- Escape the sofa and join The Festival of Archaeology from 16 to 31 July, meet expert archaeologists, handle real finds and learn more about recent local digs.
- Offline games and activities for children of all ages from Summer of Play, Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties to Little People Big Dreams.
- No filter required as gardens are looking stunning and visitors can explore them at leisure taking their own insta-ready photographs along the way or book exclusive early morning or late evening entry.
- Swap screens for scenes and discover outdoor events including live theatre, music events and outdoor cinema.
- Ditch the drama binge-watch and learn about the drama on your doorstep with guided tours, walks and talks.
This summer, National Trust places in Kent invite families to swap virtual quests for real-world exploration and transform screen time into unforgettable outdoor adventures. Instead of gaming indoors, TV watching at home and endless social media scrolling discover immersive experiences, family-friendly challenges, and nature’s wonders that bring the thrill of discovery to life—no Wi-Fi required.
From conquering castle towers to uncovering forgotten historic tales, National Trust properties across Kent offer the perfect setting for action, imagination, and offline connection. These experiences promise excitement far beyond the digital world. Join us in making memories that last longer than a battery charge.
Number 1 – Trade Virtual Tombs for Real-Life Treasures
Come along to this year’s Festival of Archaeology with hands-on events that let visitors uncover the secrets of the past. Families and adults alike can explore historic artefacts, take part in discovery trails, and meet archaeologists who reveal fascinating insights into Kent’s rich heritage.
- Smallhythe Place – Meet the Archaeologists
Bring along your budding archaeologists to meet members of our archaeology team every other Sunday at Smallhythe Place. In these drop-in sessions, visitors can handle objects, take part in activities and ask any burning questions to our team.
22 June, 6 & 20 July, 11am – 5pm, Free with normal admission.
- Smallhythe Place – Festival of Archaeology: ‘Smallfest’
Join us for a celebration of archaeology at Smallhythe Place. Explore the garden for clues to the history of this place, get hands on with some drawing and games and see some of the archaeological artefacts from our collection.
20 July, 11am – 5pm, Free with normal admission.
- Smallhythe Place – Archaeology Along the River Rother
National Trust Archaeologist Nathalie Cohen uncovers the recent fascinating projects at Smallhythe Place. Discover 2000 years of history at Smallhythe Place, from the Romans to Medieval shipbuilding, and what was found during the three years dig here between 2021 – 2023.
20 July, 7:30-9pm, £7.50 per person.
- Knole – The changing faces of Knole: An archaeology walk
Join an expert guide on a walk in the parkland at Knole and discover how recent archaeological projects have shaped our understanding of Knole and what the landscape can tell us about how people have used and enjoyed the park for thousands of years. Look inside the historic icehouse from the newly installed viewing platform.
22-29 July and 7 October £7.50 per person plus normal admission which is free for members. Pre-booking the event and parking is essential.
- Knole – Festival of Archaeology: Family Explorer Day
Find out what an archaeologist does, have a go with some of the equipment and dig out some ‘artefacts’ yourself. Try being a ‘Heritage Explorer’ and see how much everyday archaeological evidence you can find around the courtyards and parkland at Knole. Discover a LEGO recreation of the icehouse and have a go at making your own mini version. Take the opportunity to view inside the newly restored icehouse, which will be open throughout the day.
28 July, Free with normal admission. Pre-booking parking is essential.
- Ightham Mote – Festival of Archaeology
The Archaeology Room at Ightham is full of treasures that speak to lives spent at this place – from hidden shoes to pottery fragments. As part of the Festival of Archaeology, for one week only, we’ll open this room housed in the Tower at Ightham Mote. And on Monday 21 July, there’s a rare opportunity to join our National Trust archaeologist Natalie Cohen to ask questions and find out more about Ightham Mote’s treasures. Families can pick up one of our Explorer Challenge archaeology spotter sheets.
21 to 25 July, Free with normal admission.
Number 2 – From Screens to Scenes
In a world where endless scrolling has become second nature, Kent’s National Trust gardens offer a refreshing alternative—real-life beauty, waiting to be captured. Instead of swiping through filtered images and non-stop Tik Tok videos, why not step outside and frame your own perfect shot? These spaces encourage mindful photography—a chance to engage with nature, rather than just consume it.
- Chartwell – Shaped by Sir Winston and Lady Churchill, summer highlights include Lady Churchill’s pastel-hued rose garden and a butterfly-friendly border filled with nectar-rich blooms. The Gavin Jones Cascade and surrounding garden was originally part of the 1948 Chelsea Flower Show where Clementine Churchill first saw it, she liked it so much that the designer Gavin Jones gave it to her as a gift.This summer get involved in the ‘Inspired by Chartwell’ painting competition to get the chance for your artwork to be displayed in Churchill’s studio.
- Sissinghurst – The garden at Sissinghurst Castle, created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, is a world-renowned example of English garden design, featuring a series of distinct garden rooms, including the famous White Garden and the Mediterranean-inspired Delos Garden. Combining formal structure with exuberant planting, Sissinghurst offers a seasonal spectacle of roses, alliums, and wildflowers, making it a must-visit for garden lovers. You can book onto a private morning or evening tour to see the garden before it’s open to the public. With just 30 tickets per session it’s an incredible opportunity to see the garden at it’s best in the early morning or late evening light.
- Emmetts Garden – is an Edwardian hillside retreat, offers a stunning mix of historic trees, vibrant flower displays, and far-reaching views over the Weald of Kent. Inspired by William Robinson’s naturalistic gardening style, it features a formal Italianate Rose Garden, wildflower meadows, and rare species like the Persian Silk Tree and Katsura Tree, making it a haven for nature lovers.
- Ightham Mote – The garden at Ightham Mote blends formal courtyard spaces with wild, natural landscapes, creating a tranquil retreat around its medieval moated manor house. Visitors can explore herbaceous borders, orchards, and pleasure grounds, where Rosa ‘Rambling Rosie’ arches, sweet peas, and lavender walks provide seasonal colour. The stumpery and fernery, inspired by Victorian garden design, add a touch of wilderness, while the historic lakes and streams reflect the estate’s centuries-old connection to nature.
- Scotney Castle – Scotney has one of the best examples of a Picturesque-designed Garden in the United Kingdom. With a moat, quarry garden, woodland glade, hidden walkways, heather-thatched icehouse, Victorian boathouse, and expansive views across the wider estate, the edges between tamed and wild nature are deliberately blurred. The separate one-acre octagonal walled kitchen garden is filled with wall-trained and standard fruit trees, vegetable beds and flowers for cutting. Visit the old castle ruins to see the nature and wildlife photography exhibition ‘Islandness’ running until 17 October.
- Smallhythe Place – The garden at Smallhythe Place is a tranquil retreat, blending a traditional rose garden, orchard, nuttery, and ponds with a rich history tied to Victorian actress Ellen Terry. In summer, the Ellen Terry Rose and climbing roses create a spectacular display, while the 55m-long pergola blooms with 52 varieties. The orchard, home to over 30 apple varieties, is managed traditionally, avoiding chemicals, and the herb garden, possibly planted by Terry’s daughter, adds a rustic charm. With its wildflower beds and historic character, Smallhythe’s garden offers a peaceful escape into nature.
- Quebec House – Quebec House has a small but charming Georgian-style space, reflecting the era when General James Wolfe lived there. Designed with pleached limes, herbaceous borders, and traditional roses, it offers a glimpse into 18th-century planting schemes. The herb garden, running alongside the Coach House, features lavender, lungwort, and other medicinal and culinary plants, while the bee boles built into the walls hint at historic honey production. Seasonal highlights include spring tulips, summer foxgloves, and autumn’s rich foliage, making it a picturesque retreat throughout the year.
Number 3 – Swap the Sofa for a Stroll
This summer escape the sofa and discover real-life storytelling with guided tours, walks, and talks that bring history to life. Instead of binge-watching period dramas, wildlife documentaries and crime-thrillers why not learn about the nature and historic characters on your doorstep and discover some dramatic tales whilst walking through the landscapes that inspired them? Extra costs may apply, check the website for details.
- White Cliffs – Moth Survey Nights – 25 July & 22 August
Join expert guides to see the beautiful multitude of moths that inhabit the chalk downland. Moth expert, Kevin Button will be co-leading the events with Mel Wrigley and will help you identify the moths and tell you about their habits.
- White Cliffs – Guided Walks to South Foreland Lighthouse – 19 July and 23 August
Take a leisurely walk along the iconic White Cliffs of Dover with one an experienced guide. During the walk, you’ll hear about the natural history of the cliffs, the geology and human history. When you arrive at South Foreland Lighthouse, you’ll receive a brief introduction to the lighthouse and your guide will then depart, leaving you to enjoy the stunning grounds and views, take a tour of the tower and have some refreshments in Mrs Knott’s tearoom.
- Knole – Attic Tours – Selected dates until 20 December
Hidden above the grandeur of the showrooms lie Knole’s attics. These behind-the-scenes tours will take in the decorated ceilings, graffiti, witchmarks – also known as ritual protection marks – and artefacts found in the Retainer’s Gallery, South Barracks and Upper King’s Room. Conservation work has been left visible in places, laying open the bare bones of the house and exposing the craftsmanship underlying its structure.
- Sissinghurst – Private Morning and Evening Tours – Selected dates until 27 September
Experience a private tour of our historic garden before or after it opens to the public. Throughout the year, Sissinghurst offers ever-changing beauty: emerging greenery, flourishing summer roses, vibrant borders, and the rich hues of late summer and early autumn. Each visit promises unique sights as the garden evolves across the seasons. With only 30 tickets available per session, this is a special event for garden enthusiasts.
- Chartwell Highlights Tour: Life at Chartwell – Until 29 August
Join one of our expert volunteer guides on an intimate tour of select rooms in the house at Chartwell, focusing on Sir Winston Churchill, his family, and the friends and guests who shaped their lives here. our highlights tour takes you around Chartwell house with one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides, including exclusive entrance into Sir Winston Churchill’s bedroom.
- British sign language (BSL) interpreted tours – Selected dates until 6 December
Chartwell, Emmetts Garden, Quebec House and Bateman’s are offering British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted tours, making history and heritage more accessible to Deaf visitors and allowing more visitors to engage fully with the stories behind these iconic sites.
Number 4 – From viral videos to live performances
Step away from the screen and into the magic of outdoor theatre and performances at places in Kent this summer. Whether it’s Shakespeare under the stars, classic tales brought to life or dancing to your favourite tunes in stunning historic settings, these performances offer an unforgettable experience—no scrolling required. Extra costs apply, check the website for details.
- Emmetts Garden Outdoor Theatre – 27 July Pride & Prejudice, 30 July The Tempest, 8 August Twelfth Night, 21 August The Wind in the Willows.
- Scotney Castle Outdoor Theatre – 2 August Alice Through the Looking Glass, 8 August The Big Bad Wolf, 9 August Twelfth Night, 10 August The Secret Garden, 15 August An Evening with The Swinging Little Big Band, 16 August An Evening with Abba’s Angels, 17 August An Evening with ‘Our Own Way’ Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, 29 August A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
- Knole – 2 August The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck, 13 September Peter Rabbit Outdoor Cinema.
- Chartwell – 4 & 28 August Upstream, 5 September The Great Escaper Outdoor Cinema.
- Ightham Mote – 16 August Music at the Mote.
- Sissinghurst Castle Garden – 30 August A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Number 5 – Swap solo gaming for real-life family adventures
For families join us for Summer of Play, where a whole host of games, activities and challenges await children of all ages, as our places are packed with outdoor fun. Or simply pop in for some free play in our playgrounds, woodlands and open spaces complete with buggy-friendly paths. Whether it’s rolling down hills, building dens, racing hobby horses, or simply running free in the fresh air, these experiences promise a summer of offline movement, imagination, and discovery.
- Scotney Castle – Summer of Play – 19 July to 31 August
Scotney Castle’s Summer of Play will transform its festival meadow into a vibrant playground for families to explore, create, and connect with nature. Set against the backdrop of historic gardens and castle grounds, the event features five themed zones designed to spark imagination and movement. Children can take centre stage in the Performance Zone, run wild in the Sports Zone, get creative with messy play, engage with nature through sensory adventures, and test their skills with giant board games and circus challenges. With activities ranging from space hopper races to puppet shows, this summer promises endless outdoor fun in one of Kent’s most picturesque settings.
- Summer at Chartwell with Little People, BIG DREAMS® – 19 July to 7 September
Little People, BIG DREAMS® trail at Chartwell encourages kids to be bold, be brave and dream big this summer. Join us in celebrating some of the world’s most outstanding people, using artworks from the bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS® picture-book series. The fascinating trail invites you into the stories of little artists, activists, writers, and scientists from all over the world.
- Ightham Mote – The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – 20, 27 July and 3, 17 24 August
Join us every Sunday this summer for a weird and wonderful Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on the lawn. Step into the topsy-turvy world of Alice in Wonderland and meet some of your favourite characters, including Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts. Try your hand at flamingo croquet — just watch out for the Queen’s temper! There will be curious conversations, colourful costumes, and delightfully mad moments.
- Ightham Mote Alice in Wonderland: Summer Crafts 24 and 31 August and 7, 14, 21, 28 August.
Join us every Thursday this summer for drop-in craft session inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Imaginations can run wild creating Playing Card Soldiers, curious caterpillars and making masks of favourite characters including the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat. Perfect for little hands and creative minds, these sessions are a fun way for families to get crafty together. No need to book — just join the fun!
- South Foreland Lighthouse – Summer of Play – 19 July
This summer, join us at the Lighthouse for South Foreland’s Family Festival. We’ve sports day games, nature activities; you can ‘chill out’ with some mindful activities, or book a lighthouse tour and enjoy extra comfort in our ‘exclusive zone’.
- Quebec House – Summer of Play – 19 July to 7 September
Join us at Quebec House this summer for games and activities in our garden. Try your hand at some traditional games such as quoits, jenga and hobby horses as well as special archery sessions on Wednesdays in August.
- Smallhythe Place – Summer of Play – 19 July to 31 August
Grab your magnifying glasses and channel your inner archaeologist at Smallhythe Place this summer. Explore the garden and see what you can find hidden at different stations around the grounds. Become a ship builder of ye-olde Smallhythe and discover the battle ships made here centuries ago.
- Sissinghurst Castle Garden – Summer of Play – 23 July to 31 August
Join us for a fairy-tale themed Summer of Play at Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Whether a knight, a sleeping damsel, or a mighty king, take part in a range of acitvities inspired by fairy-tales including dress up, swordplay, and a hobby horse obstacle course.
- Emmetts Garden – Summer of Play – 19 July to 7 September
We have a fully stocked play cupboard on the main field for the whole family to enjoy. Play a game of cricket, create a running course with our sports cones, play a spot of badminton, or practice your hula hooping skills. There is something for everyone. New this year, there are musical installations to be found throughout the garden to create your own music amidst the picturesque and blooming gardens.
These experiences bring the excitement of gaming, the drama of TV and the shareability of social media into the real world—offering adventure, challenge, and creativity in some of the most beautiful locations in Kent.
Some events are chargeable in addition to normal admission, please see the website for the latest information and booking details. To find out more and to book visit
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent.
