National Trust
One of the most famous and evocative castles in Britain, Bodiam was built in 1385, as both a defence and a comfortable home. The exterior is virtually complete and the ramparts rise dramatically above the moat. Enough of the interior survives to give an impression of castle life. There are spiral staircases and battlements to explore, and wonderful views of the Rother Valley from the top of the towers. An exciting events programme runs from mid February through to Santa's Christmas Grotto, including open-air theatre and 'The Grand Medieval weekend'. Activities for all the family daily through August. Dogs welcome on leads in grounds only
This internationally renowned garden was developed by Vita Sackville-West and Sir Harold Nicolson around the surviving parts of an Elizabethan mansion. It comprises small enclosed compartments; with colour throughout the season, resulting in an intimate and romantic atmosphere (the garden is more peaceful after 4). Events programme includes special summer garden evenings, walks and talks, lecture lunches and lots more. Dogs on leads welcome on estate only
Scotney Castle - Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 8JN T: 01892 893820
Scotney is not one but two houses. At the top of the hill is the new house, designed by Anthony Salvin in Elizabethan style and built in 1837 for Edward Hussey III, who took the picturesque style as his inspiration. At the bottom of the valley are the romantic ruins of a medieval castle and moat. This is the focal point of the celebrated gardens featuring spectacular displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and kalmia in May/June with trees and shrubs providing autumnal colour. The estate is open all year, offering a variety of walks through beautiful parkland, woodland and farmland. A wide range of activities throughout the year, including open-air theatre and opera, lecture lunches, family activities and estate and wildlife walks. Dogs welcome on leads around estate but not permitted in the garden
Batemans- Bateman's Lane, Burwash, East Sussex TN19 7DS T: 01435 882302
Bateman's was home to author Rudyard Kipling from 1902 to his death in 1936. His wife left the house to the National Trust on her death in 1939, and it has since been opened to the public. The house and grounds with working watermill are beautiful and very tranquil. As you walk around inside the house each room has various artefacts relating to Kipling including his Rolls Royce. A full programme of events includes family fun days, storytelling, re-enactment weekends, garden and countryside walks, virtual tour of watermill and first floor of house, children's quizzes/trails. Dogs on leads and only in car park, dog crèche
Lamb House - West Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7ES T: 01580 762334
Fine brick-fronted house with literary associations – both Henry James and E. F. Benson lived here. Surprisingly large town garden.
The half-timbered house, built in the early 16th century when Smallhythe was a thriving shipbuilding yard, was the home of the Victorian actress Ellen Terry from 1899 to 1928, and contains her fascinating theatre collection. The cottage grounds include her rose garden, orchard, nuttery and the working Barn Theatre. A theatrical themed programme of events includes unique open-air theatre, indoor plays and music in the Barn Theatre. Family fun days, including children's theatre. Smallhythe Music and Beer Festival in September. Dogs allowed on leads in grounds