Being south east London’s closest county and brimming with history, Kent is well worth getting out and exploring this festive season.
From sparkling light trails at Hever Castle to Dickensian markets and deer-dotted estates, here are five of the best Kent Christmas day trips worth bundling up for this winter:
Travel to the land of Oz at Hever Castle
- When: November 21 to January 2
- Where: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
- Tickets: From £24.50 for adults and £16 for children
Hever Castle goes all out at Christmas when it comes to decorations and this year visitors can step into the Land of Oz.
This historic castle and former childhood home of Anne Boleyn will be decorated with an indoor and outdoor trail taking inspiration from scenes from L. Frank Baum’s classic tale.
Expect richly decorated rooms and immersive sets with nods to Dorothy, the Tin Man and the yellow brick road.
Outside, the award-winning Hever Castle Light Trail winds through the grounds for around one mile, leading guests past technicolour trees, illuminated tunnels, lake reflections and character-inspired installations.
The trail is also dog friendly and there will also be fairground amusements and food vendors if you fancy making that Christmas magic go a little bit further.
Explore Rochester’s Christmas Market
- When: November 28 to December 14
- Where: Rochester Castle Gardens, Rochester, ME1 1SW
If you’re a Dickens fan, the historic city of Rochester in Kent is well worth a visit during the Christmas season.
Just 40 minutes train by from Bromley or 60 minutes from London Victoria, Rochester’s cobbled high street and historic buildings makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into the set of A Christmas Carol.
The town is also home to several museums along with its 7th century cathedral if you fancy getting out of the cold.
But when it comes to Rochester at Christmas, no visit is complete without paying a visit to Rochester’s Christmas Market.
Taking place within the grounds of Rochester Castle Gardens, running until Sunday, December 14, the market features wooden chalets selling artisan gifts, food and mulled wine.
Meet deer and follow a Beatrix Potter trail at Knole
- When: November 22 to January 4
- Where: Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP
- Tickets: Admission from £6 for adults and £3 for children, Beatrix Potter trail £6
Set in a 1,000-acre medieval deer park, Knole offers a great mix of natural beauty and outdoor leisure along with its rich history.
Here you can expect to walk among wild roaming deer, with regular ticketed events where you can feed them and walk with a keeper to learn more about them.
As for the estate itself, it spans over 600 years and features a number of opulent rooms as well as a Gatehouse Tower if you fancy the climb, offering views of the park from above.
Currently on for Christmas is the Beatrix Potter Christmas Card Trail, running through the parkland and the Orangery, where families can follow the trail of Postman Bunny and help him find all the lost Christmas cards in exchange for a cuddly prize.
The showrooms open with historic Christmas décor through December, with weekend carol performances and craft workshops among the festive line-up.
Hop aboard the Polar Express at Tunbridge Wells
- When: November 8 – December 30
- Where: Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY
- Tickets: From £35.95 per person
Returning to Tunbridge Well’s Spa Valley Railway for a second year, The Polar Express Train Ride offers families an immersive theatrical experience and train ride inspired by the iconic Warner Bros film.
Running from November 8 to 30 December the one-hour experience invites families aboard vintage carriages for a theatrical retelling of the story, complete with dancing chefs, golden ticket checking and hot chocolate.
Passengers meet characters from the film including Santa himself, who hands out the first gift of Christmas, the silver bell.
Soak up the history in Canterbury
With its UNESCO-listed cathedral, ancient city walls and medieval lanes, Canterbury offers plenty to do for a day trip and it’s an hour by train, car or National Express coach.
Visitors can wander through the Canterbury Christmas Market in Whitefriars, where stalls sell crafts, street food and seasonal gifts, or explore the historic King’s Mile lined with independent shops.
The cathedral’s exterior has also been illuminated with winter lights all throughout December, along with a calendar of events including carol services if you fancy visiting one of the UK’s most prestigious cathedrals this Christmas.
