Kent Staycation 2020 | Page 59

COUNTRY: DAYS OUT Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst © National Trust COUNTRY DAYS OUT ATTRACTIONS Mount Ephraim Gardens, Faversham Port Lympne Reserve, nr Hythe Hever Castle, Hever nr Edenbridge Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst Spectacular 10-acre Edwardian gardens featuring a topiary garden, rock and water garden, arboretum, rose garden and fabulous grass maze. www.mountephraimgardens.co.uk An authentic safari in Kent! Get up close and personal with over 760 animals across 90 species, including spectacled bears and Kent’s only giraffe. www.aspinallfoundation.org Romantic double moated 13th-century castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn, which houses historic 16th-century portraits, paintings, furniture, tapestries and treasures. Magnificent gardens and a fun splashing water maze. www.hevercastle.co.uk A fortified manor house built in c.1378-80 inspired by ‘picturesque’ style. Discover the romantic ruins of a medieval castle and moat, with celebrated gardens featuring spectacular flower displays. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle Sissinghurst Castle, Cranbrook Belmont House, Throwley nr Faversham Created by poet and writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson, discover the castle and its famous Grade I listed country gardens, divided into intimate garden ‘rooms’ which offer an array of color all year round. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle- garden Elegant 18th-century house steeped in history, commanding stunning views. Uncover the armoury, the finest collection of Cazabon paintings in Britain, and the Clock Museum, an extraordinary horological collection. www.belmont-house.org Smallhythe Place, nr Tenterden Leeds Castle, Maidstone Discover the National Trust’s half timbered early 16th- century former residence of Dame Ellen Terry. Beautiful gardens and performances, talks and exhibitions at The Barn Theatre. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place Visit the stunning castle, sat majestically in the still waters of its moat, surrounded by 500 acres of gardens. Recently celebrated its 900th year, its former residents include six medieval queens, King Henry VIII and Lady Baillie. www.leeds-castle.com 59