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10 Best National Trust Places to visit in Kent

10 Best National Trust Places to visit in Kent. We have long been National Trust members and we use it so much that I am even considering lifetime membership. Year after year we get to visit many local National Trust properties and we have been lucky to find some real gems across the whole of the UK. Living close to Kent we have visited almost all the properties in the local area. And these are our favourites and in our opinion the best National Trust properties in Kent.

Table of Contents

Chartwell

Chartwell is a relatively new discovery for us and yet it is probably my favourite of all the National Trust places to visit in Kent. The house itself is a like living museum dedicated to its very famous owner. Sir Winston Churchill. Which means it has a very wide appeal. There are lots of guides to show you around and tell you all about some of the stories of the family living in the house.

Outside there is also a painter’s studio which displays many of his works. A beautiful rose garden that was built for their 50th wedding anniversary leads into a vegetable garden. Full of brightly coloured dahlias and chickens. Plus a small play house is intended for little ones to role-play. At the bottom of the grounds, there is a large lake and on the other side of this a natural play area. Which has the most amazing treehouse and plenty of other things to climb and swing on in the Canadian Camp.

You can easily send a full day at this National Trust property. Arrive early to ensure you get a ticket to go around the house. These can not be booked in advance. Ample parking is an extremely popular location.

Chartwell address – Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS

Scotney Castle

We tend to visit in the Autumn months as it is really good for conkers. Something both boys are still obsessed with. To one side there is a beautiful walled garden with Victorian greenhouses. It is a riot of colour with brightly coloured blooms all season round. Although again the Dahlias are particularly special. There are also large wide vegetable beds in the kitchen garden that are worth exploring.

On the other side, there is a ruined medieval castle which sits on a lake. Giving beautiful reflections of the turret. There is a thatched ice house to explore and a dinosaur print to hunt in the Quarry garden. There is a natural play area and also plenty of walking trails across the estate. In the holidays there is often a kids’ play trail to follow. And keep an eye out for the Easter egg extravaganza.

Scotney Castle address – Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 8JN

Ightham Mote

This is one to visit in the warmer weather with the children as they will not be able to resist the water play area. With its natural stream and stepping stones, balance bars and chimes. This is one of the best National Trust places in Kent to visit with your four-legged friend. Like many National Trust places there is a cafe onsite, Mote Cafe is one of the better ones we have come across. Selling a wide selection of hot and cold food and you can sit out on the veranda.

The main attraction is the 14th-century Manor House which often holds exhibitions. As for gardens, there are 14 acres to explore including pleasure gardens, water features and an orchard. There is an expanse of woodland. Does operate as part of the Gardeners World 2 for 1 scheme. If you are feeling particularly fit then there is a circular walk that runs from Ightham Mote to Knole (below. The route is 8.5 miles in total.

Ightham Mote address – Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0NT

Knole

If you are planning on visiting then it is worth checking ahead to make sure the house is open as it is quite often used for period filming. Within the house, there are a number of showrooms. Which display textiles, paintings and furniture of the stately homes of previous inhabitants. It was once a royal residence, the Archbishop’s palace and the Sackville family home. You can also climb the gatehouse tower, which gives you panoramic views across Kent’s last medieval deer park from the rooftop.

There are also grand courtyards to look around where you can see sculptures and a beautiful orangey. Unlike many other National Trust properties you do need to book in advance. This includes the car park. Knole is also located close to Chartwell and Emmetts Garden if you would like to combine more than one National Trust in Kent.

Knole address – Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0RP if travelling by car us Sat Nav postcode TN13 1HX

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Another one of my favourites. Sissinghurst Castle Gardens were initially planted by Sarah Raven and are consequently it is an absolutely beautiful garden. The peaceful gardens are divided into different rooms with different themes and there are normally little vases showing what is blooming in the garden as you enter. On certain days you can climb the old castle itself. The tall castle towers give you views over the garden of England and the pretty oast houses.

Don’t miss the beautiful library and writing room that originally belonged to Vita Sackville West. There is something very magical about the space with old books lining the walls. There is a plant shop on site where you can buy plants from the gardens and also fresh vegetables. Please note that pushchairs are not allowed in the formal gardens. There is also a small orchard and a moat. It makes a very pleasant day out.

Sissinghurst address – Biddenden Road, near Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2AB

White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs of Dover may well be the most famous National Trust place in Kent. Especially with international visitors. We attempted a visit in the October half term and the weather was awful. So all we saw was the inside of the lovely large warm cafe and visitors centre. This is most definitely one for fair weather. Since it is a 2-mile walk to the South Foreland Lighthouse from the car park.

Along a cliff path which takes you across the top of the cliffs and gives you views out across the English Channel. And the areas of outstanding natural beauty. Although we did not make it on that day, we have even intention to return. There is also a natural play area next to the visitor’s centre. You can download a map from the National Trust

White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre address – Langdon Cliffs, Upper Road, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HJ

Smallhythe Place

Now for something completely different. Unlike many other National Trust properties in Kent Smallhythe Place is a museum displaying a collection of belonging and memorabilia of the Victorian actress Ellen Terry. Not only that but the thatched Barn Theatre which is also nearby shows a diverse programme of productions in the theatre and gardens throughout the year. With the aim of keeping her legacy alive.

As such the property is normally closed until Springtime. It is not opening until March 6th this year. There is also beautiful cottage gardens, with wonderful roses and a wildflower bed. They also have an Easter egg hunt running this year which will make a lovely family day out.

Smallhythe Place address – Smallhythe, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 7NG

Emmetts Garden

Is located on an Edwardian estate and contains many exotic and rare shrubs and trees from across the world. It is also one of Kent’s highest points which means that it is a great place to see panoramic views across the Weald. And offers some great walking trails including a walk to Toys Hill in extensive woodland.

There is a wild play area for kids to enjoy with balance beams, den building, swings and stepping on logs. There are different areas of the garden to explore. Including a rose garden and rock garden. There are plenty of places to sit and take in your surroundings. As well as the usual National Trust cafe to warm up on colder days.

Emmetts Garden address – Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6BA

Quebec House

If you are a history buff and a love a re-enactment then this is the National Trust property is for you. As well as running regular events throughout the year there is a permanent exhibition in the coach house which details the battle of Quebec. Along with the tragic death of once resident General James Wolfe. Preserved as the family left it the garden has been replanted to resemble what it would have been like in the eighteenth century. Perhaps out of all the wonderful National Trust properties in Kent this is probably the least suitable for children. But deserves a mention none the less.

Quebec House address – Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1TD

Oldbury Hill

Sometimes the boys just need to run wild and green spaces and the countryside is the best place to do it. Although there is no cafe or gift shop at this wonderful place there is an Iron Age Hill Fort. Making it a great location to explore if the kids happen to be learning about the Iron Age at school. And if they are not it will at least wear them out trying to get to the top. Where you can see amazing views across the county.