Ightham Mote (2 miles) – A romantic moated 13th century manor house, described by David Starkey as 'one of the most beautiful and interesting of English country houses'. Built nearly 700 years ago, this house has seen many changes and been owned by medieval knights, courtiers to Henry VIII and high-society Victorians. Highlights include the picturesque courtyard, Great Hall, crypt, Tudor painted ceiling, Grade I listed dog kennel and the private apartments of Charles Henry Robinson, who gave Ightham Mote to the National Trust in 1985. The building is surrounded by peaceful gardens with an orchard, water features, lakes and woodland walks
Old Soar Manor (3 miles) - Rare remaining structure of a late thirteenth-century knight's dwelling, including solar chamber, barrel-vaulted undercroft, chapel and garderobe
Tonbridge Castle (6 miles) – originally built soon after the Norman Conquest in 1070 boasts Kent's best example of a Motte and Bailey Gatehouse
Knole House and Park (7 miles) - The birthplace and childhood home of Vita Sackville-West, who went on to create the gardens at Sissinghurst, Knole was also the setting for Virgina Woolf's novel Orlando . The house includes world-renowned Stuart furniture, important paintings and the prototype of the famous Knole settee. Knole is set at the heart of the only remaining medieval deer park in Kent (sika and fallow deer roam freely).
Emmetts Garden (10 miles) – Standing on one of the highest spots in Kent commanding spectacular views, Victorian Garden with year-round interest containing many exotic and rare trees and shrubs from across the world. Charming formal rose garden and rock garden returned to its original design
Toys Hill (12 miles) – More than 200 acres of woodland owned by the National Trust going up to just under 800 feet, a marvellous area for a relaxing walk commanding excellent views over the Weald of Kent
The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells (12 miles) - The Pantiles and Tunbridge Wells itself, owe their beginnings to the discovery of the Chalybeate Spring in the early 17th century and the popularity of the spa water amongst the gentry and royalty of Georgian England. The pretty colonnaded walkway known as the Pantiles, built in the 18th century has become probably the most well-known view of Tunbridge Wells and remains a pleasant place to browse, shop, eat, drink and stroll
Chartwell (12 miles) – Home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1924 until the end of his life, the rooms remain much as they were when he lived there, with pictures, books and personal mementoes reflecting the wide-ranging interests of this great statesman and many of his paintings can be seen in the studio. The hillside gardens reflect Churchill's love of the landscape and nature and include the lakes he created, Lady Churchill's rose garden and the kitchen garden.
Hever Castle (14 miles) – Originally started in 1270 consisting of the gatehouse and walled bailey, a dwelling was added in the early 1500's and it became the childhood home of its most famous inhabitant, Anne Boleyn. The Castle house historic 16th Century Tudor Portraits, furniture and tapestries. The Council Chamber in the 13th century gatehouse contains collections of historic swords, armour, instruments of execution, torture and discipline
Chevening House (10 miles) – 3,000 acre estate stretching between Sevenoaks and Biggin Hill. Official residence of the Foreign Secretary
