Houses, Castles and Gardens of Kent

The home of Winston Churchill for over 40 years, Chartwell is relatively the same as when Churchill lived there until 1965. Pictures, books, and personal mementos in a special exhibition give a deeper insight into the former Prime Minister's life through 50 objects.

Sitting within Kent's last medieval deer park, and originally built as an archbishop's palace, Knole has passed through royalty to the Sackville family. This 600-year-old estate is ideal for art, textile and tranquil space lovers. 

Vita Sackville-West and her husband, Harold Nicolson began transorming Sissinghurst Castle in the 1930s. Architectural planning of the garden rooms, and the brightly colourful plantings in the gardens make the gardens some of the most interesting to visit today. With panoramic views of the gardens from Vita's writing room, you can see how they reflect the intimacy and romance of her poems. Sissinghurst also has an interesting history to discover, from being a prison to the home of the women's land army.

Scotney Castle has a picturesque garden, which can be enjoyed with the wonderful backdrop of a fairytale castle and Victorian mansion. In the mansion, you can find exhibitions running throughout the year, or venture into the woodland with over 780 years of history to enjoy.

The White Cliffs of Dover hosts one of England's most spectacular views over the English Channel. The cliffs are the closest point to Europe, located only 20 miles from France. On a clear day, you may perhaps catch a glimpse of the French coastline.

Visit either Hever or Leeds Castle on our wonderful Houses, Castles & Gardens tour through Kent.