Christmas activities at Kent’s National Trust houses, including garden trails and carol singing

by Sam Lawrie

slawrie@thekmgroup.co.uk

Kent’s historic houses are getting into the festive spirit, each offering a unique twist on seasonal celebrations.

From animal-themed trails at Chartwell to storybook-inspired rooms at Scotney Castle, families can enjoy carols, crafts and magical trails across the county at these National Trust properties…

The rooms at Chartwell will be decorated for the festive season. Picture: Jen Reznick

CHARTWELL, Westerham

This Christmas, Chartwell’s spectacular decorations will be inspired by former resident Winston Churchill’s love of animals. There will be a life-sized racehorse sculpture inside the house and, in the gardens, there will be a cat-themed family trail. The estate will also host carol concerts, wreath-making workshops, a small Christmas market and guided tours.

Details: Thursday, November 20 to Sunday, January 4 at Chartwell in Westerham. Standard admission applies. Trail costs £3.50 per child.

Travel through time with scenes depicting different eras at Ightham Mote. Picture: ©National Trust

IGHTHAM MOTE, Ivy Hatch

Look back on 700 years of festive cheer with Ightham Mote’s timeless Christmas festivities. Journey through Tudor feasts, Victorian decorations and 1950s American traditions with beautiful rooms and seasonal soundscapes, followed by classic carols and craft activities. The outdoor trail follows Dido the Dog, who has hidden her bones all over the house and gardens.

Details: Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, January 4 at Ightham Mote in Ivy Hatch, near Sevenoaks. Standard admission applies.

Traditional decorations at Knole and, outside, there will be a Beatrix Potter trail. Picture: ©National Trust Lois Leyland

KNOLE, Sevenoaks

Throughout the year, Knole has been paying tribute to Beatrix Potter and the festive season is no different. There will be a parkland trail inspired by the author’s stories, where families can help Postman Bunny find Potter’s lost Christmas cards. Visitors can also enjoy carols in the courtyard, traditional decorations and creative workshops.

Details: Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, January 4 at Knole in Sevenoaks. Standard admission applies. Trail costs £6 per child.

Enjoy treats like hot chocolate and biscuits at Quebec House. Picture: National Trust Images / Rob Stothard

QUEBEC HOUSE, Westerham

The childhood home of 18th-century British Army officer General James Wolfe is being turned into a Georgian opera house for the Christmas period. There will be miniature and full-sized opera scenes, operatic music and theatrical displays, as well as hot chocolate and shortbread. On select dates, there will also be carol singing during late-night openings.

Details: Weekends from Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, December 21 at Quebec House in Westerham. Standard admission applies.

Stunning lights will illuminate Scotney Castle. Picture: ©National Trust

SCOTNEY CASTLE, Tunbridge Wells

Each room of this Victorian mansion will be transformed into pages from a storybook. The decorations and displays will be inspired by beloved books such as Alice in Wonderland, A Christmas Carol and The Jungle Book. The festivities include glittering lights, seasonal scents and a garden trail where you can follow elves dressed up like characters from the stories.

Details: Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, January 4 at Scotney Castle in Tunbridge Wells. Standard admission applies.