Historic and scenic county with rich heritage, dramatic coast, and vibrant culture.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Garden designer and presenter Adam Frost discusses the gardens that have shaped his life and work, sharing reflections on garden design and creating liveable spaces. The talk is followed by a Q&A.
Emmetts Garden is an Edwardian estate featuring six acres of arboretum and gardens on a high sandstone ridge near Ide Hill, Kent, offering expansive views and a rose garden next to a Victorian house, though the house is not open to the public.
9 Oct, 16 Oct…
Join a costumed medieval character for a guided tour around Bodiam Castle’s moat, hearing about the castle’s construction, landscape and past inhabitants.
Bodiam Castle is a 14th-century moated castle in East Sussex, England, known for its distinctive quadrangular design with towers and battlements. Set in a landscaped environment with an ornamental moat, it showcases medieval architecture and history. The castle is a ruin open to the public under the care of the National Trust and has been featured in films and television.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Garden designer and TV presenter Danny Clarke, known as The Black Gardener, gives a talk about creating outdoor spaces with confidence and creativity, followed by a Q&A.
Toys Hill is a large woodland area in Kent known for its scenic walking paths, diverse wildlife, and historical landmarks including a bat tower and old manor ruins. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, nature observation, and the natural beauty of the Greensand Ridge.
26 Sep 2026–6 Jun 2027 (another 240 days)
An exhibition exploring the influence of Italy on Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, featuring objects, love letters, photographs and multimedia experiences.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent is a renowned historic garden created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, featuring an influential series of garden rooms, including the iconic White Garden. Located on Tudor-era estate buildings, it showcases a vast collection of old garden roses and other plants, attracting large numbers of visitors and managed by the National Trust.
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Participants make a seasonal herbal spiced tincture and discuss simple kitchen remedies, then explore the herb beds to discover plants for a home garden pharmacy.
Belmont House is a beautifully preserved Georgian neo-classical country house in Kent featuring impressive collections of clocks and furniture. Visitors can explore both the historic interiors and the surrounding gardens, with guided tours available and facilities including a cafe, picnic area, and events for children.
17–18 Oct, 21–25 Oct…
Explore harvest-themed displays and seasonal crafts at Quebec House, with a look at how an 18th-century household prepared garden produce for winter. Younger visitors can use a dressing-up station and spot crocheted squirrels, and weekend visitors can sample autumn-inspired treats.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
An exhibition at Quebec House explores the story of children cared for by the Westerham branch of the Foundling Hospital and the tokens their mothers left with them. It also displays tokens made by local schoolchildren in response to the story.
Quebec House is a Grade I listed historic house museum in Westerham, Kent, featuring exhibitions and memorabilia related to General James Wolfe. Visitors can explore the historic interiors, 18th century styled gardens, and enjoy a tea room and bookshop on site.
Westerham is a historic market town in Kent known for its medieval church, connections to Winston Churchill, and featuring picturesque streets and cultural heritage sites.
9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…
An exhibition exploring the connection between Max Beerbohm and Henry James, featuring Beerbohm’s caricatures of James alongside sketches by William Rothenstein and John Singer Sargent.
9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…
Visitors can discover a featured novel inspired by or connected to Lamb House and the history of its notable residents. The featured book changes monthly.
Lamb House is an 18th-century writer's house museum in Rye, East Sussex, showcasing the home and garden of renowned authors like Henry James. Visitors can explore the historic interiors and the walled garden, enjoying both indoor and outdoor heritage experiences.
Rye is a picturesque historic town in East Sussex, known for its medieval streets, cobbled lanes, and rich maritime history as a former Cinque Port. It offers a vibrant arts scene, cultural festivals, and local seafood specialties, making it a popular tourist destination.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition of prints of Deborah Pritchard’s Music Maps, paintings that explore the character and structure of music by her and other contemporary composers. The works are displayed in the Old Chapel at Ightham Mote.
Ightham Mote is a medieval moated manor house in Kent, England, featuring over 70 rooms arranged around a central courtyard and surrounded by a moat. It is a Grade I listed building owned by the National Trust, offering visitors a unique glimpse into medieval architecture with notable features such as a Tudor barrel-roofed chapel and extensive gardens.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
Visitors can discover collection items linked to the history of Smallhythe Place and Ellen Terry, including theatre props and historic pub objects from the 1800s. The items are rotated monthly and displayed inside the house.
Smallhythe Place is a Tudor-era historic house and theatre museum in Kent, dedicated to Victorian actress Ellen Terry, featuring her theatrical collection, costume displays, beautiful gardens, and an active barn theatre hosting numerous productions annually.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A talk with medicinal mushroom practitioner Antonella Di Cillo exploring the history and science of medicinal mushrooms, their potential role in wellbeing, and how to choose and use them safely. The talk is followed by a Q&A.
7–8 Oct, 12–16 Oct…
An expert volunteer guide leads an intimate tour of selected rooms at Chartwell, exploring Winston Churchill’s leadership in peace and war and his legacy. The tour includes access to Churchill’s bedroom.
7 Oct–23 Dec, 26 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027
An exhibition in Churchill’s studio at Chartwell presents the winning paintings from the Inspired by Chartwell competition alongside works by Churchill.
Chartwell is a historic English country house near Westerham, Kent, best known as the home of Sir Winston Churchill for over forty years. Visitors can explore the restored interiors, including Churchill's study and memorabilia, as well as extensive gardens and lakes designed by Churchill himself. The site includes a restaurant, shop, and exhibitions reflecting the life and legacy of Churchill.
5 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A display in Scotney Castle’s Mansion House showcases early 20th-century dresses belonging to Betty Hussey and Maud Kerr-Smiley, including a Schiaparelli designer dress. It also presents research into the garments and their owners.
Scotney Castle in Kent is a National Trust property featuring a medieval moated manor ruins and an early Tudor Revival country house surrounded by picturesque gardens with seasonal floral displays. Visitors can explore both indoor historic house spaces and outdoor gardens with historical and natural highlights.
14 Oct, 27 Oct
A half-day photography workshop led by photographer Roger Bloxham, using the natural environment and autumn colours at Emmetts Garden as subjects. Participants learn about their camera and how to take photographs.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Kew Gardens scientist Dr Christopher Cockell gives a talk about how seeds travel, their role in plant conservation, and ways to support the plants that sustain the world. The talk is followed by a question-and-answer session.
Toys Hill is a hamlet in Kent known for its scenic viewpoint from a steep wooded escarpment, extensive National Trust woodland, and significant natural conservation value as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
Families can follow a magical, Halloween-themed trail around Bodiam Castle, making potions, discovering spells and taking part in activities. On weekends, visitors can also enter a spooky best-dressed costume competition in the castle courtyard.
5 Oct–31 Dec (another 83 days)
A portrait of Rudyard Kipling by Sir Philip Burne-Jones goes on display in Kipling’s Study at Bateman’s, alongside the portrait of his wife, Caroline. The display marks the start of a three-year loan from the National Portrait Gallery.
10–11 Oct, 17–18 Oct…
Visitors can dress up in Halloween costumes, take spooky photos and enter the best-dressed competition in Bodiam Castle’s courtyard.
Merriments Gardens is a creatively designed four-acre outdoor garden featuring sub-tropical and herbaceous borders, water features including ponds and a waterfall, and a wildlife area with bird-hide. It offers a vibrant seasonal display of plants and an organic vegetable garden providing produce for the on-site restaurant.
8–9 Oct, 15–16 Oct…
An exhibition at Red House presents personally significant domestic objects selected by architects, designers, local residents and young people from Bexley, exploring the memories and stories connected with everyday possessions. It can only be visited as part of a guided tour of the house.
Red House in Bexleyheath, London is a seminal Arts and Crafts building designed by William Morris and Philip Webb, featuring medieval-inspired architecture and original Pre-Raphaelite art. It serves as a historic house museum managed by the National Trust, showcasing Morris' pioneering design ethos and craftsmanship.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Join outdoor wellbeing expert Tansy Dowman for a gentle, sensory-led guided walk through Emmetts Garden and its surrounding woodland, exploring the autumn landscape and its connection to wellbeing.
The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio is a National Trust conservation workspace housed in a historic medieval barn in Sevenoaks, Kent. It offers visitors a unique indoor experience of seeing expert conservation work on decorative art and exhibits, supported by interactive displays and knowledgeable volunteers.
27 Sep, 8 Oct…
Bateman’s gardeners give a short talk about the Mulberry Garden Project, covering the planned changes, the historical research behind them and how the project reflects the garden during Rudyard Kipling’s lifetime. Attendees can ask questions about the project.
Bateman's is a 17th-century Jacobean house in Burwash, East Sussex, known as the home of Rudyard Kipling. Visitors can explore the house preserved as it was in Kipling's time, including his study and collections, as well as the garden and the historic water mill on the estate.
16 Oct (next Friday)
A talk with Zoë Howe and wildlife expert Ajay Tegala exploring how nature, folklore and seasonal traditions connect across the zodiac and turning year. The evening includes stories about plants and animals and takes place as part of the Emmetts Garden Autumn Festival.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can explore the restored Uniform Room at Chartwell and view Sir Winston Churchill’s recently conserved uniforms and other clothing, including his Siren Suit.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Families can follow an outdoor Halloween ghost-hunt trail through Chartwell’s parkland, completing games and activities at eight spooky stops before collecting a sticker reward. The trail is designed for children under 8.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Horticulturist and presenter Frances Tophill gives a talk about creating beautiful gardens that support biodiversity throughout the seasons. The talk is followed by a question-and-answer session.
Limpsfield Common is an expansive ancient common in Surrey offering woodland and heathland walks, beautiful spring bluebells, and historic interest with its restored Second World War air raid shelter tours. It's ideal for family outings and outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and horseriding.
5 Oct 2026–14 Feb 2027 (another 128 days)
An exhibition of Su Blackwell’s paper artwork, a house created from copies of Rudyard Kipling’s handwritten manuscript of The Jungle Book. The artwork is displayed in Elsie’s Room on the ground floor of Bateman’s.
Pashley Manor Gardens offers 11 acres of beautifully maintained English country gardens surrounding a historic Grade I listed manor house. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays of flowers including tulips, roses, and dahlias, art exhibitions, and a café with garden views. The site provides good wheelchair accessibility and facilities including accessible parking and toilets. Admission is free for Historic Houses members, with fees for others, especially during the annual Tulip Festival.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Mark Hiller of Edenbridge and District Astronomers leads a talk about meteorites, their origins and what they reveal about Earth and the wider universe. Attendees can handle real meteorites, followed by a Q&A.
Chevening offers visitors access to historic gardens set around a Palladian country house, featuring lawns, a lake, maze, parterre and woodland walks. The gardens are open seasonally with limited visitor numbers and are mostly accessible to wheelchair users. The house itself is not open to the public as it serves as a country retreat for Foreign Secretaries.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can explore Walmer Castle’s gardens on a scarecrow trail themed around myths and legends, featuring creations by local groups. Attendees can vote for their favourite scarecrow before leaving.
Walmer Castle in Kent is a historic 16th-century artillery fort built by Henry VIII, now managed by English Heritage. Visitors can explore its well-preserved interiors with exhibitions on military and political history, enjoy extensive formal gardens including the Queen Mother's Garden, and dine at tea rooms within the castle grounds.
Deal is a historic coastal town in Kent, England, known for its maritime heritage, Tudor castles, and vibrant arts and cultural scene. It offers a walkable town centre, museums, a pier, and a seaside resort atmosphere attracting tourists.
7–16 Oct (another 7 days)
An outdoor display marking 60 years since Chartwell opened to the public, featuring memories and stories shared by its visitors. Visitors can wander through the display and explore personal connections to the house and grounds.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Explore 30 illustrated Pikachu trading cards around Ightham Mote, learn facts about the character and design your own Pikachu card as part of an indoor and outdoor art trail.
9–10 Oct, 14 Oct…
A behind-the-scenes tour of Knole’s attics, exploring decorated ceilings, graffiti, ritual protection marks and historic artefacts, with visible conservation work revealing the house’s structure.
Knole is a large English country house of Jacobean architecture set in a 1000-acre deer park near Sevenoaks, Kent. It features extensive historic gardens, rich collections of 17th-century Stuart furniture, and a medieval chapel with one of the oldest playable organs in England. The house is a National Trust property with public tours and occasional cultural events. It has been used as a filming location for famous films and music videos.
Sevenoaks is a historic market town in Kent, England, featuring medieval landmarks like Knole House and Knole Park, with commuter rail links to London and a vibrant town centre offering shopping, cultural venues and local food experiences.
23 May–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A display of four prints by Axel Scheffler from Julia Donaldson’s book *Monkey Puzzle*, showing the illustrations and their detail in the kitchen at Bateman’s.
7 Oct, 14 Oct…
Visitors can meet the millers at Bateman’s Park Mill, watch them demonstrate traditional grain grinding, and ask questions about the flour-milling process.
8 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Celebrate Diwali at Bateman’s with displays of Indian objects, artworks and decorations, family crafts, and opportunities to browse Indian gifts and books. The event also highlights Rudyard Kipling’s connections with India.
9 Oct, 16 Oct…
Knole Fawns is a baby and toddler group with time for play, games, books, music and a small craft activity. Sessions also include songs and a story, with children accompanied by an adult.
9 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Families can follow an outdoor activity trail around Emmetts Garden, completing nature-based challenges to help characters Fun-Gus and Myrra protect the forest’s underground network and discover a secret code.
9 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A family digital folklore adventure at Emmetts Garden, designed for children aged 7–12 and imaginative adults to play together. Using the Stranger Folk app, participants follow a character through magical tasks to find the Stranger Folk and heal a rift between the human and spirit worlds.
15 Oct (next Thursday)
Join an expert-guided walk through Knole’s parkland to learn what archaeology reveals about its history and how people have used the landscape. The walk includes viewing the historic icehouse from a newly installed platform.
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens is a historic garden in Kent featuring seasonal floral displays, themed garden areas, panoramic views, and family-friendly outdoor attractions including a playground and hedge maze.
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Visitors can see conservation work on Bateman’s collection, including ships, and talk with the collections and house team. The session focuses on the ships in the Study.
6–7 Oct, 12–14 Oct…
A volunteer-led tour in Bodiam Castle’s courtyard introduces the castle’s history and the people who built, lived and worked there.
16–17 Oct
Join Knole Estate’s Park and Deer Keeper for a walk to observe and learn about the fallow deer herd during its autumn mating season. The walk lasts around an hour and ends with hot chocolate and marshmallows.
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
A guided tour of Ightham Mote’s walled garden, led by garden volunteers. Hear about its history, seasonal planting, sustainable growing and plans for its future.
One Tree Hill is an outdoor natural site located in Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering woodland walks, wildlife habitats with rare species, and scenic views. It features uneven terrain not suitable for wheelchairs and has a car park for visitors. Dogs are allowed on site.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
A display at Smallhythe Place traces changes in women’s fashion from the late 1800s into the 1900s, using clothing, photographs and paintings to explore changing attitudes and the lives of some of the house’s residents.
16 Oct (next Friday)
Visitors can explore Lord Sackville’s 26-acre private garden at Knole, including its walled garden, wilderness area and medieval orchard, during a special open day.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A full-day pass provides access to four talks at Emmetts Garden, covering seasonal nature, science, wellbeing and the natural world, including an opportunity to explore meteorites. Each talk is followed by a Q&A session.
6–30 Oct (another 21 days)
A short outdoor introductory talk gives an overview of Rudyard Kipling’s life, family and writing, and explains his connection to Bateman’s before visitors go inside the house.
17 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term trail around Scotney Castle’s moat, where families can search for hidden monsters, complete challenges and solve clues to find the monsters’ party location. Younger children can follow a spotter trail, while older children can try riddles and collect clues.
25 Jun–31 Oct (another 22 days)
A display in the ground-floor rooms of Scotney Castle’s Mansion House presents previously unseen photographs of the Old Castle and the Hussey family, drawn from the estate’s photography collection.
23 May–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A family trail at Bateman’s inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Monkey Puzzle. Visitors explore the house and garden, helping Little Monkey find his mum through interactive games and challenges.
29 Aug–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can follow a family-friendly trail around Knole’s parkland and into the Orangery to find 12 giant, hand-painted sculptures inspired by The Gruffalo.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Dr David Luke gives a talk on the chemistry, neuroscience and psychology of magic mushrooms, considering their effects on the brain, wellbeing and human experience. The talk is followed by a Q&A.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A Saturday day pass provides access to four talks at Emmetts Garden, covering gardening, design, creativity, the natural world and the science of magic mushrooms. Each talk is followed by a question-and-answer session.
7 Oct, 14 Oct…
Visitors can view a display of medieval armour at Bodiam Castle and learn from volunteer experts about how armour evolved during the Middle Ages.
Great Dixter House & Gardens is a renowned historic house and garden in East Sussex featuring Christopher Lloyd's renowned horticultural design, accessible grounds, a café, a shop, and educational tours, suitable for visitors interested in gardening and heritage.