Ightham Mote – Festival of Archaelogy 20-27th July
The Archaeology Room will open and its display of finds from the Ightham Mote estate will be on show. There’ll also be items from the collection of Benjamin Harrison, including artefacts, letters and watercolours. Harrison was one of the most famous archaeologists in the country in Victorian and Edwardian times and he was based in Ightham village.
An archaeology-inspired spotter trail will be available for families to enjoy daily in the house.
On Wednesday 22 July there’s a chance to meet the expert, as National Trust archaeologist Nathalie Cohen will be on hand to answer questions about archaeological finds made at Ightham Mote over the years.
Free events, normal admission to Ightham Mote applies.
Scotney Castle – Peter Rabbit & Much Ado About Nothing
Peter Rabbit 1 August 6pm
Peter Rabbit and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor’s garden, but they cannot resist and soon they find themselves face to face Mr McGregor himself! But how will they ever escape? Performed by Quantum Theatre
Various ticket types available, from £13 Book Here
Much Ado About Nothing 8 August 7pm
Changeling Theatre brings Shakespeare’s best romantic comedy to the outdoor stage at Scotney Castle
Various ticket types available, from £15 (children under 10 free) Book Here
Emmetts Garden – Ide Hill
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland 16th August 4pm
Step through the looking glass and into a world where nothing is quite as it seems, brought to you by This Is My Theatre.
Perfect for dreamers of all ages, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland invites you to lose yourself in the magic of one of literature’s most beloved journeys!
You are welcome to bring your own picnic blankets, picnics and chairs. Chairs will not be provided. Please note, this performance will take place regardless of wet weather. Please note, no dogs are permitted at this performance.
Ticket prices from £20. Family packages available.
Pre-booking is required.
The Jungle Book 20th August 3pm
Immersion Theatre are thrilled to bring their wild, brand-new musical adaptation of the Rudyard Kipling family favourite, THE JUNGLE BOOK!
Filled with original music, audience interaction, and a host of larger-than-life characters, you are invited to join Mowgli and his friends, Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, on a madcap jungle adventure as they meet and attempt to outwit a slithering snake, some cheeky monkeys, and the fierce tiger, Shere Khan!
Funny, exciting and wildly entertaining, this AOOO-some musical will have you howling with laughter: It’s the perfect treat for the whole family!
This is an open-air performance so please bring chairs, blankets and picnics to enjoy whilst watching. Performances will continue in wet weather so please come prepared! Please note, dogs are not permitted at this performance.
Ticket prices from £17. Family packages available.
Pre-booking is required by contacting their central box office on 0344 249 1895 or emailing emmetts@nationaltrust.org.uk
Scotney Castle Treasure Island 22 August 6pm
It’s pirate ships, pieces of eight and salty old sea dogs for Summer 2026 in Quantum Theatre’s swashbuckling new adaptation of the classic pirate adventure.
Various ticket types available, from £13 Book Here
Summer at Chartwell
Step into a world of imagination this summer and be inspired by award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph. As you explore the garden, let his delightful book ‘When I Grow Up I’d Like to Be…’ spark dreams of your future—while enjoying the magic of today. Follow the interactive trail, take part in activities and games and join in fun #DrawWithRob activities at Garden Cottage tearoom. Perfect for families and young creatives.
Open daily 10am–5pm (last entry 4pm) Free (admission fees apply)
You can meet Rob Biddulph at exclusive interactive family workshops on 12 & 26 August 2026. Enjoy storytelling and learn to draw with the bestselling illustrator himself! Book early to secure your place by contacting their central box office on 0344 2491895 or emailing chartwell@nationaltrust.org.uk
Summer at Emmetts
Discover a summer jam-packed with fun. Take part in nature-inspired games and activities as you explore the garden. Free with normal admission. Open 10am-5pm ( last admission 4pm)
Emmetts has a fully stocked play cupboard on the main field for the whole family to enjoy. Play a game of cricket, create a running course with our sports cones, play badminton, or practice your hula hooping skills. There is something for everyone.
Reconnect with nature in Wild Wonder Workshop sessions led by wellness expert Tansy Dowman blending mindfulness, creativity and movement. Suitable for ages 4-11. Pre-book for the workshops to avoid disappointment. Additional fee applies.
Discover the Wild Play area beside the Old Stables Tearoom. Kids will love the climbing frame, balance beams, play net, tunnels and more.
Summer at Ightham Mote
There’s lots of fun to be had this summer at Ightham Mote. From Saturday 18 July to Monday 31 August. There are games and activities in the garden, so put your sun hat on and come and make the most of being outdoors.
Have fun in the natural play area, challenge family and friends to a game of croquet or table tennis, or create your own show in the performance area.
Summer at Knole
Come and enjoy some time in the park at Knole during the summer holidays. There are sports kits to borrow – you can choose from cricket, boules or croquet.
Or have a go at being a summer explorer and pick up an adventure pack. Use it to explore the parkland, find minibeasts and see which birds you can spot around Knole.
Equipment is available to borrow from the Visitor Centre between 10am and 4pm.
Summer at Scotney
Advanced booking required: Please make sure you have booked your car parking slot ahead of your visit so as not to miss out.
Set in a beautiful meadow surrounded by historic gardens, woodland, and castle grounds, this event offers a vibrant mix of activity zones designed to spark creativity, movement, and connection with nature.
The festival meadow is bigger and better than ever, featuring themed zones that offer something for everyone.
On top of an already jam-packed Summer of Play, discover all-new Pokémon zones.
Other areas include:
Performance Zone: Take centre stage with costumes and props, perform a Punch & Judy puppet show, make music at the instrument wall, or dance with the party machine.
Sports Zone: Run wild in the open meadow with football, badminton, Twister, crazy golf, an obstacle course, and a space hopper race track.
Creative Zone: Let your imagination soar—draw on the walls, tell wild stories, and get messy in a space where creativity knows no bounds.
Nature Zone: Explore the sensory walkway, discover your animal twin, and spin the wheel for fun outdoor challenges in this hands-on nature adventure.
Games Zone: Enjoy classic board games in giant form and test your circus skills with juggling, plate spinning, and stilt-walking.
Summer at Quebec House
Garden Games are available Wednesday – Sunday during opening hours and are self-led activities.
Soft cup archery takes place on Wednesdays in August
Children’s yoga classes take place in the garden on 7, 14 and 21 August combined with a family-friendly 40 minute guided tour of the house. These sessions are free but booking is essential.
All play activities are free but normal admission will apply to the house.
Author: Helen Loder
Co-Director of Sevenoaks Mums