National Trust Christmas events in Kent

PUBLISHED: 10:38 12 November 2019

Words: Emma Ward. Photos: National Trust

Christmas at Ightham Mote (photo: National Trust Images/John Miller)

©National Trust Images/John Miller

As harvest festival becomes a happy memory, it's time to think about preparing for Christmas. In these busy times it can be tricky to get everything done to make sure that 'the most wonderful time of the year' really can live up to expectations. Never fear, the National Trust in Kent has everything under control.

Perfect presents

A great way to avoid picking the same old high-street gifts for another year running is to look for something unique and hand crafted. Chartwell in Westerham is hosting a Christmas market (21-24 November), with stalls selling locally produced gifts including chocolate, candles and knitwear. If the children get bored of shopping there's a '12 days of Christmas' garden trail for them to enjoy, as well as a treehouse hidden in the woods.

Decoration inspiration

A popular aspect of the houses and gardens cared for by the National Trust is the diverse time periods they cover. Never is this reflected more strongly than in the weeks before Christmas, when places are decorated according to their history and heritage. The Great Hall at Knole in Sevenoaks will be decorated for a medieval Christmas, complete with a roaring fire in the fireplace.

Chartwell is presenting a family Christmas, of the type the Churchill family would have enjoyed when they lived there.

And the house at Scotney Castle will be decorated to reflect the perfect Victorian Christmas Eve.

Clever crafting

Try your hand at wreath making at Scotney Castle on 27 and 30 November or at Sissinghurst on 8 and 14 December. Learn the finer arts of Christmas calligraphy at Knole on 23 November or make beautiful table decorations at Ightham Mote near Ivy Hatch on 12 December.

Festive fare

Stock up for Christmas lunch with a visit to Sissinghurst Castle Garden's annual festive market on 23 and 24 November. Enjoy live entertainment as you browse.

Ightham Mote's mini market takes place on 30 November and 1 December, the weekend when the house is unveiled in all its Christmassy glory. Browse the food and drink stalls to pick up treats or find inspiration for your own Christmas recipes at home.

Discover your Christmas spirit

Get in the mood by joining in with carol singing in the Great Hall at Knole on Sunday afternoons, 30 November-21 December. Or warm up your vocal cords at Ightham Mote, where carols are also being sung on 13 and 20 December in the courtyard, and Scotney Castle on 15 Dec at 11.30am and 2pm at the Old Castle. You can book your slot with Father Christmas at Scotney, where he will be meeting families on weekend mornings from 7 December.

Find out more

For more on the festive events, craft workshops and family activities to enjoy at the National Trust in and around Kent this November and December, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/south-east.