National Trust’s Halloween half-term activities in Kent

by Sam Lawrie

slawrie@thekmgroup.co.uk

As temperatures drop and autumn colours spread across the county, this is the perfect time of year to visit one of Kent’s National Trust properties.

The estates have wonderful woodlands, haunted histories and great Halloween activities for the family to enjoy. Here’s what’s going on at your nearest National Trust locations this October half-term…

Take the family to visit one of Kent’s National Trust properties this October half-term. Picture: ©National Trust

CHARTWELL: Join Jock, Chartwell’s resident cat, for a Halloween pumpkin party. Grab a trail map, help Jock find all of his missing pumpkins and receive a reward for all your hard work. And, of course, fancy dress is very much encouraged.

Details: Daily until Sunday, November 3 at Scotney Castle in Westerham, near Sevenoaks. Trail costs £3 and includes a prize.

EMMETTS GARDEN: Discover the magical world of mushrooms at this year’s Fungi Festival. Follow the trail to find out about all the different types of mushrooms, from the stinkhorn to a fairy’s bonnet, and, on certain days, there are also graffiti and craft workshops and family games in the meadow.

Details: Daily until Sunday, November 3 at Emmetts Garden in Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks. Trail costs £3 and includes a prize.

Many of the National Trust’s properties have stunning autumnal woodlands to explore. Picture: ©National Trust

IGHTHAM MOTE: Explore the moated manor house and its 700-year-old history with a ghostly garden trail. There are lots of spooky souls dotted around the garden and grounds, so soak up the autumnal vibes in the meadows and woodlands as you try to find all of the ghosts.

Details: Daily until Sunday, November 3 at Ightham Mote in Sevenoaks. Trail is free.

KNOLE: Create beautiful autumn decorations for your home this half-term. The workshops include wreath-making, inspired by the colours of the season, and spooky paper pumpkins to hang in your window for the trick-or-treaters.

Details: Tuesday, October 26 at Knole in Sevenoaks. Workshops cost £5.

Soak up the spooky Halloween atmosphere. Picture: ©National Trust

SCOTNEY CASTLE: Can you break the curse of the clock tower? At Scotney Castle, the ancient clock has topped chiming and the creatures of the castle are becoming restless, so it’s up to you to figure out the clues and solve the riddles to help the clock start ticking again.

Details: Friday, October 26 to Sunday, November 3 at Scotney Castle in Tunbridge Wells. Trail costs £3 and includes a prize.