
Family Friendly Days Out Kent and East Sussex
Whilst on a family holiday in Kent as well as spending time on the beach we decided to visit a few National Trust properties. Some of which you may never have heard of!
Lamb House: A Charming Family Outing in Sussex
Lamb House, nestled in the picturesque town of Rye, Sussex, offers a delightful family experience, combining history, culture, and enchanting gardens. This charming National Trust property, once home to renowned authors Henry James and E.F. Benson, is a literary treasure trove sure to captivate visitors of all ages.
The house itself is a step back in time, with beautifully preserved rooms that reflect the lives and works of its famous inhabitants. Children can embark on a literary adventure, discovering the fascinating stories behind the authors while engaging in interactive displays and family-friendly activities. The knowledgeable staff and volunteers are always eager to share intriguing anecdotes and historical insights.
The highlight for many families is the walled garden, a serene oasis perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The garden’s seasonal blooms, hidden pathways, and tranquil atmosphere provide a lovely backdrop for children to explore and play.
Lamb House frequently hosts special events and workshops, from garden tours to storytelling sessions, enhancing the visitor experience. The cozy tea room offers a range of refreshments, making it an ideal spot to relax after a day of exploration.
In summary, Lamb House is a charming and educational destination, offering a perfect blend of history, literature, and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable outing for the whole family.
Smallhythe Place: A Family-Friendly Historic Gem in Kent
Smallhythe Place, located in the serene countryside of Kent, is a delightful National Trust property that promises an enriching and enjoyable day out for families. This charming 16th-century house, once the home of the famous Victorian actress Ellen Terry, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Upon entering the house, families are greeted by a captivating collection of theatrical memorabilia, costumes, and personal items that bring Ellen Terry’s illustrious career to life. The engaging displays and fascinating stories provide a wonderful opportunity for children and adults alike to learn about the golden age of theatre.
The beautiful cottage garden is a highlight, offering a tranquil escape with its vibrant flowers, ancient trees, and picturesque views. It’s an ideal spot for children to explore and for families to enjoy a peaceful picnic. The garden’s variety of plants and the small wildlife pond add to the charm, creating a delightful environment for young nature enthusiasts.
Smallhythe Place also features a historic barn theatre, where families can enjoy seasonal performances and special events, adding an extra layer of excitement to the visit. The friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience with their informative tours and storytelling.
In conclusion, Smallhythe Place is a perfect family destination, combining educational elements with the joy of exploration, making it a must-visit for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty in Kent.
Bodiam Castle: A Medieval Adventure for the Whole Family
Bodiam Castle, set in the heart of the Sussex countryside, offers a captivating family day out with its stunning medieval architecture, rich history, and picturesque surroundings. This 14th-century moated castle, managed by the National Trust, is a true gem that brings history to life for visitors of all ages.
As you approach Bodiam Castle, the sight of its imposing towers and reflection in the moat is truly awe-inspiring. Families can explore the well-preserved ruins, climbing the spiral staircases, and walking along the battlements, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The castle’s numerous nooks and crannies make it an exciting adventure for children, who will love imagining life as knights and princesses.
Interactive displays and informative guides provide fascinating insights into the castle’s history, making the visit both educational and engaging. Children can participate in medieval-themed activities and events, such as archery demonstrations and costume days, which add an extra layer of fun.
The beautiful grounds surrounding Bodiam Castle are perfect for a leisurely family picnic or a relaxing stroll along the River Rother. The on-site café offers a variety of refreshments, and the gift shop is stocked with medieval-themed souvenirs to remember your visit.
In summary, Bodiam Castle is an enchanting destination that combines historical exploration with family-friendly activities, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable outing for everyone.
You may also like
By Penny McCarthy
Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.
Archives
- March 2025
- February 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- January 2011
Categories
- About Parents News
- Afternoon Tea
- babies
- Bank Holidays
- Best buys
- Christmas
- Days out guides
- Easter School Holidays
- Education & Books
- Featured
- Food
- Free
- Halloween
- Health & Fitness
- Holidays
- London
- Midlands
- National News
- North East England
- North West England
- Northern Ireland
- School holidays
- Scotland
- South East England
- South West England
- Theatre
- Things to do
- toddlers
- Travel Blog
- Wales