Historic days out with the kids in Kent and Sussex 

When you think of Kent and Sussex, you’ll most likely picture rolling countryside, scenic coastline and seaside attractions. While this picturesque corner of England is brimming with natural wonders, it is also laden with iconic historic sites that are perfect for inspiring young minds. Having borne witness to some of the nation’s defining moments, both counties are full of majestic castles and old manor houses where children can become knights, princesses, lords and ladies for the day.  

Enjoy a relaxing family holiday with Bramley and Teal and journey into the past of Kent and Sussex. Their collection of family-friendly Sussex cottages makes the perfect place to stay while you’re exploring the history of these two ancient counties. Here are some fun ideas for days out to get you started… 

Climb the towers of some mighty castles 

Tales of brave knights, ferocious kings and bloody battles; for a child, nothing brings the imagination to life more than a towering fortress. Kent and Sussex are home to some of the most beautiful and important castles in England, which have all seen their fair share of war, plague and riots over the centuries.  

Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent 

It’s easy to picture Rapunzel letting down her hair from the top of one of the tall turrets of Leeds Castle in Kent. This fairy-tale fortress transports families back in time from early Norman beginnings to the Tudor splendour of Henry VIII within its lavish interiors full of amazing artefacts, Art Deco furnishings and exquisite paintings. One of the best-preserved historic castles in South East England, this spectacular stronghold, has been the private property of six English queens and used as a palace by Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. 

Aspiring knights can explore the castle and its staterooms including the brilliant Dog Collar Museum, before heading outside and defeating mythical beasts in the tricky maze, climbing the parapets in the Squires’ Court and Knights’ Stronghold playgrounds and plunging down the slides. Within the 500 acres of gardens and parkland, there are also falconry displays and a restaurant for getting that all-important sugar fix. 

Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, Sussex 

Imagining themselves as a gallant prince or a beautiful princess, children can cross the drawbridge over the water-filled moat to this 14th–century castle in Sussex and experience the trials and tribulations of medieval life. A host of costumed characters guide you on your journey of discovery as you climb the spiral staircases to the top of the mighty towers, peeking through the narrow slitted windows where arrows would be shot at the enemy. Listen to gruesome tales of the castle‘s past and see the ghoulish murder holes in which prisoners would have been kept, while awaiting their grisly fate. 

Step into the great hall and picture the magnificent feasts that would have once taken place and marvel at the wooden portcullis in the gatehouse which is a very rare example of its kind. During the school holidays, there is a wealth of events and medieval-themed activities for kids to enjoy including archery, falconry and crafts, and if that isn’t enough, you can turbocharge your experience by catching a steam train to the castle with the Kent and East Sussex Railway! 

Hever Castle, Hever, Kent 

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle is the perfect setting for a family day out in Kent. A special audio tour for children is available, so as little kings and queens explore, they can hear fascinating stories about this dramatic 13th-century castle where romance once blossomed between Anne and Henry VIII. Inside, there are three floors of panelled rooms to discover housing original furniture, tapestries, antiques and Tudor portraits, as well as two prayer books inscribed and signed by Anne Boleyn herself.

Outside, there are 125 acres of glorious grounds featuring a miniature model village, an adventure playground, a yew maze which is over 100 years old and a water maze where squeals of delight can be heard as visitors of all ages try to reach the centre without getting wet! Summertime welcomes jousting tournaments and archery displays, and families can even have a go at boating on the lake.

Petworth House, Petworth, Sussex 

Little faces will light up in amazement as they gaze upon the 17th century palatial façade of this stately Baroque building, one of the most outstanding houses in the National Trust’s collection. Within Petworth’s grand rooms are a display of ancient and Neo-classical sculpture, fine furniture, carvings by Grinling Gibbons and internationally important art collections with numerous works by Turner, Van Dyck, Reynolds and Blake.  

While children are sure to be impressed by the treasures of the house, below a set of stairs are the servant’s quarters where they can delight in hearing mysterious tales of times gone by. And outside, there are 700 acres of deer park to run wild in with a woodland play trail and lots of trees that are perfect for climbing or exploring inside the hollows – great for a game of hide and seek!  

Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent 

One of England’s largest Jacobean houses, Knole was originally an archbishop’s palace and sits within 1,000 acres of medieval deer park, perfect for mini adventurers to explore. Packed with interactive displays, older kids can follow themed trails around the house, while younger children have fun with the discovery cubes. The Gatehouse Tower is a highlight of any visit and if you’re able to make the tough climb of 77 steps, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the park. 

After exploring the wonderful showrooms of the house, you can pick up some ingredients for a picnic from the café and lay out a blanket in the grounds – fingers crossed you might be lucky enough to spot the wild deer foraging among the trees. And for youngsters who still have the energy to burn, there are three different nature trails to enjoy of different lengths and difficulty. 

Bateman’s, Burwash, Sussex 

The former home and sanctuary of Rudyard Kipling, author of ‘The Jungle Book’, Bateman’s offers a host of excitement for families. Set in the wooded landscape of the Sussex Weald, this 17th–century Jacobean country house is a time capsule of the famous novelist’s life, with his possessions left just as if he’d stepped out for a walk. As well as exploring the treasures within the house, much of the magic of this place for little ones lies in the grounds. 

Pick up a map from the house and explore the great outdoors, there are three way-marked trails available. A natural play area is perfect for letting imaginations run wild, building dens and having fun on the giant swing and see-saw. During the summer there is a storytelling tent where children are transported into the world of Kipling’s Just So Stories, and a working watermill where they can play dress up. 

Uncover fascinating local history at museums 

One of the best ways for children to learn about the area they are staying in is by visiting a local museum. There is a myriad of thought-provoking museums in Kent and Sussex which offer interactive displays, fun quizzes and role play, so the kids will have plenty to talk about when they get back to class after their holiday.  

Smugglers Adventure, Hastings, Sussex 

Pirates, bootleggers and bloodthirsty gangs – you can meet them all on a curious journey through hidden underground tunnels and caverns at Smugglers Adventure. Led by notorious smuggler Hairy Jack, this top tourist attraction in Sussex features interactive displays, special effects and dramatic recreations to bring the mysterious 18th–century world of the South Coast smugglers to life. 

Canterbury Roman Museum, Canterbury, Kent 

Built around the remains of an original Roman townhouse, this underground museum offers a glimpse into life in the South East after the Roman invasion. Wander through the marketplace, handle real Roman objects, try on a toga and have a go at making your own mosaics as you step back, and down, to the atmospheric streets of Roman Canterbury. 

Toy and Model Museum, Brighton, Sussex 

A kid’s dream come true; this Sussex museum is a treasure trove of over 10,000 toys. Soft toys, model trains and aircraft, construction toys, dolls and puppets are all on display, as well as a selection of working end-of-the-pier slot machines. It’s fun for children and, with a nice dose of nostalgia, for parents too. 

Shipwreck Museum and Fishermen’s Museum, Hastings, Sussex 

Mini pirates in the making are sure to love both of these Sussex attractions which are within yards of each other. Packed with maritime treasures and pirate paraphernalia recovered from shipwrecks off Hastings and from around the world, there is loads to see. And the seaside shanties playing in the background are a great toe-tapping touch. 

There are so many historic days out with the kids in Sussex and Kent to discover, and without a doubt, the best way to explore them with your family is with the freedom that comes with a self-catering holiday. Bramley and Teal offer a fantastic selection of Sussex cottages, perfect for putting your feet up after fun-filled days of climbing castles, visiting museums and wandering around fascinating country houses.

 

** This is a collaborative post **