Kent

Near Dymchurch Martello Tower

Dymchurch Martello Tower is a historic coastal defence tower in Kent, England, now serving as a museum showcasing the history of Martello towers. Visitors can explore the restored tower and learn about its role in protecting the coastline during the early 19th century.

Near Stoneacre

Stoneacre is a 15th century timber-framed yeoman farmer's house near Maidstone, Kent, featuring historic architecture and interiors restored to Tudor style by the National Trust. Visitors can explore both the house and surrounding gardens, orchards, and meadows.

3 miles from Goodnestone Park Gardens

Goodnestone Park Gardens is a diverse garden surrounding an 18th-century manor house featuring formal lawns, woodland gardens, walled enclosures, arboretums, and a greenhouse, with a café onsite offering produce from their no-dig vegetable garden.

3 miles from Penshurst Place and Gardens

Penshurst Place features 11 acres of historic formal gardens divided into unique themed rooms including an Italian garden and rose gardens, with facilities such as a children's play area and refreshments, offering visitors a rich outdoor horticultural experience.

3 miles from Sissinghurst Castle Garden

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.

3 miles from New Ideas and Old Loves: Sissinghurst and Italy

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.

Near Camber Castle

Camber Castle is a 16th-century Device Fort built by Henry VIII near Rye, East Sussex, to protect the coast from invasion. It is a ruined concentric artillery fortress operated by English Heritage, open to visitors for guided tours. The castle is notable for its historic military architecture and coastal location.

2 miles from Captured by Caricature: Max Beerbohm and Henry James

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.

Near The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House, and Gardens

The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House, and Gardens in Kent offers visitors a chance to explore a historic house with guided tours, extensive gardens, and a unique museum featuring wildlife dioramas and cultural artifacts from around the world. The venue is mostly wheelchair accessible and family friendly, with free parking and facilities for children.

Located in Margate

Margate is a historic seaside town in Kent, England, known for its sandy beaches, maritime heritage, cultural sites like Turner Contemporary art gallery, historic theatres, and attractions such as Dreamland amusement park. It offers a vibrant cultural and tourism experience with a walkable town centre accessible by rail and local public transport.

Near Sutton Valence Castle

Sutton Valence Castle is the ruins of a small 12th-century Norman keep offering dramatic panoramic views over East Sussex and Kent. Visitors can explore outdoor historic remains with free entry during daylight hours, though access involves a steep path with steps. Dogs on leads are welcome and parking is available nearby on Broad Street.

2 miles from Horne's Place Chapel

Horne's Place Chapel is a late medieval timber-framed private chapel dating from 1276 near Appledore, Kent, noted for its exquisite architecture and historic significance as a Grade II* listed building. The chapel is open to visitors to view its interior, but the attached manor house remains private.

3 miles from Styling Smallhythe: From the functional to the unconventional

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.

3 miles from Chevening

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.

3 miles from The Big Cat Sanctuary

The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent is a specialised animal sanctuary focusing on big cats, offering limited public open days and experience packages like overnight stays and photography workshops, with enclosures designed to mimic wild habitats.

Located in Tenterden

Tenterden is a historic market town in Kent, England, known for its charming High Street, rich Anglo-Saxon and medieval heritage, and cultural festivals. It features notable churches, a railway museum, and hosts popular events including a Christmas market and folk festival.

2 miles from Royal Victoria Place

Royal Victoria Place is a partially covered shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with 99 retail units and a community centre, offering an indoor shopping experience.

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells

Royal Tunbridge Wells is a historic spa town in Kent, England, known for its picturesque Pantiles, cultural venues, green parks, and convenient transport links including rail services. It offers a blend of heritage, shopping, and outdoor leisure for tourists.

2 miles from Richborough Castle

Richborough Roman Fort in Kent is a significant archaeological site featuring massive walls of a Roman Saxon Shore fort, remains of a civilian town and military port from Roman Britain, and an amphitheatre with unique painted walls. Visitors can explore extensive outdoor ruins including ancient defensive structures and a replica wooden Roman gateway on the original invasion site.

3 miles from Bayham Old Abbey

Bayham Old Abbey is a historic 13th-century Premonstratensian abbey ruins located near Lamberhurst, Kent. Now maintained by English Heritage, visitors can explore scenic outdoor ruins featuring ornate stonework and a nearby gatehouse, set within landscaped grounds enhanced by famous landscape gardener Humphry Repton.

2 miles from Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden

The World Garden at Lullingstone Castle features a miniature world map made of diverse plant species arranged by geographic origin, set in an 18th-century walled garden with a public glasshouse and various horticultural displays.

2 miles from Battle of Hastings

The Battle of Hastings site near Battle, East Sussex, marks the location of the pivotal 1066 battle between the Normans and Anglo-Saxons that shaped English history. Visitors can explore the battlefield, Battle Abbey ruins, and learn about this decisive Norman victory and its aftermath.

2 miles from Battle of Hastings at Battle Abbey

10–11 Oct (this weekend)

A large-scale re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings, with Saxon and Norman soldiers, living history camps, falconry displays, traditional music and a performance telling the story of the Bayeux Tapestry. Children can take part in sword school and a re-creation of the battle.

Located in Crowborough

Crowborough is a historic market town in East Sussex, notable for its picturesque setting on the edge of Ashdown Forest, outdoor recreational opportunities, and cultural heritage including ties to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

2 miles from St Augustine's Cross

St Augustine's Cross is a historic stone memorial in Kent commemorating St Augustine's 597 AD mission to England. The cross features intricate Saxon and Celtic carvings and stands near Pegwell Bay and Pegwell Bay Country Park, marking a significant religious and cultural landmark.

3 miles from Sheffield Park and Garden

Sheffield Park and Garden is a large landscape and woodland garden in East Sussex, originally designed by Capability Brown. It features a significant collection of rare plants and trees, natural ponds, and extensive grounds for outdoor exploration. The garden remains a National Trust property and offers visitors a serene and historic natural environment.

3 miles from Stranger Folk Adventure at Sheffield Park

7 Oct–15 Nov (another 37 days)

Visitors use the Stranger Folk app to take part in an outdoor, games-based adventure inspired by British folklore. Guided by the Old Crone, teams complete magical tasks to find the Stranger Folk and decide their fate.

3 miles from Dungeness

RSPB Dungeness is a vast nature reserve featuring diverse habitats including shingle, grassland, and freshwater pits, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities and historic World War 2 sound mirrors. The reserve provides accessible trails, hides, and facilities making it suitable for a family day out in nature.

3 miles from Fremlin Walk

Fremlin Walk is an outdoor shopping centre in Maidstone, Kent, featuring over 50 shops including major high street brands, cafés, and a department store, set on the historic site of Fremlin's Brewery with preserved brewery features.

2 miles from The Mall Maidstone

The Mall Maidstone is a large covered shopping centre in Maidstone, Kent, featuring over 100 shops and an integrated main bus station, making it a key town centre shopping and transport hub.

Located in Maidstone

Maidstone is the historic county town of Kent, with a rich history from Neolithic to modern times, situated on the River Medway, offering diverse cultural attractions, shopping centers, parks, and accessible public transport, making it a vibrant tourist destination.

2 miles from Smallhythe Place

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.

2 miles from Object of the month

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.

3 miles from Wildwood Discovery Park

Wildwood Trust is a woodland discovery park in Kent featuring over fifty species of native British animals, ancient woodland trails, and conservation projects aimed at protecting and reintroducing native wildlife species.

2 miles from Dreamland Margate

Dreamland Margate is a historic seaside amusement park in Kent featuring vintage rides including the Grade II* listed Scenic Railway wooden roller coaster, alongside modern attractions like a roller disco, live music venue, and children’s play areas. It offers both indoor and outdoor experiences, with food available on site, making it a family-friendly destination with a rich heritage and entertainment events.

2 miles from Wingham Wildlife Park

Wingham Wildlife Park in Kent features a diverse collection of over 200 animal species including birds, mammals, reptiles, and primates. Visitors can explore tropical houses, reptile exhibits, big cat enclosures, and a unique penguin pool. The park also offers indoor educational facilities, a café, and outdoor play areas designed for families and children.

Near Chiddingstone Castle

Chiddingstone Castle is a historic Tudor and Victorian house displaying the diverse collections of Denys Eyre Bower. Visitors can tour the castle, explore 25 acres of grounds with woodlands and gardens, enjoy a traditional tearoom, and participate in child-friendly activities. The castle is mostly wheelchair accessible and dog friendly, with free entry for Historic Houses members.

2 miles from Godinton House & Gardens

Godinton House & Gardens is a historic country house in Kent featuring guided tours, extensive gardens, and seasonal events. Visitors can explore formal and walled gardens, enjoy homemade refreshments, and discover centuries of history through a rich collection of furniture and art.

Located in New Romney

New Romney is a historic market town in Kent with medieval origins, notable Norman architecture, and ties to the original Cinque Ports. Once a harbour town, it is now inland and serves as a cultural and tourist centre on Romney Marsh.

3 miles from Penns in the Rocks

Penns in the Rocks is an early 18th-century historic house with artistic and literary heritage, featuring a garden with a dedicated temple and situated near natural sandstone rocks, offering visitors a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences.

2 miles from South Foreland Lighthouses

South Foreland Lighthouses are a pair of historic Victorian lighthouses in Kent, England, known for pioneering electric light and Marconi's radio experiments. The Upper Lighthouse is owned by the National Trust and open for public visits including museum exhibits, while the Lower Lighthouse is privately owned and not accessible.

2 miles from Guided walks to South Foreland Lighthouse 2026

10 Oct (this Saturday)

Join a volunteer-led walk along the White Cliffs of Dover to South Foreland Lighthouse, hearing about the cliffs’ natural and human history and seeing wartime remains and coastal views. At the lighthouse, the guide gives a brief introduction before visitors can explore the grounds and make their own way back.

Near Ashford Designer Outlet

Ashford Designer Outlet is a large indoor shopping centre in Ashford, Kent featuring over 120 designer brands, a notable green wall, and a dedicated children's playground. It provides a modern shopping experience with extensive retail and dining options.

Located in Ashford

Ashford is a historic market town in Kent with a well-preserved town centre, strong railway connections including an international station, diverse shopping and dining options, and cultural venues including a medieval parish church repurposed for arts and entertainment.

3 miles from Bateman's

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.

3 miles from Rudyard Kipling introductory talks

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.

Near St John's Jerusalem

St John's Jerusalem is a National Trust property in Kent featuring a 13th century Knights Hospitaller chapel and a garden moated by the River Darent, with historical medieval buildings and landscaped grounds accessible to the public.

Located in Dartford

Dartford is a historic market town in Kent, England, with a rich industrial and religious heritage, accessible by rail and serving as a cultural and shopping hub for visitors.

2 miles from Westwood Cross

Westwood Cross is a pedestrianised shopping centre in Westwood, Kent, featuring over 40 stores, leisure facilities like a casino and cinema, and ample parking. It is housed indoors across three floors and offers a modern retail and leisure experience.

Located in Ramsgate

Ramsgate is a historic seaside town in Kent, England, known for its coastline, marina, historic architecture and cultural events. It offers sandy beaches, maritime heritage, and a range of tourist attractions including deep shelter tunnels and annual regattas.

3 miles from Lamb House

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.

3 miles from Book of the Month

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.

2 miles from Autumnal Foraging Workshop with Megan Howlett

15 Oct, 3 Nov

Join professional forager Megan Howlett for a walk and talk through Sheffield Park’s gardens, exploring seasonal wild foods and learning about their folklore, history, uses and edibility.

3 miles from Autumn Colour Early Morning Self-Led Photography

14 Oct, 21 Oct

Visitors can enter Sheffield Park and Garden before its normal opening hours to enjoy the autumn colours, walk around the lakes and take photographs.

3 miles from County Square

Ashford is a historic market town and transport hub in Kent, England. It features landmarks such as the 13th century St Mary's Parish Church, the Ashford Designer Outlet shopping centre, and the Green Corridor nature reserve. The town is served by Ashford International station with rail links to London and Europe. It offers cultural, sporting, and shopping experiences with leisure facilities like the Julie Rose Stadium and a range of amenities.

3 miles from Blean Woods

Blean Woods is a natural woodland reserve featuring traditional coppice, high forest, heathland, and glades which support diverse wildlife including woodpeckers, nightingales, and rare butterflies. Visitors can explore multiple waymarked trails and enjoy peaceful outdoor walks, with facilities including a car park and picnic area. Dogs are allowed on a specific trail, but there are no indoor facilities such as cafes or toilets on site.

Near Kit's Coty House

Kit's Coty House is a Neolithic chambered long barrow near Aylesford, Kent, part of a unique regional group of prehistoric megalithic monuments known as the Medway Megaliths. The site, managed by English Heritage, is open year-round and offers visitors a view of ancient stone structures set in a rural landscape.

3 miles from Doddington Place Gardens

Doddington Place Gardens is a 10-acre outdoor garden located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty featuring diverse planting styles, rock and sunken gardens, champion trees, and panoramic countryside views, welcoming visitors with refreshments and accessible facilities.

3 miles from Autumn Spice Workshop

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.

Located in Tonbridge

Tonbridge is a historic market town in Kent, England, notable for Tonbridge Castle, its riverside location on the River Medway, and a vibrant town centre with historic buildings, shopping, and cultural amenities.

3 miles from Swingfield Preceptory

Swingfield Preceptory, also known as St John's Commandery, is a historic 13th-century Knights Hospitaller priory near Folkestone, Kent, featuring a surviving chapel and historic farmhouse architecture under English Heritage care.

3 miles from Belmont House

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.

2 miles from Maison Dieu

Maison Dieu is a historic timber framed building in Kent, England, commissioned in 1234 by King Henry III. It served as a hospital, monastery, hostel, and royal lodge and now functions as a museum displaying Roman artefacts. The venue is managed by English Heritage and open to visitors primarily on weekends and Bank Holidays from Good Friday to October.

Located in Faversham

Faversham is a historic market town in Kent with rich Roman heritage, medieval landmarks, a vibrant market, notable brewing history, and scenic riverside setting.