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 a picnic blanket on the lawn. There's no need to book in advance, and with wide parking spaces, baby changing facilities, picnic benches and buggy-friendly paths our places are ready to welcome you.
Christmas for families in Kent
From giant The Snowman™ sculptures to enchanting storybook worlds and your favourite Christmas characters. Make magical family memories at National Trust places in Kent.
Christmas in Kent
The Christmas countdown has begun at National Trust places in Kent. Look out for giant The Snowman™ sculptures at Knole, inspired by Raymond Briggs' timeless festive tale. Step back in time for a Tudor Christmas at Ightham Mote, with roving musicians and a stunning hand-painted festive Tudor Chapel. Enter a magical storybook world at Chartwell and join carol singing over a festive drink. Meanwhile the party will be in full throes at Scotney Castle, for a Swinging Sixties Christmas with glittering trees and original 1960s' outfits. For a cosy Christmas, see twinkling lights, greenery and a Georgian feast at Quebec House.
What's on for families 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 run wild.
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Family-friendly visits to Knole this winter
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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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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Visiting Ightham Mote with the family
Celebrate the season with autumn 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-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.