Winter Wonderlands

Kent has no shortage of places to offer to those looking for a fun family day out, but people often worry that, once summer is over, there will be nothing left to do.

14/01/2022

Whilst it’s true that many of the county’s stately homes and historic buildings do shut for the winter, the grounds and garden of these historic treasures can be just as enticing for those of us who love to take in the winter air.

We’ve put together a list of some of Kent’s stately homes with gardens (and houses in some cases) that open throughout the winter. Make sure that you keep hold of this article because we’ve also added a little bit of info about the houses themselves to keep you inspired come spring.

(Please check the websites for these amazing locations.)

Belmont House

A great house & gardens to visit any time of the year

Belmont House is at the centre of a beautiful Estate, nestled away in the countryside just outside of Faversham in East Canterbury. The grounds of the Estate cover over 3000 acres and include delightfully landscaped gardens, a much-used cricket pitch and fruitful orchards, as well as farmland and woodland.

The house is an 18th-century construction designed by Samuel Wyatt, and contains the collections of five generations of the Harris family; including paintings, objet d’art and a renowned clock museum.

Gardens open through winter 10am – dusk
Café open for self service
Garden adult entrance fee £7
Parking available
Events on at various times: see website
Dogs on leads welcome in gardens.

Belmont Park, Throwley, Faversham, Kent, England, ME13 0HH
Tel: 01795 890202
www.belmont-house.org

Chartwell

Family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill

Chartwell is famous for being the family home of Winston Churchill, and the house itself boasts a magnificent collection of Churchill memorabilia, as one might expect. The house is still much as it was when the family lived here. The spectacular gardens offer a wonderful view across a private lake and provide a relaxing haven for winter walks.

Gardens open through winter 10am – 4pm
House open for events some weekends
Studio open throughout 12pm – 5.30pm
Restaurant and shop open 10am – 4pm
Garden and Studio adult entrance fee £14*
Parking £4* (* free for NT members)
Dogs on short leads welcome in gardens

Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1PS
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

Chiddingstone

35 acres of informal grounds

Around 35 acres of informally laid grounds and spectacular views of the Greensand Ridge below the North Downs make these gardens the perfect spot for avid walkers. Additionally, the estate’s website provides details of three established walking routes from 4 miles to 11 miles long, to give ramblers a selection of options.

Gardens open through winter 7am – 6.30pm
Suggested £3 donation
Parking available
Dogs on short leads welcome in gardens

Hill Hoath Road, Chiddingstone,
Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AD
www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Hall Place & Gardens

One of the south east’s best kept secrets

Hall Place manor house was built in 1537 for ex-Lord Mayor of London, Sir John Champneys. The interior great hall is Tudor complete with original panelling and overlooked by a minstrel’s gallery. The gardens are set within a 65-hectare estate offering some outstanding examples of horticulture and wildlife.

Gardens open through winter 9am – 5pm
Café, garden centre and shop open 10am – 4pm
No entry fee for gardens
Parking available
Events on at various times: see website
Assistance dogs only

Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent, England, DA5 1PQ
www.hallplace.org.uk

Ightham Mote

A medieval moated manor house

The impressive and dramatic entrance to Ightham Mote tells you all you need to know: this immaculate 14th Century manor house is heaven for history buffs, while the gardens feature lakeside and woodland walks. The estate itself is also worth exploring if you have the time and the weather; as its rambling land is conveniently divided into three suggested walks.

Gardens & House open through winter – times vary (see website)
Restaurant and shop open 10am – 4pm
Gardens and Estate, adult entrance fee £5.40
Parking available £3 (* free for NT members)
Dogs on leads welcome in gardens during winter

Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks,
Kent, TN15 0NT
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

Knole House

One of the largest houses in England

The 12th Century estate at Knole was purchased in 1456 by Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury. Bourchier’s transformed the old medieval manor into the beautiful house we see today. It was passed into the ownership of the Sackville family, who still live there today, and who have adorned it with artistic treasures to fascinate and inspire visitors.

Gardens & House open through winter times vary (see website)
Café and shop open 10am – 4pm
Whole property adult entrance fee £10
Parking available pre-booked only
Dogs on leads welcome in park (there are wild deer on the property)

Sevenoaks, Kent, England, TN15 0RP
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

Sissinghurst Castle & Gardens

Sissinghurst has a diverse history, but it’s perhaps most famous for being the home of writer and poet Vita Sackville-West. Vita and her husband worked tirelessly on the castle’s gardens throughout the 1930s and the National Trust have endeavoured to maintain much of what she created, leaving visitors with a fantastic day of exploring ahead of them.