National Lottery offers free and discount tickets to Kent attractions

by Rebecca Tuffin

We all love a good family day out, especially if there's a handy discount up for grabs. So make sure you don't miss out on these offers available across Kent between Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, December 1.

In celebration of the National Lottery's 25th anniversary, you can get free or discounted entry to attractions funded by the charity. All you need is a Lottery ticket or scratch card purchased this year - and who hasn't go one of those lying around on top of the microwave or in their purse?

Historic Dockyard Chatham
Historic Dockyard Chatham

The Historic Dockyard, Chatham

Experience what life was like as during the age of sail at The Historic Dockyard in Chatham, which is free to enter for Lottery ticket holders between November 25 and 29.

Discover how ships, including HMS Victory, were designed and built, immerse yourself in the vivid Hearts of Oak audio visual exhibition and explore four superb interactive galleries.

Take the family to Dover Castle
Take the family to Dover Castle

Dover Castle

An iconic English fortresses commanding the gateway to the realm for nine centuries, Dover Castle is definitely worth a visit - especially if it's free. Climb the Great Tower, meet the characters and delve into the secret wartime tunnels. One National Lottery ticket enable free entry for one adult and up to six children.

Make a splash in Dover. Lottery players can get in for free to the pool or gym
Make a splash in Dover. Lottery players can get in for free to the pool or gym

Dover District Leisure Centre

You can try out Dover's new gym and pool for free on either November 23 or 24. Lotter players need to present a Lottery ticket at reception.

Eastgate House. Picture: Steve Crispe
Eastgate House. Picture: Steve Crispe

Eastgate House, Rochester

Explore this beautiful 16th and 17th century town house in historic Rochester for half the normal price. Before opening to the public, the house has spent time as a family home of a Royal Tudor Dockyard senior officer, a Victorian boarding school, a hostel, a museum and an inspiration to the great author Charles Dickens. Standard entry is £5.50 per person, but you can get 2 for 1 adult admission if you present a Lottery ticket at the reception desk. The offer is valid on November 23, 27, 28 and 29.

Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks

This charming Edwardian estate sits at one of the highest points in Kent, providing some fantastic views of the county on a clear day. Dogs are welcome and there is also a children's play area and tearoom. Follow the winding paths to the Rock Garden, complete with a lily pond, or visit the burnt toffee tree in the South Garden. The National Lottery is offering free entry to Emmetts Garden from November 27 to 29.

Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks

A medieval moated manor house, Ightham Mote is hidden away in a secluded valley surrounded by gardens and a 220 hectare estate. The house itself is closed for annual winter conservation work but you can bring along a Lottery ticket to get free access to the grounds between November 23 and 29. You also may be able to book on to a tour of the domestic areas for £5 to discover some of the stories of the servants who lived and worked there in the past.

Visitors admiring the festive Christmas decorations at Knole, Kent
Visitors admiring the festive Christmas decorations at Knole, Kent

Knole Park, Sevenoaks

Take in the scale and magnificence of the 600-year-old Knole estate by exploring the grand courtyards and tranquil orangery or wander the winding paths in the parkland, still populated by wild deer. You can gain free entry for one person with a Lottery ticket between November 23 and 29, which includes access to the Gatehouse Tower and The Tiger Who Came to Tea exhibition. Just present your ticket at reception.

Scotney Castle
Scotney Castle

Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells

Get into the Christmas spirit with a free entry to Scotney Castle's decorate house and winter garden. Meet Father Christmas, see the dining room being dressed for celebrations or join the festive family trail around the garden inspired by the Victorian Noah’s ark on on display in the house. Why not also indulge in a traditional, three-course Christmas lunch in the tea room. Enjoy free entry from November 23 to 29 but a parking charge of £3 per car still applies.

New play areas and trails opened at Walmer this year
New play areas and trails opened at Walmer this year

Walmer Castle and Gardens

One National Lottery ticket can also get you free entry to the beautiful Walmer Castle, near Deal, for one adult and up to two children on November 23, 24, 30 or December 1. And you can join the head gardener for a free tour of the gardens on either November 24 or 28. Booking is essential as places are limited - call 01304 211067 and select option four. If you have yet another Lottery ticket lying around, you can use it to claim a free tea or coffee at the attraction between November 23 and December 1.

The new treehouse at Chartwell, near Westerham
The new treehouse at Chartwell, near Westerham

Chartwell, Westerham

Discover the history of Winston Churchill in 50 objects at an exhibition being held at the late prime minister's family home, Chartwell. The house may be closed this month but Lottery ticket holders can venture inside for this special showcase at no charge. Visitors can also test out a new, free audio garden guide. This offer runs from November 25 to 29.

Quebec House, Westerham

Take a step back into the Georgian era at Quebec House - the family home of General James Wolfe, one of Britain's most famous military leaders. A Lottery ticket will give you free entry to the estate, so you can discover how the family lived in the 1700s including the food they ate and the toys the children played with. The coach house has been converted into a tea room and there is also a delightful garden. This offer is valid on November 23 and 24.

London

Don't miss out on all the offers available in London either - just a short train ride away. These include free entry to the Horniman Museum and Gardens aquarium and the Charles Dickens museum, and discount tickets to see A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic.

To find out more visit the National Lottery offers page here

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