Westerham offers the best of both worlds for families looking to experience a more peaceful way of life in the stunning Kent countryside, while still being within commuting distance of the city. This charming town not only provides all the shops, restaurants and local amenities you could need, it is also ideally located close to some of Kent’s most popular attractions. In this blog, we’ve highlighted some of the best places nearby for family days out, all of which can be reached in less than half an hour!
Chartwell
Less than five minutes’ drive from the centre of Westerham, Chartwell is an excellent day out for all the family, with plenty to see and do to keep everyone entertained. Not only can you see inside the home of one of England’s most famous Prime Ministers, Winston Churchill, the estate also has beautiful flower gardens and meadows amongst its sprawling grounds, with stunning views over the Kent countryside.
Chartwell, Mapleton Rd, Westerham TN16 1PS
Quebec House
Right in the centre of Westerham, this lesser-known National Trust property holds a fascinating history. Quebec House was the childhood home of General James Wolfe, who led the British to victory at the Battle of Quebec, paving the way for Britain’s dominance in New France (now Canada). The house remains as it was in the 1730s and includes an old replica schoolroom, as well as other interactive exhibits bound to thrill the kids.
Quebec House, Quebec Square, Westerham TN16 1TD
Biggin Hill Memorial Museum
Just ten minutes away, Biggin Hill Memorial Museum tells the story of Britain’s most famous fighter station through the personal experiences of those who served there, and the community that supported them. The museum has a range of daily activities for children, including adventure and walking trails, as well as various events programmes during the school holidays.
Biggin Hill Memorial Museum, Main Rd, Biggin Hill TN16 3EJ
Willow’s Birds of Prey Centre
A wonderful day out for animal lovers, Willow’s in Sevenoaks is home to over 60 birds of prey. Adults and older children can get up close to the animals in a unique experience where you’ll have the chance to handle some of the owls and eagles before watching them fly. If that’s not enough excitement, there’s also a 22-acre nature trail through the forest with the chance to see even more British wildlife species in their natural habitat.
Coolings Green & Pleasant, Main Rd, Knockholt, Sevenoaks TN14 7LJ
Down House
The former home of one of history’s most important figures, Charles Darwin, Down House offers you the chance to step into the very rooms where Darwin worked, made numerous scientific discoveries and wrote his seminal text, ‘On the Origin of Species’. There’s fun to be had for all ages, with a family-friendly trail, the chance to dress up in Victorian clothes and play spaces in the grounds.
Down House, Luxted Rd, Downe, Orpington BR6 7JT
Chiddingstone Castle
Chiddingstone Castle is an impressive historic house with collections of Japanese, Stuart and Jacobite, Ancient Egyptian and Buddhist art and artefacts. There are plenty of highlights in the exhibitions to keep the kids entertained, including sections on mummification, samurai warriors and Tutankhamun! It is also worth keeping an eye out for special offers, such as ‘kids go free’ week, which takes place during school holidays.
Chiddingstone Castle, Hill Hoath Road, Edenbridge TN8 7AD
Godstone Farm
A perfect day out for smaller children, Godstone Farm, provides a range of fun, educational activities. Children will love seeing the farm’s animals and can even interact with the pigs, meercats, goats and Shetland ponies in special behind the scenes experiences. There are endless other options too, including a dinosaur walk, rabbit walk, indoor play barn and multiple outdoor play areas.
Godstone Farm, Tilburstow Hill Rd, Godstone RH9 8LX
Hever Castle
Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and is steeped in fascinating Tudor history. The 125-acre grounds include award-winning gardens, a maze, lake, playground and military museum. There is always plenty going on at Hever, including Halloween and Christmas events, jousting displays in the summer, and opportunities for children to take part in archery and shield painting during school holidays.
Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
British Wildlife Centre
Discover more about the amazing wildlife of Britain, with over 40 native species on display at the British Wildlife Centre, just over 20 minutes by car from Westerham. Learn about everything from pine martens and red deer to tiny hedgehogs and harvest mice in a series of keeper talks, which take place every day at regular intervals, as well as the centre’s fantastic conservation efforts to protect and preserve endangered species.
British Wildlife Centre, Eastbourne Road, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6LF
Knole House and Deer Park
Another fantastic National Trust property well worth a family day out, and less than half an hour from Westerham, is Knole. Originally built as an archbishop’s palace, the 600-year-old estate was passed through royalty to the Sackville family and contains an internationally significant collection of furniture and tapestries. Undoubtedly one of the biggest draws for the kids is the opportunity to see the 350-strong deer that roam the surrounding parkland.
Knole House, Sevenoaks TN15 0RP
If you’re looking for a home in this area, take a look at our new gated residential development, Westerham Heights, which includes nine family homes with private gardens and parking spaces. Register your interest in one of these properties here.
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