National Trust membership in Kent

Chartwell

We had to start here, didn’t we? It’s right up there as one of Kent’s most iconic attractions, so we couldn’t be happier to see that Winston Churchill’s home is one of the spots your National Trust membership opens the doors to. While little ones will love the play areas, such as the treehouse and Canadian camp, and all that open space and gardens, you’ll have the chance to see the former Prime Minister’s beautiful home, walk in his footsteps back through World War Two history, and see glimpses of his life behind the leadership. The studio, the pet cemetery and Jock the cat are some of our favourite things to look out for, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore.

Scotney Castle

A folly, a manor and a mote, it’s no wonder Scotney Castle appears on our Instagram grid so much. Whatever the season, this country mansion and 14^th century castle shines, so you’ll need that membership to see it in all its glory. Our favourite time to visit has to be autumn, when the 780 acre estate dazzles and the woodland is the perfect spot to spy that vibrant autumn colour. When you’re ready to venture inside, the Victorian manor house boasts a fascinating collection of art, costumes and books, secret doors and ornate furniture, all housed in a home that reflects its 1950s residents, Betty and Christopher Hussey.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Kent’s famed for its gardens, and one of our favourites is Sissinghurst Castle Garden, a reflection of the creativity of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, which has led to it becoming a world-renowned garden. Climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views across the 450 acre estate, peruse the Long Library with its 4000 books and see the cottage where the family spent much of their time. The estate itself still holds a working farm, miles of walks and wanders, and of course the Gazebo, which rests on the corner of the moat (and can be found in many an IG post around here).

Emmetts Garden

Come bluebell season, this is the place to be! With its woodlands and views across the High Weald, it’s spectacular any time of the year, but those bright blue blooms are prolific come spring, and for that, it’s one of our top bluebell spotting hotspots. Aside from that, the events calendar is packed with things to keep little ones busy come the school holidays, while the Wild Play Area is a wonderful way to get them back into nature. Aside from the expansive pinetum, the formal Rose Garden provides some of the best views of the Kent countryside around, making it one of our favourite spots to soak up those wide views.

Knole

This one is pretty special…medieval deer park, royal residence, family home, Archbishop’s palace, the sheer size of Knole means you could visit weekend after weekend and never hope to see it all. The paintings and world class collection of Royal Stuart furniture make it worth a visit, while the Gatehouse Tower, with its panoramic views from the rooftop, make it worth bringing along your camera. Be sure to visit the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio which houses more astonishing collections within the medieval agricultural building. We mentioned the deer, right? Believe it or not deer have been roaming this 1000 acre estate for over 500 years, so a sighting of them on a walk through the countryside is a must.

Please note, while the parkland is open, the house, car park, cafe and toilets are closed between 23^rd January – 10^th February.

Ightham Mote

This romantic moated manor house is a picture-perfect spot to while away a Saturday. We’ll start with the medieval manor, which over its 700 years has even welcomed knights of old across the threshold. The Jacobean staircase will astound, the Gothic windows will amaze, and you’ll even get to learn of an owner who had links to King Henry VIII – so keep an eye out for those royal symbols throughout the house. Outside, the gardens are as impressive as the manor, all 14 acres of them! Come summer the woodland, water features and lakes are some of our favourite spots to visit, while little monkeys can splash in the natural stream and hop across the stepping stones of the natural play area.

The White Cliffs of Dover

Ah, we saved our most famous spot til last, of course. Yes, the White Cliffs of Dover are looked after by the National Trust, and we love to think that our membership is all part of what goes into maintaining this national icon. Aside from hiking along the chalk to maybe belt out that Vera Lynn line and take in those views to France on a clear day, we also recommend visiting the Fan Bay Deep Shelter, a network of tunnels that provided accommodation for soldiers in 1940-41. Once it reopens in spring, South Foreland Lighthouse is another must up here, a Victorian lighthouse which was built to warn mariners of the shifting Goodwin Sands. The rolling countryside up on the cliffs is home to Sites of Special Scientific Interest, glorious views and miles of paths to explore – perfect.

Nearby

While not strictly in Kent, our last two spots are certainly worth paying a visit while you're here with your brand new membership! The 14th century moated Bodiam Castle offers a glimpse of Medieval splendour with its towers, portcullis and even a nationally significant bat maternity roost set within the glorious parkland. Our top tip to travel here is to hop on the Kent and East Sussex Railway in nearby Tenterden and hop off at the station just a few minutes' walk from the castle gates. 

As the former home of Rudyard Kipling, Bateman's is another must visit. The Jacobean House is set within 300 acres of High Weald countryside, with an 18th-century working water mill that featured in Kipling's stories. Enjoy magnificent views within gardens that shine whatever the season, and were said to have made Kipling feel like an English country gentleman.