Photo: Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0Sevenoaks is the gateway to some of Kent's grandest houses and parkland. Knole's deer park starts at the edge of town, and Chartwell, Ightham Mote, Emmetts Garden and Penshurst are all within easy reach for a half day or full day out.
Image: Kent Wildlife TrustSevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is a 73-hectare former gravel pit turned nature reserve, with five lakes, woodland and reedbed just north of the town. Walk the trails between hides, then visit the refurbished Harrison Visitor Centre for coffee, displays and the new play park. It suits families and birdwatchers for two or three hours.
Image: KnoleKnole has been an archbishop's palace, a royal residence and the Sackville family home, and sits within Kent's last medieval deer park on the edge of Sevenoaks. Tour the showrooms and climb the Gatehouse Tower, or simply walk the 1,000-acre park where a wild deer herd roams. Allow half a day for the house, or an hour or two for a park walk.
Photo of Sevenoaks: Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0Dryhill is a former stone quarry near Sevenoaks that nature has reclaimed, and was the first geological Local Nature Reserve in Kent. Explore paths through woodland and up to rocky outcrops of Hythe Beds laid down around 115 million years ago, then picnic in one of the two grassy clearings. It suits families and budding geologists for an hour or two.
Image: Riverhill Himalayan GardensRiverhill Himalayan Gardens is a historic hillside garden on the southern edge of Sevenoaks, open seasonally from spring to autumn. Explore the gardens, browse the plant and gift shop and stop at the Malabar Coffee House on site. A relaxed two to three hours suits garden lovers and families.
Photo: The Bull, OtfordThe Bull is a historic coaching inn on Otford's High Street that has been serving the village since 1642. Expect open fires in the colder months, a proper bar with craft beers, a garden for summer and a seasonal British menu with a strong Sunday roast. It sits a few minutes from the North Downs Way and the Darent Valley Path, so it makes an easy lunch stop on a walk, and dogs get their own menu.
Image: One Tree HillOne Tree Hill is an unstaffed National Trust countryside site near Sevenoaks, with a network of woodland paths and a view south over the Weald of Kent. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so look out for rare plants, insects and molluscs as you walk. Free and dog-friendly, it is ideal for a short countryside walk.
Stubbs Wood is a long, narrow strip of ancient woodland on the Greensand Ridge near Ide Hill, with glimpses south over the Weald to Bough Beech Reservoir. Walk the ridge paths under oak and beech, with bluebells in spring and patches of rare heathland. Combine it with nearby Ide Hill for a longer walk of an hour or two.
Image: National TrustOldbury Hill is a National Trust woodland near Ightham crowned by one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Britain, with earth ramparts around two miles long. Climb through oak, birch and pine to the summit and look for old rock shelters in the sandstone ridge. It is a good hour or two for walkers and history fans.
Image: Emmetts GardenEmmetts Garden is an Edwardian hillside garden at Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks, planted with rare trees and shrubs. Wander the rock garden, rose garden and woodland, which offer something to see through the year, then stop at the Old Stables Tea Room. Allow two to three hours.
Image: The Stag SevenoaksThe Sevenoaks Panto team returns to the Stag with Robin Hood, led by local favourites Silly Billy and Dame Elaine Staige. The show runs for around two and a half hours. Tickets are sold through the Stag Theatre box office.
Image: National TrustKnole's courtyards are hung with trees and garlands, and the Great Hall is laid with nature-inspired woodland decorations around a large sparkling tree. Families can pick up a free spotter trail in the showrooms and follow a winter trail out in the deer park. Climb the Gatehouse Tower for views and a 1930s-style festive setting.
Image: National TrustGeneral James Wolfe's childhood home in Westerham is transformed into a woodland world, with trees and hidden creatures telling a winter story room by room. Volunteer cooks prepare 18th-century treats in the Coach House across the garden. It is a short, gentle visit that combines easily with Chartwell nearby.
Image: National TrustLocal makers and food producers sell handmade gifts in a covered marquee at Chartwell over four days in late November. The estate shop, one of the largest in the National Trust, is open for Churchill-themed presents. Buy a garden ticket if you want to hear the live carols in the grounds at the weekend.
Image: National TrustWinston Churchill's family home is decorated with a theme inspired by his love of painting, with colourful trees, lights and displays through the rooms. Children can follow a festive trail based on Rob Biddulph's picture book I Follow the Fox. Live carols are performed in the garden on selected weekends.
Image: Tonbridge Christmas FestA free festive market at Tonbridge Castle across three long weekends, with a market village of handmade gifts, a food village and a Christmas lounge. Families can book a grotto visit, shows and character meet and greets, while 18-plus evenings cater for adults. Santa's Post Office and a Christmas tree parade add to the atmosphere.
Image: KnoleKnole has been an archbishop's palace, a royal residence and the Sackville family home, and sits within Kent's last medieval deer park on the edge of Sevenoaks. Tour the showrooms and climb the Gatehouse Tower, or simply walk the 1,000-acre park where a wild deer herd roams. Allow half a day for the house, or an hour or two for a park walk.
Photo: The Bull, OtfordThe Bull is a historic coaching inn on Otford's High Street that has been serving the village since 1642. Expect open fires in the colder months, a proper bar with craft beers, a garden for summer and a seasonal British menu with a strong Sunday roast. It sits a few minutes from the North Downs Way and the Darent Valley Path, so it makes an easy lunch stop on a walk, and dogs get their own menu.
Image: Ightham MoteIghtham Mote is a moated medieval manor house tucked into the countryside near Sevenoaks, with 700 years of history under one roof. Explore rooms from different eras, wander the 14-acre garden, then stretch your legs on more than 500 acres of estate walking trails. Booking is not required, making it an easy half-day trip.
Image: Kent Wildlife TrustSevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is a 73-hectare former gravel pit turned nature reserve, with five lakes, woodland and reedbed just north of the town. Walk the trails between hides, then visit the refurbished Harrison Visitor Centre for coffee, displays and the new play park. It suits families and birdwatchers for two or three hours.
Photo of Sevenoaks: Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0Dryhill is a former stone quarry near Sevenoaks that nature has reclaimed, and was the first geological Local Nature Reserve in Kent. Explore paths through woodland and up to rocky outcrops of Hythe Beds laid down around 115 million years ago, then picnic in one of the two grassy clearings. It suits families and budding geologists for an hour or two.
Image: One Tree HillOne Tree Hill is an unstaffed National Trust countryside site near Sevenoaks, with a network of woodland paths and a view south over the Weald of Kent. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so look out for rare plants, insects and molluscs as you walk. Free and dog-friendly, it is ideal for a short countryside walk.