What's on around The Holt in the near future
Using our contacts and links in the local area we produce this list. If you are making a special trip to stay with us to visit any of these please check with the venue before you book so that you are sure of all the details as they may change from when we collected them.
Balfour Winery, Hush Heath Estate
On major public holidays visits require pre-booking
Hidden deep in the Garden of England, the Estate is home to award winning English sparkling wine, Balfour Brut Rosé. Since its beginnings the Estate has grown its product range substantially and now boasts an exquisite selection of wines and ciders all produced from fruit grown in beautiful vineyards and apple orchards. An expert team of winemakers combine their skills in state of the art winery to bring this delicious range.
The Estate comprises 400 acres of perfectly manicured vineyards, apple orchards and ancient oak woodlands rich with wildlife, flora and fauna all of which add to the beauty and provenance of what is produced.
Venue: Balfour Winery, Hush Heath Estate, Five Oak Ln, Staplehurst, TN12 0HT
Distance from The Holt: 10 miles, about 20 minutes by car
Batemans Country house
(National Trust)
Open daily year-round, approx. 10:00–17:00. No booking required.
Batemans, once home to Rudyard Kipling, is a charming 17th-century house nestled in the Sussex countryside. Surrounded by a tranquil garden and a working watermill, it offers a glimpse into the author’s personal world. The house is filled with Kipling’s belongings, while the gardens, orchard, and wildflower meadow provide peaceful walking routes. There’s also a tea-room serving local produce, and a small shop. Perfect for literary fans and those seeking a quiet heritage site with timeless charm.
Venue: Bateman's Lane, Burwash, East Sussex TN19 7DS
Distance from The Holt: 14 miles (about 30 minutes by car)
Bedgebury Pinetum
Open daily year-round except Christmas Day. Booking not required for general admission; pay on entry or use membership.
Bedgebury National Pinetum offers a stunning mix of outdoor activities and nature. Home to the world''s most complete conifer collection, it features walking, cycling, and running trails, adventure play areas, and Go Ape treetop challenges. Ideal for families and nature lovers alike, with seasonal interest all year round.
Venue: Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, Kent TN17 2SJ
Distance from The Holt: 9 miles (about 20 minutes by car)
Biddenden Vineyard
Self-guided visits May–Sept; guided tours Wed––Sat (May–Sept) — pre-booking required for tours.
Biddenden Vineyard is Kent’s oldest commercial vineyard, family-run for over 50 years. Visitors can enjoy self-guided walks through the vines, browse the on-site shop for local wines, ciders and juices, or join a guided tour to learn more about production. Tastings are available, and picnic spots make it a lovely summer stop. The friendly staff and unspoilt rural setting make Biddenden a delightful visit.
Venue: Gribble Bridge Ln, Biddenden, Ashford TN27 8DF
Distance from The Holt: 10 miles - 25 minutes
Bodiam Castle
(National Trust)
Open daily from mid-February to October. Weekends only in winter. Pre-booking not required.
Archetypal 14th century moated castle with ruined interior - a glimpse of medieval splendour. Set in the heart of an historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th century Bodiam Castle is one of Britains most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments.
Lots of seasonal events throughout the year.
Venue: Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA
Distance from The Holt: 6 miles, about 30 minutes by car
C.M. Booth Collection
Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. No pre-booking required.
The C.M. Booth Collection in Rolvenden houses one of the largest collections of Morgan three-wheelers in the UK, alongside other vintage cars, memorabilia, and automobilia. It offers visitors a nostalgic journey through British motoring history, with well-preserved exhibits and a charming small-town setting. An ideal stop for classic car enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
Venue: Rolvenden, Cranbrook TN17 4JA
Distance from The Holt: 6 miles (about 12 minutes by car)
Canterbury Cathedral
Open daily year-round. Tickets can be pre-booked online.
Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England, known for its Gothic architecture and as the site of Thomas Becket's martyrdom. A must-visit for heritage lovers.
Venue: Canterbury CT1 2EH
Distance from The Holt: 40 miles (about 60 minutes by car)
Chapel Down Vineyard
Open to the public every day from 10am until 5pm
Chapel Down is located in the beautiful Kent countryside, close to the picturesque market town of Tenterden, and is open to visitors throughout the year.
Venue: Small Hythe Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 7NG
Distance from The Holt: 8 miles, about 15 minutes by car
Chartwell
(National Trust)
Family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill
Chartwell was the much-loved Churchill family home from 1922 and the place from which Sir Winston drew inspiration until the end of his life.
The rooms remain much as they were when he lived here, with pictures, books and personal mementoes evoking the career and wide-ranging interests of a great statesman, writer, painter and family man.
The hillside gardens reflect Sir Winston’s love of the landscape and nature. They include the lakes he created, the kitchen garden and the Marycot, a playhouse designed for his youngest daughter Mary.
Beyond the gardens there is an expanse of woodland with looped trails and natural play areas
Venue: Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS
Distance from The Holt: 14 miles (about 30 minutes by car)
Chatham Historic Dockyard
Open daily from February to November. Booking advised during weekends and holidays.
Chatham Historic Dockyard is a vast maritime heritage site offering historic warships, interactive galleries, submarine tours, and a Victorian ropery. Perfect for a full day out exploring naval history and family-friendly exhibitions.
Venue: Chatham ME4 4TZ
Distance from The Holt: 36 miles (about 55 minutes by car)
Cranbrook Museum
April to October: Open Tuesday to Saturday and Bank Holiday Mondays, 2pm - 4.30pm. No pre-booking required.
Cranbrook Museum offers a glimpse into the area's past with exhibits on local trades, costume, toys, and the old grammar school. Set in a 15th-century building, it is run by volunteers and full of character and nostalgia. Ideal for families and history lovers.
Venue: Carriers Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3JX
Distance from The Holt: 3 miles (about 10 minutes by car)
Cranbrook town
Town is open all year. Shops and cafes open most days.
Known as the ''Capital of the Weald'', Cranbrook features cobbled streets, artisan food outlets, historic buildings, and a friendly atmosphere. The town is a great starting point for countryside walks and offers a mix of heritage, local produce, and community events throughout the year.
Venue: Cranbrook, TN17 3DN
Distance from The Holt: 2 miles (about 5 minutes by car)
Cranbrook Windmill
Open selected weekends from spring to autumn check website for seasonal hours.
Cranbrook Windmill, also known as Union Mill, is one of the tallest smock mills in England still in operation. Visitors can explore the working machinery, enjoy panoramic views, and learn about windmill engineering. Operated by volunteers and open seasonally for guided visits.
Venue: Cranbrook, TN17 3AH
Distance from The Holt: 2 miles (about 5 minutes by car)
Dungeness Visit
Accessible year-round, although may be limited in poor weather.
Dungeness is a striking shingle promontory on the Kent coast, home to rare wildlife, artists' cottages, and dramatic seascapes. Visitors can explore two lighthouses, the old narrow gauge railway, and the edge of the imposing nuclear power station. It is a haven for photographers and nature lovers alike, offering wide skies, rugged beaches, and an otherworldly landscape.
Venue: Dungeness, Romney Marsh TN29 9NB
Distance from The Holt: 27 miles (about 50 minutes by car)
Emmetts Garden near Sevenoaks
(National Trust)
Open daily. Pre-booking not required except for special events.
Emmetts Garden offers a stunning hillside landscape with colourful seasonal planting, exotic trees, and far-reaching views. Perfect for a peaceful stroll, it includes picnic spots, a wild play area, and a charming Edwardian estate garden designed for year-round interest.
A good choice to visit if travelling to Chartwell the same day.
Venue: Ide Hill, Sevenoaks TN14 6BA
Distance from The Holt: 28 miles (about 50 minutes by car)
Great Dixter
Not open Monday, closed November to mid-March
Great Dixter was the family home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd – it was the focus of his energy and enthusiasm and fuelled over 40 years of books and articles. Now under the stewardship of Fergus Garrett and the Great Dixter Charitable Trust, Great Dixter is an historic house, a garden, a centre of education, and a place of pilgrimage for horticulturists from across the world.
Venue: Northiam, East Sussex TN31 6PH
Distance from The Holt: 8 miles - 20 mins
Hastings Country Park
Open year-round.
Explore the wild beauty of Hastings Country Park, with coastal trails, ancient woodlands and panoramic views across the English Channel. Ideal for hikers, bird watchers, and nature lovers.
Venue: Hastings TN35 4AD
Distance from The Holt: 19 miles (about 45 minutes by car)
Hastings Seaside and Old Town
Hastings is a charming seaside town offering a mix of coastal fun, rich history, independent shops, museums, and the iconic cliff railways. The Old Town is full of character with timber-framed buildings, quirky cafes, and art galleries. Attractions include the Fishermen's Museum, Jerwood Gallery, and nearby Hastings Castle ruins.
Venue: Hastings TN34 3EG
Distance from The Holt: 20 miles (about 40 minutes by car)
Headcorn Aerodrome
Flying events run from spring to autumn. Museum open weekends.
Headcorn Aerodrome hosts airshows, parachuting, and vintage flying events. With its aviation museum and active WWII heritage, it is a draw for aviation fans and families alike.
Venue: Ashford TN27 9HX
Distance from The Holt: 11 miles (about 25 minutes by car)
Hever Castle and Gardens
Open daily March to November. Pre-booking advised during peak seasons.
Hever Castle, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, features stunning gardens, a lake, interactive exhibitions and seasonal events. Ideal for history lovers, families, and garden enthusiasts.
Venue: Hever TN8 7NG
Distance from The Holt: 28 miles (about 50 minutes by car)
Hole Park Gardens
(Historic Houses)
Open daily April–June and selected days July–October.
Hole Park is a privately-owned estate with award-winning gardens that change beautifully through the seasons. In spring, bluebells and wildflowers line woodland paths, while summer brings vibrant herbaceous borders and neatly clipped hedges. A walled garden, arboretum, and panoramic views offer something for everyone. The tearoom serves light lunches and homemade cakes, and the garden shop stocks local goods. This hidden gem is ideal for peaceful garden strolls.
Venue: Benenden Rd, Rolvenden, Cranbrook TN17 4JA
Distance from The Holt: 10 minute drive
Ightham Mote
(National Trust)
Open daily from March to October, weekends in winter. Pre-booking not required.
Ightham Mote is a romantic moated manor house nestled in the Kent countryside. Discover over 700 years of history, explore its tranquil gardens, and enjoy woodland walks. The house features a Great Hall, Tudor chapel, and picturesque courtyard. Family-friendly trails and a welcoming cafe make this a perfect day out for all ages.
Venue: Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT
Distance from The Holt: 22 miles (about 40 minutes by car)
Kent & East Sussex Railway
Open most weekends and school holidays year-round. Pre-booking advised for special events and high season travel.
Enjoy a nostalgic journey on the Kent & East Sussex Railway, a heritage line with steam and diesel trains between Tenterden and Bodiam. Trains can be boarded at any of the stations. Bodiam Station is particular good as it is about 10 minutes walk from Bodiam Castle and The Castle Inn.
Venue: Station Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE
Distance from The Holt: 9 miles (about 20 minutes by car)
Lamb House, home of writers past
(National Trust)
Open from spring to autumn, usually Wednesday to Sunday. Pre-booking is not required for individual visitors.
Lamb House in Rye was once home to writers Henry James and E.F. Benson. This elegant Georgian house offers a glimpse into their literary lives. Visitors can explore the atmospheric rooms, discover historical artefacts, and enjoy the peaceful walled garden. The house has inspired novels and hosted notable guests. It remains a cultural gem in the heart of the historic Cinque Port town, ideal for literary enthusiasts and lovers of historic architecture.
Venue: West Street, Rye TN31 7ES
Distance from The Holt: 14 miles (about 35 minutes by car)
Lashenden Air Warfare Museum
Open weekends and bank holidays from Easter to end of October. No pre-booking required.
Lashenden Air Warfare Museum offers a fascinating collection of World War II aviation history. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring aircraft, weaponry, uniforms, and military memorabilia. Located at Headcorn Aerodrome, the museum is run by volunteers and provides a unique insight into wartime aviation and life on the home front.
Venue: Headcorn Aerodrome, Ashford TN27 9HX
Distance from The Holt: 13 miles (about 25 minutes by car)
Leeds Castle
Not open on Christmas Day
Leeds Castle is a picturesque moated castle located near Maidstone in Kent, with a history stretching back over 1,000 years. Originally a Norman stronghold built in 1119, it became a royal palace used by King Edward I and later by Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Today, the castle is set within 500 acres of parkland and formal gardens and is a popular visitor destination offering a blend of heritage, nature, and family entertainment. Highlights include beautifully restored interiors, a yew maze, a grotto, a bird of prey centre, seasonal events, and playgrounds for children. Visitors can explore exhibitions, take boat rides on the lake, or simply enjoy a walk through the scenic grounds. The castle also offers accommodation, dining, and golfing facilities, making it a complete day out or weekend retreat. Leeds Castle combines centuries of English history with a modern visitor experience, welcoming people of all ages.
Venue: Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL
Distance from The Holt: Approximately 20 miles (32 km), about a 30-minute
Pashley Manor Gardens
(Historic Houses)
Typically open 1st April to 30th September
Discover 11 acres of stunning English Country gardens on the Kent–Sussex border. Family-owned and lovingly maintained, Pashley delights with sweeping borders, walled and kitchen gardens, a rose walk, and historic vistas. Enjoy seasonal highlights including a Tulip Festival with 40,000 blooms, Special Rose Week, and Dahlia Days. Wildlife abounds among the vibrant planting schemes and elegant landscaping. Relax at the Café with homemade food and garden views, browse the Gift Shop and Plant Sales, and enjoy Sculpture and Art Exhibitions. A warm welcome and peaceful atmosphere make Pashley a perfect day out.
Venue: Pashley Manor Gardens Pashley Rd Ticehurst, East Sussex TN5 7HE
Distance from The Holt: 10 miles - 25 minutes
Port Lympne Reserve
Open daily year-round; pre-booking recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.
Port Lympne Reserve is a 600-acre wildlife park near Hythe, Kent, offering safari experiences, and over 900 rare and endangered animals. It supports conservation efforts globally and offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. Enjoy vast parkland, dramatic views across the Romney Marsh, and immersive animal encounters for a full day of discovery and fun.
Venue: Aldington Road, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LR
Distance from The Holt: 22 miles (about 45 minutes by car)
Romney Marsh Churches
Open daily during daylight hours. No booking required.
Romney Marsh is home to a unique collection of remote medieval churches, including St Thomas Becket in Fairfield and St Clement in Old Romney. These isolated buildings stand as testaments to the area''s history, with atmospheric interiors and fascinating architecture in stark natural settings.
Venue: Romney Marsh, Kent TN29
Distance from The Holt: 20 miles (about 40 minutes by car)
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
Open March to October. Timetable varies. Online booking available.
This world-famous 15-inch gauge railway features steam and diesel locomotives running 13.5 miles from Hythe to Dungeness. Ideal for families and railway enthusiasts.
Venue: New Romney TN28 8PL
Distance from The Holt: 29 miles (about 50 minutes by car)
Rye town visit
Rye is a picturesque medieval town in East Sussex known for its well-preserved historic buildings, antique shops, and scenic coastal views. Visitors can explore cobbled streets, visit the Rye Castle Museum, climb the tower at St Mary's Church, and enjoy local cafes and markets. The town offers a blend of history, charm, and culture, perfect for a relaxing day trip from The Holt.
Venue: Rye, TN31 7JF
Distance from The Holt: 15 miles (about 35 minutes by car)
Sarah Raven at Perch Hill
Opening: Selected Open Days only. Pre-booking essential.
Perch Hill is Sarah Raven’s cutting garden and the heart of her flower and cookery school. Nestled in East Sussex, this working garden bursts into colour each season, with tulips in spring, sweet peas in early summer, and spectacular dahlias later on. Visitors can explore garden ‘rooms’, attend workshops, or browse the shop for seeds and tools. Perch Hill is only open on special event days, so it’s an exclusive but inspiring treat for gardening enthusiasts.
Venue: Perch Hill Farm Willingford Ln, Brightling, Burwash, Robertsbridge TN32 5HP
Distance from The Holt: 17 miles (about 35 minutes by car)
Scotney Castle
(National Trust)
Parking must be pre-booked online (or by phone) by 9am on the day (otherwise parking is not guaranteed)
Nestled in the wooded Bewl Valley on the Kent-Sussex border, Scotney Castle is a romantic National Trust estate featuring a medieval moated ruin and a Victorian manor house designed by Anthony Salvin. The gardens gracefully slope from the “New Castle” down to the Old Castle ruin, showcasing a rich spring display of rhododendrons, azaleas, and kalmia, summer wisteria and roses, and dramatic autumn colours. Highlights include the Quarry Garden, Victorian icehouse, walled fruit and vegetable garden, and mature specimen trees including redwoods and maples. As an SSSI, the estate is a sanctuary for wildlife and rare wildflowers like green‑winged orchids. A serene, scenic retreat that blends history, nature and picturesque landscaping across all seasons.
Venue: Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JN
Distance from The Holt: 11 miles (about 30 minutes by car)
Sissinghurst Castle Gardens
(National Trust)
Sissinghurst Castle Garden is one of England’s most iconic and romantic gardens. Created by poet Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson in the 1930s, it is famed for its beautiful garden rooms, each with its own theme and atmosphere. Highlights include the world-famous White Garden, vibrant herbaceous borders, and tranquil orchard. Set among the ruins of an Elizabethan mansion, the garden offers sweeping views from its tower. Now managed by the National Trust, Sissinghurst blends creativity, structure, and wild beauty—an inspiring destination for garden lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Venue: Biddenden Road, Kent TN17 2AB
Distance from The Holt: 4 miles (about 12 minutes by car, 1.5 hours walk)
Smallhythe Place - home of Ellen Terry
(National Trust)
Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Once the most highly paid actress in England, Ellen Terry bought Smallhythe Place in 1899 as her country retreat away from her busy life in London. She lived here until her death in 1928, creating many memories along the way.
Venue: Small Hythe Road, Smallhythe, Kent, TN30 7NG
Distance from The Holt: 8 miles (about 20 minutes by car)
Tenterden town
Many shops and venues open most days year-round except Christmas Day.
Tenterden offers a quintessential English market town experience with a wide range of independent shops, cafes, and historical architecture. Highlights include St Mildred''s Church, the charming high street, and access to the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Ideal for a day out combining shopping, culture, and scenic walks.
Venue: Tenterden, TN30 6BW
Distance from The Holt: 7 miles (about 15 minutes by car)
The Brede Giants
Open selected Saturdays and bank holidays year round. Check website for dates.
The Brede Giants are two massive historic pumping engines housed in the old Brede Waterworks. Volunteers have restored these magnificent examples of Victorian and early 20th-century engineering. Guided tours reveal their history, workings, and role in supplying water to Hastings. A must for industrial heritage enthusiasts.
Venue: Waterworks Lane, Brede TN31 6HG
Distance from The Holt: 19 miles (about 35 minutes by car)
Tunbridge Wells
Open all year. No booking needed for most venues or shops.
Royal Tunbridge Wells is a historic spa town known for The Pantiles, elegant architecture, boutique shops, and the beautiful Dunorlan Park. A destination for culture, shopping, dining, and scenic charm. Attractions include the Spa Valley Railway, art galleries, and the Assembly Hall Theatre.
Venue: Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1RS
Distance from The Holt: 17 miles (about 35 minutes by car)
Woodchurch Rare Breeds Centre
Open daily year-round. Pre-booking recommended during holidays.
The Rare Breeds Centre offers hands-on animal experiences, play zones, nature trails and seasonal events. A great day out for families with young children near Ashford.
Venue: Woodchurch TN26 3RJ
Distance from The Holt: 14 miles (about 30 minutes by car)