This summer we’re escaping the city streets and heading to the lush green countryside of Sevenoaks, home to historic gems, National Trust treasures, family-friendly days out, beautiful gardens and even a rolling lavender field, worthy of the south of France.
With easy train links from London with Southeastern, Southern and Thameslink, your journey could be as little as 25 minutes from London Bridge or 20 minutes from Swanley.
Wild days out
Nearest station: Sevenoaks
Just a short walk from Sevenoaks station, Bradbourne Lakes is a must for a post journey leg stretch for the little ones. Follow paths around the five ornamental lakes and enjoy mini waterfalls and plenty of wildlife, which thrives in the lakes that feed the chalk stream of the River Darent. Just a ten minute walk from Bradbourne Lake, Kent Wildlife Trust’s Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is a 73 hectare site that is a haven for conservation. Little wild-lings will love looking out for the plants, fungi and dragonflies that thrive here, while mini twitchers will enjoy keeping an eye out for lapwing, common sandpiper and more. To top your day, bring along your bikes and enjoy traffic-free trails through the park.
National Trust gems
Nearest station: Sevenoaks for Knole and Emmetts Garden, Oxted for Chartwell
National Trust members, Sevenoaks should be top of your list! While the hidden gem of Emmetts Garden is perfect for family days out with a wild play area and plenty of seasonal trails through gorgeous gardens, Knole is a magnificent manor with more than 600 years of history. Explore the Archbishop’s palace, royal residence and Sackville family home, before venturing out into the parkland that makes up Kent’s last medieval deer park. This summer, hop along to the new The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail, an immersive experience which celebrates Beatrix Potter’s classic, Peter Rabbit.
For even more historical adventures, visit Chartwell, the family home of Sir Winston Churchill. Discover Churchill’s love for Chartwell and its gardens, see the studio where he painted, the glorious gardens and even the brick playhouse he built for his daughter, Mary. Round off your day with a trip to the treehouse for lofty views and big adventures.
Castles and manors
We’re sure you’ve heard of Hever Castle, the family home of the ill-fated Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle is packed with history and offers a full day of fun for the whole family. Learn about the Tudors, see the rooms Anne once walked and her prayer books, which still contain her signature and inscriptions. Outside the fun continues with the Yew Maze, Water Maze and two terrific play areas set to thrill your little ones, plus plenty of breath-taking gardens, a mote and more to make those family photo backdrops.
Set within 11 acres of stunning formal gardens, Penshurst Place is a treasure trove of adventures for kids and a breath of fresh air for grown-ups. Explore the historic house where little ones will love imagining knights and royalty wandering the medieval Barons Hall. The children will love letting off steam on the woodland trail and adventure playground and discovering secret garden paths through the grounds. For the cherry on top, don’t miss the Toy Museum, a nostalgic collection of vintage toys that’s set to charm.
Scent-sational days out
Nearest station: Shoreham
We know we promised we’d transport you from city streets to green countryside, but did you ever imagine we’d be able to offer the beautiful views of Castle Farm Lavender in Shoreham? Set to stun from late June to late July, we’d say this vibrant purple beauty is worth planning your trip around. Enjoy guided walks throughout the season, book in for Bring Your Own Picnic sessions for the ultimate lunchtime backdrop, or enjoy a walk through the fields for a spectacularly scented saunter. Round off your day with a visit into the village of Shoreham, where pretty winding streets and cosy pubs offer a warm welcome.
Feathered Friends
Nearest station: Eynsford
Home to the UK’s largest bird of prey centre, Eagle Heights boasts more than 50 species, including eagles and owls. Be wowed by high flying displays and watch as the birds soar and swoop overhead. Animal lovers will go wild for Eagle Heights, which even has its own wildlife sanctuary, where meerkats, alpaca and huskies are amongst the animals that are cared for right here. For an even more memorable experience, book onto one of their experiences, which include the chance to handle and fly eagles, hike with huskies, meet the meerkats and learn about owls.
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
Nearest station: Sevenoaks
Historic gardens, stunning Wealden views and more, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens is a welcoming spot for the whole family, even the four-legged members. With acres of gardens and woodland to explore, it’s the perfect spot for little ones to enjoy screen-free fun, with den building, a hedge maze, adventure playground and even yeti spotting on the cards! Top off your visit and enjoy one of their summer events, including crafting workshops and open-air theatre.
Festival fun
In Sevenoaks, there’s no need for little ones to miss out on the festival fun and these top events are made for families who want to chill, dance and enjoy all the fun of the fair. From 11th – 13th July, Volks Weald will be transforming Penshurst Place into the South East’s largest family friendly classic VW show, with VWs (of course), music, kids disco, a dog show and even an adventure playground. Or how about the adventure-filled Camp Kindling on 15th – 18th August? Enjoy over 50 live bands, DJs and comedians by night, and more than 100 exciting activities by day at this fab three-day summer camp for families with kids ranging from tots to teens.
Stay the night
When it’s time to turn in, Sevenoaks offers a range of fantastic family-friendly self-catering spots. The Secret and Hidden Cottages in Westerham rest in a small stretch of woods, made for a digital detox. The Hidden Cottage has its own garden and room for six in a beautiful timber lodge. For a cosy, historic getaway, check out Hole Cottage in Cowden, part of a timber-framed hall house just a short walk from Cowden Station. Set beside a small stream, this Wealden haven sleeps a family of four and provides a perfect country escape. For those seeking a night under canvas, we love Hever Camping, which boasts glorious views, a fishing lake and even a farm food truck!
