KENTSTAYCATION
A CHRISTMAS COUNTY CONT .
KNOLE
© National Trust Images / David Sellman
BODIAM CASTLE
Chartwell , Westerham , Various Dates
A Christmas with the Churchills . A warm welcome awaits when you experience how the Churchills celebrated the festive season at their family home , with the grounds and house beautifully decorated . Take a stroll through the gardens with bright lanterns to guide your way and trees lit up with twinkling lights . Every weekend , local carol singers will be performing outdoors ; enjoy a cup of luxury hot chocolate while you listen .
Knole , Sevenoaks , 26 November - 23 December
Take a trip to the Orangery to find the BFG in a picture exhibition featuring illustrations from Quentin Blake . The setting will be adorned with twinkly lights and feeling cosy from the cold outside . While adults will love the nostalgia , children will delight in the pictures and activities , including dressing up and games . In the historic palace , warm yourself by a roaring fire in the Great Hall and explore Knole ’ s historic showrooms adorned with festive displays . Outside , enjoy a walk around Kent ’ s last medieval deer park and little ones can follow the parkland trail with a prize at the end .
THE NATIONAL TRUST - ACROSS THE BORDER
Bateman ’ s , Burwash , East Sussex , 26 November - 2 January
Make memories as you explore the 17th-century house with welcoming log fire , illuminated Christmas trees and peacock-inspired decorations . Be dazzled by real trees decorated with twinkly lights and natural foliage , delight in an exhibition of Claire Fletcher ' s original watercolour illustrations and get into the festive spirit with live music from local community groups .
Bodiam Castle , near Robertsbridge , East Sussex , 3 December - 2 January
Discover Father Christmas ’ s sleigh in the castle ruins and dress up in regal winter costumes for the perfect selfie . On selected dates , spot Father Christmas , Mother Christmas or the elves around the castle courtyard just waiting to say hello , and enjoy the magic of Christmas with storytelling for families in a cosy tower room .
Lamb House , Rye , East Sussex , 28 November - 19 December
Be transported to New England in 1900 where American author Henry James plays host to his family from New England who have transformed Lamb House for the festive season . Soak up the sights and scents of a traditional homemade Christmas in this stunning Georgian house . In the White Parlour , you ’ ll find art and decorations inspired by Lamb House and created by the Oaks Specialist College .
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