Further Afield
Dating from 1320, Ightham Mote has many special features, including a Great Hall, crypt, Tudor chapel with a hand-painted ceiling and the apartments of the American donor Charles Henry Robinson. An enchanting feature is the Grade I-listed dog kennel, situated in the picturesque courtyard. Ightham Mote also offers lovely gardens and water features, with lakeside and woodland walks
Chartwell - Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS T: 01732 868 381
Bought by Sir Winston Churchill for its magnificent views over the Weald of Kent, Chartwell was his home and the place from which he drew inspiration from 1924 until the end of his life. The rooms remain much as they were when he lived here, with pictures, books and personal mementoes evoking the career and wide-ranging interests of this great statesman. The hillside gardens reflect Churchill's love of the landscape and nature. They include the lakes he created, Lady Churchill's Rose Garden and the kitchen garden.
Knole - Sevenoaks, TN13 T: 01732 462 100 Set at the heart of a timeless deer park, Knole has fascinating links with kings, queens and nobility, as well as literary connections with the novelists Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf. Knole was the birthplace and childhood home of Vita Sackville-West, who went on to create the gardens at Sissinghurst.
Emmetts - Sevenoaks, TN14 6AY T: 01732 868 381
An Edwardian estate owned by Frederick Lubbock it was a plantsman's passion and a much-loved family home. Influenced by William Robinson, the delightful garden was laid out in the late 19th century and contains many exotic and rare trees and shrubs from across the world. Explore the rose and rock gardens, take in the spectacular views and enjoy glorious shows of spring flowers and shrubs, followed by vibrant autumn colours.
Chiddingstone Castle, a unique and unspoilt castle in Kent set in 35 acres of grounds including a lake open to fishermen, a rose garden, and magnificent woodland. Stunning Egyptian and Buddhist artefacts, magnificent Japanese armour, and beautiful Jacobean paintings are held in trust for the nation by this independent charity and are on display as part of our outstanding collections.
Stoneacre - Maidstone, ME15 T: 01622 862 871
15th-century half-timbered yeoman's house, featuring a great hall and surrounded by harmonious garden, orchard and meadows.
Known as 'The key to England', the great fortress of Dover Castle has played a crucial role in the defence of the realm for over nine centuries. Commanding the shortest sea crossing between England and the continent, Dover Castle boasts a long and immensely eventful history. Its spectacular site above the famous 'White Cliffs' was originally an Iron Age hill fort, and still houses a Roman lighthouse, one of the best-preserved in Europe. The Anglo-Saxon church beside it was once part of a Saxon fortified settlement. Soon after his victory at Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror raised the first Dover Castle in earth and timber. From then on the castle was garrisoned uninterruptedly until 1958, a continuous nine-century span equalled only by the Tower of London and Windsor Castle
Historic Hever Castle and Gardens with its enchanting double-moated castle and 125 acres of spectacular gardens to explore, offers the visitor plenty to discover and enjoy. Hever Castle is an important historic castle on the English landscape, once the family home of one of England’s most famous Queens – Anne Boleyn, the intriguing second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I. The castle is a romantic double moated 13th century castle which houses historic 16th century portraits, paintings, furniture, tapestries and treasures. A new exhibition 'The Pampered Prince' will be on display in the Long Gallery to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the throne.
Set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, a visit to Leeds Castle is full of discovery. Open all year round, its special blend of heritage and history, glorious gardens, attractions, programme of events, and licensed restaurant make it the perfect choice for a day out. Visitors are transported through the castle’s history; an eclectic mix of period architecture, with sumptuous interiors and family treasures. The internationally renowned aviaries offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of modern conservation and captive breeding programmes. Swans glide on the moat and waterways, peacocks wander through the grounds and birds of prey soar on the wind during the falconry displays. The gardens offer continuous colour throughout the year. From a mass of spring bulbs and wild flowers in the Wood Garden, through fragrant herbs and roses in the quintessentially English Culpeper Garden, to late flowering borders in the drought-resistant Mediterranean Lady Baillie Garden.
Set in the rural Weald of Kent surrounded by picturesque countryside and ancient parkland, Penshurst Place and Gardens has changed little over the centuries. This mediaeval masterpiece has been the seat of the Sidney family since 1552 and retains the warmth and character of a much-loved family home. The splendid 11-acre formal walled garden, with records dating back to 1346 is one of the oldest gardens in private ownership. It remains much as it was when constructed by Sir Henry Sidney in the Elizabethan era. Central to his ambitious project was the creation of the acclaimed Italian Garden, which involved shifting thousands of tons of earth and building an ingenious system of walls and terraces.
Kent's premier heritage farm attraction with 28 acres of fun, including improved family amenities, exciting new indoor and outdoor play areas, pony rides, rare breeds, discovery trails and a brilliant new hands-on Pets Corner. Plus year-round events galore, from our school holiday fun to the Cobtree Country Fayre, Beer & Hop Festival, Apple & Cider Festival, Halloween experience, Bonfire & Fireworks spectacular and the Cobtree Christmas Fayre.
From the Spanish Armada to the Falklands Crisis ships built, repaired and manned from Chatham secured and maintained Britain’s command of the world ocean’s and the global position it has today. Discover over 400 years of maritime history as you explore the world's most complete dockyard of the Age of Sail and 'meet' characters form the past. 'Learn the ropes' on the Victorian Ropery Tour; be gripped by stories of life aboard the three Historic Warships, be absorbed by the sights, sounds and smells of the dockyard of 1758 recreated in the 'Wooden Walls' gallery and be inspired by the Museum of the Royal Dockyard and Lifeboat! Visit the beautiful Commissioner's garden for a little peace a quiet and let the children let off steam in the indoor and outdoor play areas.
The Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway runs for 13 miles across Romney Marsh from Hythe to Dungeness, with stations at Dymchurch, St Marys Bay, New Romney and Romney Sands. A joy for all ages, there is a full programme of events during the year.
A collection of well-preserved Victorian oast houses, home to the Hop Story Museum and the famous grey and black shire horses. 'Decades experience,' Indoor adventure playground and nature trail. Crazy golf, paddling pool, sand pits, bouncy castles. Over 30 special events throughout the year.
Originally a deer hunting forest in Norman times, Ashdown Forest is now the largest free public access space in the South East. It is a great place for walking and enjoying spectacular views over the Sussex countryside and is known the world over as the 'home' of Winnie-the-Pooh. The Forest is at the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has national and international protection because of its wildlife. Nearly two thirds of its 6500 acres (2500 hectares) are heathland, amounting to 2.5% of the UK's extent of this rare habitat. Deer, Sheep and a huge range of birds all roam free within the forest. Perhaps you might like a game of Pooh-Sticks on Pooh Bridge and visit the shp which specialises in Winnie-the-Pooh and is home to the world's largest selection of "Pooh-phernalia". See over 100 friendly llamas and alpacas and reindeer in 30 acres of beautiful countryside in the heart of Ashdown Forest. Llama walks are available for adults and children over 14 years old (booking is essential).
High Rocks- Tunbridge Wells T: 01892 515532 is a popular, world renowned location for Rock climbing. Daily entry to the Rocks for Climbers and Boulderers costs £10, or regular visitors may wish to take advantage of the annual membership fee of just £45. There are two very informative books available, both of which beautifully illustrate the climbs, and offer a comprehensive guide to sandstone climbing in the area.