National Trust launches '50 things' activity list for Kent properties this summer

From rolling down a hill to climbing a tree and damming a stream.

Such simple pleasures are among the National Trust's suggestions for 50 things to do before you're aged 11 and ¾ and to help youngsters achieve such intrepid activities are a number of events taking place at Kent properties.

Hunts, trails, crafts and garden games, alongside more sedate events to tick off the list such as creating wild art or making daisy chains, are also being organised within the county's National Trust gems to keep the whole family on the sunny side this summer.

National Trust members can visit for free, but there is sometimes a separate charge for specific events and activities.

Here are just some of the events taking place in Kent:

Chartwell, Westerham

Winnie the Pooh needs your help to find the bees around the gardens and woodland of Sir Winston Churchill’s former home. This is a self-led family trail incorporating the 50 things activities and costs £1 per trail. Taking place until Sunday, September 4, 10am until 4pm.

Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks

Tuesday, August 2 at 4.30pm

Meet Beatrix Potter as she tells the tale of naughty Peter and Benjamin in Mr McGregor’s garden in this unique outdoor production by Quantum Theatre. Tickets are £12 for adults and £7 for children. Telephone 0844 249 1895 for bookings.

A Winnie the Pooh trail is also taking place at Emmetts Garden until September. £1 per trail.

Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks

Summer holiday fun daily from Saturday, July 23 until Sunday, September 4 between 10am and 4pm.
Themed Thursdays, including archaeological fun, a Victorian day and Teddy Bears’ Picnic together with quizzes around the house and the opportunity to go wild in the natural play area and tick off items in your 50 things list make Ightham Mote a must visit during the summer break.

Knole, Sevenoaks

Family Mondays throughout August, from 11am until 3pm, will host craft activities with a different theme each week including crests and crowns, wool and weaving, deer and animal tracks. This is a free activity to take part in but donations, say the National Trust, are welcome.

Tudor dressing up takes place on Friday, August 12, Saturday August 13, Friday August 19 and August 20 from 11am to 3pm. Youngsters can try on realistic Tudor costumes and learn more about what it would be like to work in the grand house.

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells

Summer holiday adventures at Scotney Castle include building a den in a wilderness camp or following a trail around the house. There is also a wildlife hunt every Wednesday. Events take place until Sunday, September 4 from 10am until 4pm.

For further information, prices, or more details visit the National Trust website by clicking here.