DAYS OUT : ARTS & HISTORY
Ightham Mote , Ivy Hatch nr Sevenoaks Picture-perfect , 14th-century timber-framed manor house on its own little island surrounded by water . Take in the lakes , ancient bluebell woodland and the scented garden as well as the house dating back nearly 700 years . www . nationaltrust . org . uk / ightham-mote
Smallhythe Place , nr Tenterden 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
Danson House , Bexley Beautiful Grade I listed Palladian villa , designed by Sir Robert Taylor ( the architect of the Bank of England ) and built by Sir John Boyd in 1766 . After a decade of restoration it was reopened by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2005 . www . bexley . gov . uk / services / visitor-attractions / danson-house
Groombridge Place , Groombridge A 17th-century moated manor house offering the perfect place for a relaxing stroll around the award-winning gardens and enchanted forest of its 200-acre site . www . groombridgeplace . com
Chartwell , Westerham A country house estate and much-loved former residence of Sir Winston Churchill . Now part of the National Trust Collection , take in the house , stroll around the gardens and lake , or stop for a cream tea .
www . nationaltrust . org . uk / chartwell
Canterbury Cathedral , Canterbury World Heritage Site of the shrine of Thomas Becket and the seat of the Archbishop . The stunning cathedral , one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England , features a Romanesque crypt , a perpendicular nave and beautiful medieval stained-glass windows .
www . canterbury-cathedral . org
Fort Amherst , Chatham Explore over 300 years of military history , 20 acres of beautiful parkland and a network of underground passageways , while listening to tales of the mysterious and sinister happenings at the fort .
www . fortamherst . com
Chislehurst Caves , Chislehurst Experience miles of mystery and history beneath your feet and explore over 20 miles of dark passageways hewn by hand that were used as a shelter during WW2 .
www . chislehurst-caves . co . uk
Red House , Bexleyheath Significant arts and crafts building dating back to 1860 by famous designers Phillip Webb and William Morris that is now part of the National Trust Collection .
www . nationaltrust . org . uk / red-house Rochester Cathedral , Rochester Stunning Cathedral set in the heart of the city and home to Christian worship since AD604 . Visitors are welcome for worship , to take in the architecture or to enjoy the music .
www . rochestercathedral . org
Salomons Estate , Tunbridge Wells Share in the elegance and romance of the Victorian era at the stunning mansion set in 36 acres of rolling gardens , parklands and woods . Enjoy events , weddings or stay the night and enjoy food in the pub and dining rooms .
www . salomons-estate . com
Reculver Towers , Herne Bay Imposing twin towers dating back to the 12th century that dominate the Herne Bay skyline at the site of one of the earliest Roman forts built against the Saxon raids , it later was the site of an Anglo-Saxon monastery before becoming the parish church . www . english-heritage . org . uk / visit / places / reculver-towers-and-roman-fort
Shell Grotto , Margate Explore atmospheric underground passages and marvel at the walls covered in exquisite mosaics created with millions of shells at one of the world ’ s most mysterious places .
www . shellgrotto . co . uk
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