This festive season in Kent, explore the Christmas of yesteryear in decadently decorated stately homes and castles or enjoy a brisk winter walk while taking part in a Christmas themed adventure trail.
Scotney Castle
Be enchanted by the magical Scotney Castle this Christmas. The mansion's ground floor will be decorated as if you have stepped back in time to Christmas Eve in the Edwardian Era. The scene is set after an annual Christmas ball where the tree glistens, and unwrapped presents lay patiently waiting. These rooms will be open from 27th November to 3rd January with regular admissions applying.
Also, be sure to treat yourself to a 3-course festive lunch at the Coach House Tea Room on weekdays between 29th November and 22nd December for £25.95. Booking in advance is essential.
Where: Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JN
When: From Saturday 27th November 2021 to Monday 3rd January 2022
More information including pricing: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/christmas-at-scotney-castle
Dover Castle
Embark on a festive adventure trail with the family at Dover Castle this Christmas. You'll uncover clues hidden around the grounds that will help you uncover fun facts and Christmas folklore and traditions.
Where: Castle Hill Rd, Dover CT16 1HU
When: Wednesday 27th November 2021 to Sunday 2nd January 2022
More information including pricing: www.english-heritage.org.uk/whats-on/dover-christmas-adventure-quest
Emmetts Garden
Get the whole family to join Percy the Park Keeper and his cute and cuddly animal friends on the winter trail at Emmetts Garden. Throughout December, this fun-packed self-guided tour will get you playing games, looking out for nature and completing activities.
Where: Ide Hill, Sevenoaks TN14 6BA
When: From Saturday 4th December to Sunday 2nd January
More information including pricing: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/christmas-family-trail-at-emmetts-garden
Chartwell
The house at Chartwell closes over the winter, but on selected dates, you can step inside and discover rooms decorated how they would have been in 1946 when the Churchill's returned to their beloved estate for the first time since the end of WWII. The rooms will be open on weekends on the following dates: 4th and 5th, 11th and 12th, 18th and 19th of December.
Meanwhile, throughout the whole of December, you can gather the family for a winter trail inspired by Bottlescape, a famous painting by Sir Winston Churchill. The aim is to hunt down all the bottles holding special ingredients that will reveal a traditional Christmas recipe!
Where: Mapleton Rd, Westerham TN16 1PS
When: Trail runs between Saturday 27th November 2021 and Thursday 2nd January 2022, and the property will be open at weekends only between Saturday 4th December and Sunday 19th December 2021.
More information including pricing: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/christmas-in-the-house-at-chartwell-2021
Ightham Mote
Stock up on artisanal goods from local craftspeople at the mini-market taking place over the weekend of 4th and 5th December. Take the opportunity to step inside the medieval era property to discover a Victorian Christmas in the Great Hall and the library decorated to reflect a New England style Christmas.
There will also be a Percy the Park Keeper trail at Ightham Mote like many other National Trust sites this winter.
Where: Mote Rd, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT
When: Saturday 4th December 2021 to Monday 3rd January 2022
More information including pricing: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/christmas-at-ightham-mote-2021
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Step inside the cosy library and south cottage at Sissinghurst Castle Garden to experience how novelist and gardener Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold would have spent Christmas. You will also discover the couples festive gift-giving process and then have the chance to hang a note on the Sissinghurst Christmas giving tree saying what you're gifting this Christmas.
Don't miss the annual festive market taking place over the weekend of the 27th and 28th November, where you can sample delicious food and drink, browse crafts and produce and enjoy live performances.
Where: Biddenden Rd, Cranbrook TN17 2AB
When: Various dates From 1st November
More information including pricing: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden
Knole
This Christmas, nature-inspired decorations will adorn the property at Knole. Also, the Ballroom, Reynolds Room and Cartoon Gallery will be open and ready to explore during the festive period for the first time this year.
There will also be a Christmas deer trail in the historic parklands; explorers need to find clues, the Christmas Deer and then have the opportunity to claim a cuddly prize at the end! And if that isn't enough Deer fun for you, there is a winter Deer feeding session on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th December.
Where: Knole House, Sevenoaks TN15 0RP
When: Various dates from Saturday 27th November 2021
More information including pricing: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/christmas-at-knole
Leeds Castle
There is so much going on at Leeds Castle this Christmas, from festive murder mystery tours to the annual late-night Christmas shopping soiree and scrumptious Christmas dining experiences.
Where: Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL
When: Various dates from Friday 18th November to Saturday 18th December 2021
More information including pricing: www.leeds-castle.com/Christmas-at-the-Castle
Read more of the best Kent Christmas Content here:
Magical Christmas markets in Kent 2021
3 magical winter wonderland light trails to enjoy in Kent
