Christmas activities at Kent’s National Trust properties, including Chartwell, Knole and Sissinghurst Castle Gardens
Experience magical Christmas decorations in some of Kent’s most historical homes.
The county’s National Trust properties are decking the halls and hanging up the mistletoe, and you can pay them a visit to join the festivities this winter.
Chartwell, Westerham
Experience how the Churchill family celebrated the festive season. Chartwell was the family home of Winston Churchill for more than 40 years and, this Christmas, visitors are being welcomed inside to see what the former Prime Minister loved so much about the property. The house and grounds will be beautifully decorated, with lanterns in the gardens and rows of illuminated trees. Each weekend, local carol singers will be performing outdoors, and you can enjoy a cup of luxury hot chocolate while you listen.
When: Thursday, November 17 to Monday, January 2 at Chartwell in Westerham, near Sevenoaks. Find out more here.
Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks
Step back in time and enjoy a Tudor Christmas at Ightham Mote. The medieval manor house will be filled with festive music, sparkling lights and seasonal scents, all inspired by its rich history. The tables in the Great Hall will be bursting with a feast fit for a king, and the Tudor Chapel will be fully decorated for the season. There will also be Tudor music, Christmas carols and choirs, and a roaring fire to keep you warm.
When: Saturday, November 26 to Sunday, January 8 at Ightham Mote in Sevenoaks. Find out more here.
Knole, Sevenoaks
Take a trip to the Orangery, adorned with twinkly lights, where you will find the BFG in Pictures exhibition, featuring illustrations by Quentin Blake. While parents soak up the nostalgia of the exhibition, children can get involved in dressing up and games. You can also explore the historic palace, where you can warm yourself by a cosy fire and visit showrooms that have been transformed with festive displays. There is also a family trail through the deer park, with a prize at the end.
When: Saturday, November 26 to Friday, December 23 at Knole in Sevenoaks. Find out more here.
Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst
Get ready for cocktails, feather boas and flapper dresses as you are transported to the glitz and glamour of a Roaring Twenties Christmas. In the gardens, there is a Putting on the Ritz trail for families with a festive prize at the end. As the sun goes down, you can also enjoy the illuminated mansion and decorations at the castle’s special seasonal twilight events in the week leading up to Christmas. The shops and tea rooms will also be open for any last-minute presents and festive goodies.
When: Saturday, November 26 to Monday, January 2 at Scotney Castle in Lamberhurst, near Tunbridge Wells. Find out more here.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Cranbrook
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Sissinghurst’s Festive Market and finish off your Christmas shopping surrounded by the stunning castle and garden. Over the weekend, there will be an array of stalls selling local gifts and crafts, while musicians will get you in the spirit with lots of festive entertainment. There will be plenty of seasonal food and drink to keep you refreshed and don’t forget to snap a selfie next to the Christmas lights. Before you leave, you can also visit the tranquil English garden and escape from the chaos of Christmas with a moment of peace and quiet.
When: Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27 at Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Cranbrook, in the Weald of Kent. Find out more here.
There are also a number of workshops taking place at National Trust properties throughout the festive season:
CHARTWELL
Christmas Wreath Making on Sunday, December 4
Childrens’ Storytelling on December 13, 15 19 and 21
IGHTHAM MOTE
Festive Book Art on November 27 and 30, and Wednesday, December 7
KNOLE
Christmas Tea Light Pottery with Emily Chilvers on Friday, November 30
Garland Making with Sian Johnson on Monday, December 5
Christmas Candle Making with the Aromatic Candle Company on Friday, December 9
Christmas Woven Willow Star with Emily Chilvers on Wednesday, December 14
Christmas Watercolour with Emmy Gabrielle on Thursday, December 15
Knole Fawns Parent and Toddlers Christmas Special on Friday, December 16
Children’s Woodcraft Decoration on Monday, December 19
