways to get active in the great outdoors from woodland walks to cricket matches. 2) Then, travel 42 minutes (21 miles) to Bateman’s to uncover the inspiration for some of Rudyard Kipling's famous stories, clamber on the play area or create a den from fallen branches. 3) Finally, drive for 21 minutes (12 miles) to Bodiam Castle where a whole range of activities await from have-a-go archery, battle re-enactments to family games, trails and activities.
Top things for families to do in Kent
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Family-friendly things to do at Chartwell
Meet the royal residents of Chickenham Palace, or pop into the enchanting ‘Marycot’, a little brick house built by Sir Winston Churchill for his daughter Mary. Climb the two-storey treehouse and reach the sky on the swings in the Old Quarry. Chartwell is a great place to play and let imaginations and little legs run wild.
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Family-friendly visits to Knole
Book into the Knole Fawns toddler group on Friday mornings. There's babyccino coffee mornings and stories on Mondays too. Discover the royal treasures in the showrooms using the new children's spotter trail. Go deer spotting on a stroll around the parkland.
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Family days out at Scotney Castle
Swing, climb and squelch in the Badger & Pepper play area. Peer into the moat to spot the swish of a fishy tail. Can you find the dinosaur footprint in the rocks of the Old Quarry, a relic from when iguanodons roamed?
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Visiting Ightham Mote with the family
Celebrate the seasons with nature eye spy. Race through the living willow tunnel, practice your balancing skills and make mud pies in the natural play area. Change of clothing advised!
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Family days out at Emmetts Garden
Guard the fort and hop into the enchanted fairy ring in the new natural play area, located just past the Old Stables Tearoom. Can you walk across the balance beams without falling off? Why not challenge each other to see who can build the biggest den? Play the giant wind chimes and clamber to the top of the climbing frame – the fun is never ending.
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Family activities at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Head to the natural play area down by the lakes for den building. Meet the resident dragon and find the fairy door hidden in the trees. Pick up a free seasonal spotter sheet from visitor reception.
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Family-friendly things to do at Bodiam Castle
Experience the feeling of walking over the bridge, through the gatehouse and stepping back into Medieval times. Spy the original portcullis, ancient stone unicorn, murder holes, gun loops and medieval bread oven. Pick up a new illustrated autumn spotter sheet or try the castle trail with Nosy Crow.
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Family-friendly things to do at Bateman's
Drop in for story time in the garden, with short sessions perfect for little imaginations. Run free in the natural play area with swings, see-saw and climbing frames. Look out for the wise old owl perched atop the carved oak tree. Inside, meet the 120-year-old doll 'Crocus', who was given to Rudyard Kipling’s little girl, Elsie. She was so well loved; her nose has rubbed off with kisses.