Kentish Express Ashford & District - What's On
Let the kids off the leash...
Take part in Tudor-themed trails, giant children’s games and outdoor egg hunts with the National Trust’s Easter activities
Who says you need to wait until the school holidays before getting stuck into the Easter fun? This spring, Kent’s National Trust properties are putting on a whole host of fun things to do, from fairground-style games to woodland egg hunts - here’s where you can find them…
CHARTWELL, near Westerham
This Easter, the team at Chartwell has partnered up with female-led design company Kinetika to create a colourful and hand-crafted outdoor trail. There will be silk flags and eyecatching splashes of colour decorating the grounds around Winston Churchill’s former family home.
Details: Good Friday to Sunday, April 14 from 10am to 5pm. Trail costs £3, no need to book.
Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks
To celebrate 60 years since Emmetts Garden became part of the National Trust, this spring sees the return of the Easter fête. There will be fairground games such as hood-a-duck, candyfloss treats and stalls inspired by the 1960s, along with the children’s Easter trail and chocolate eggs. Details: Good Friday to Sunday, April 14 from 10am to 4pm. Trail costs £3, no need to book.
IGHTHAM MOTE, near Sevenoaks
Follow the rabbits on a Tudorthemed adventure through the medieval gardens and past the moated manor house until you find your chocolate egg. Along the way, there will be ten activities to complete in order to collect your reward.
Details: Wednesday, March 20 to Sunday, April 7 from 10am to 4pm. Trail costs £3, no need to book.
KNOLE, Sevenoaks
There are plenty of games for the whole family at Knole, whether you’re bringing the kids or are just a big kid yourself. There will be giant noughts-and-crosses, a spinning butterfly wheel, craft activities during the school holidays and a trail sheet to follow. For one day only, there will also be a special children’s trail around Lord Sackville’s private garden that can be booked separately.
Details: Good Friday to Sunday, April 14 from 10am to 5pm. Private garden open on Friday, April 12. Trail costs £3, book online.
SCOTNEY CASTLE, Lamberhurst
The gardens of Scotney Castle will be filled with egg-themed games this spring. Try your hand at activities such as bunny bowling, egg shy and the giant Easter buzzwire and, if you manage to complete all of the different things to do, you’ll get a sweet treat to take home.
Details: Saturday, March 23 to Sunday, April 7 from 10am to 5pm. Trail costs £3, no need to book.
SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDEN, near Cranbrook
These world-famous gardens are particularly stunning in the spring, so it’s worth visiting just to admire the beautiful blossoms dotted around the grounds. During the Easter season, there will be traditional family games and woodland characters on hand to help you find your chocolate egg.
Details: Saturday, March 23 to Easter Monday from 10.30am to 4pm. Trail costs £3, no need to book.
SMALLHYTHE PLACE, near Tenterden
Step into the magical world of a Midsummer Night’s Dream and follow an enchanting Easter trail. The trail, which has been inspired by Shakespeare’s spellbinding comedy, will welcome you through the fairy doors and into a land where you can find hidden treasures and a prize to take home at the end.
Details: Sunday, March 24 to Easter Monday (only open Wednesdays to Sundays, excluding the Easter bank holiday) from 11am to 5pm. Trail costs £3, no need to book.
SOUTH FORELAND LIGHTHOUSE, near Dover
Follow the trail sheet and stop off at the lighthouse’s science stations where you can figure out puzzles and solve the clues. If you crack the code, you’ll be rewarded with an Easter treat
– and don ’t forget to catch a glimpse of the English Channel from the top of the White Cliffs before you head home.
Details: Good Friday to Sunday, April 14 from 11am to 4.30pm. Trail costs £3, no need to book.