View of the house at Knole, Kent in winter | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Houses and buildings in Kent

We look after a range of houses and unusual buildings in Kent, from the home of a great politician to a moated manor with 700 years of history for you to uncover.

Our houses in Kent are sumptuously decorated for Christmas. From traditional trees to glittering lights and glowing fires, they're the perfect backdrop to make magical family memories.

Christmas tree decor at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire

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.

A group of people looking at exhibits inside Knole in Kent

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The house at Knole

Knole was built to impress. Come and explore the grandeur of its showrooms, the hidden secrets of the attics and the rooms Eddy Sackville-West called home in the Gatehouse Tower.

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The house at Chartwell

Explore the beloved home of one of Britain's greatest politicians, Sir Winston Churchill. The house has many treasures and provides an intimate portrait of the Churchill family.

Scotney Castle's Victorian mansion house in early morning autumn mist

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The house at Scotney Castle

From secret doors to ornate furniture and amazing collections of art, costume, books and silverware, find out about the house at Scotney Castle and how the Hussey family made it a home.

A view through a tunnel to the courtyard at Ightham Mote, with long windows visible on the other side of the courtyard

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The house at Ightham Mote

Enter this medieval half-timbered house across a cobbled courtyard and into the hushed interior. Discover dark wood panelling, huge fireplaces and a mix of furnishings inside.

The red brick house at Owletts with large sash windows against a blue sky

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Owletts

Explore the rooms and grounds of Owletts, an impressive 17th-century manor house and birthplace of celebrated architect Sir Herbert Barker.

A view inside the Drawing Room at Quebec House, Kent, which has dark wood panelling on the walls and patterned rugs on the floor. A comfortable chair and sofa are arranged in front of a fireplace and three oil portraits hang in gold frames on the wall above.

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Quebec House

Explore this Georgian town house where General James Wolfe grew up. Discover information about his military life, including the Battle of Quebec after which the house is named.

Vita's desk in the newly conserved Writing Room in the Tower at Sissinghurst

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The buildings at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Climb the Tower at Sissinghurst for views of the whole garden, peruse thousands of books in the Long Library and explore the South Cottage, a retreat at the centre of the garden.

From a chapel to a knight's dwelling and a lighthouse on the White Cliffs of Dover, discover interesting buildings to explore in Kent.

Three visitors looking at a display in the Lyceum room at Smallhythe Place

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The museum at Smallhythe Place

Find out about the Victorian actor Ellen Terry as you browse through the rooms in the house, which have been lovingly turned into a museum packed full of artefacts from her life.

South Foreland Lighthouse in Kent seen from a wildflower meadow.

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South Foreland Lighthouse

Explore South Foreland Lighthouse on the famous White Cliffs of Dover. Take a guided tour and discover the fascinating stories of this landmark.

Visitors walking in winter at Cobham Wood, Kent

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Darnley Mausoleum at Cobham Wood

The restored Darnley Mausoleum stands on the highest point of the site. Viewable from outside year-round, the 18th-century building is open to explore on select dates during the summer.

Interior of chapel at St. John's Jerusalem, Kent

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St. John's Jerusalem

This rare surviving chapel is the only remaining structure of the Preceptory of the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, formed in 1113.

Exterior of the chapel at Old Soar Manor showing the east window with garderobe beyond.

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Old Soar Manor

Old Soar Manor is a rare remaining structure of a late 13th-century knight's dwelling. Explore the solar chamber, barrel-vaulted undercroft, chapel and garderobe.