A family on a winter walk along a path with lights at Chartwell, Kent — A family on a winter walk at Chartwell, Kent | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

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 for most of our places, and with wide parking spaces, baby changing facilities, picnic benches and buggy-friendly paths they are ready to welcome you.

Family by the Christmas tree at Scotney Castle, Kent

Christmas in Kent

Kent's famous houses will be decorated for Christmases gone by, from a sparkling 1930s Champagne Christmas at Chartwell to a sumptuous Tudor Christmas at Ightham Mote. Have fun on new family trails with games, activities and festive characters. Keep an eye out for visits from Father Christmas himself on select dates and locations too. There are magical late-night openings, lights events and festive fairs. And it goes without saying that our cafés and tea-rooms will be filled with warming treats and Christmas lunches. Discover what's instore at National Trust places this Christmas in Kent.

Family sitting in the garden at Chartwell in Winter

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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.

A family walks along a path covered in fallen leaves, with the house in the background at Knole, Kent

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Family-friendly visits to Knole

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?

Adult and child playing in the autumn leaves while on a walk in a park

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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!

Family playing on thrones in the courtyard at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

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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.

Visitors on the bridge, looking over the River Dudwell in the garden at Bateman's, East Sussex

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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.