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5 great Things to do this Autumn in Kent - fabulous activities for all the family

Although I’m a summer girl at heart, I can’t help but get excited when I see the first signs of Autumn creeping in. The beautiful colours and those crisp sunny mornings make me want to get out and explore. With the lure of a hot chocolate and with so much to keep the kids entertained, there is no excuse not to wrap up warm, put on your wellies and get out.

Here are my favourite ways to enjoy Autumn in Kent:
(you’ll find all the links you need at the bottom of the article)

Kirsty

October 4, 2022

Make like a royal and visit a castle

Leeds Castle

The ‘loveliest castle in the world’ plays host to a whole range of seasonal colours in the Autumn. With over 500 acres of beautiful parkland, Leeds castle is the perfect place for a crisp, refreshing walk. With a fabulous play park, tricky maze, instagram worthy views and a stunning castle to explore, it makes for a great family day out. Leeds castle has also recently reintroduced black swans to their grounds, so keep an eye out for these majestic birds.

Hever Castle

Hever Castle is arguably at its best during the Autumn. With gorgeous deep red ivy adorning the castle it truly is a stunning sight. Explore the beautiful gardens and enjoy the ruby red rosehips. The children will love the amazing castle-inspired play park but try and drag them away so that you can discover the history of the castle and learn about its famous inhabitants.
From 1st October kids can pick up a free craft collection bag which can be filled with fallen autumn leaves during their visit so that they can create their own Autumn suncatcher at home.

Scotney Castle

This romantic, picturesque garden, with a moated castle, definitely is at its most stunning when surrounded by autumnal colours. Set in a 780-acre estate Scotney makes for a great day out during the autumn months. The 300 acres of woodland are perfect for exploring and the children will love the outdoor playpark and the Wilderness camp where they can build their own dens. Just make sure you stop at the tearoom on the way back for a warming hot chocolate.

Blow away the cobwebs with a walk

Bedgebury Pinetum

Open all year, Bedgebury truly seems to come alive during the autumn months. The pinetum is home to over 12,000 specimen trees and is the ideal setting for a peaceful walk.
As well as walking trails Bedgebury has trails for family cycling and mountain biking.
With lovely views of the pinetum, the cafe is a great place to stop and rest after a bracing walk through the trees.

Elmley Nature Reserve

Situated on the Isle of Sheppey, the Reserve is 3,300 acres of wonderful wilderness. Great for a wander on one of those perfect autumn days – where the sun is shining and it’s not too cold. Take your binoculars to look out for the many birds that make the nature reserve their home.
You can book different tours of the reserve at a cost and if you like you can even stay the night in one of the different beautiful accommodations.

Knole park

I just love Knole Park in autumn – there is something magical about seeing the deer wandering in and out of the autumn-coloured trees. Knole has a great mix of woodland and open spaces. There are suggested walking routes ranging from 4-5km each including one suitable for sturdy pushchairs. Grab yourself a takeaway hot drink from the cafe and get exploring.
Here you will also find the stunning Knole House, a Jacobean remodelling of a medieval archepiscopal palace.

Thornden Woods

Part of Blean Woods, this is one of our favourite Autumn walks, it comes alive with reds, oranges and golden hues. There are a variety of paths to follow however our favourite is the short sensory trail, including sculptures, totem poles and bug hotels.
These woods are part of a rewilding project and bison have been introduced to the area although they are not viewable by the public yet. You can book guided tours but it is not guaranteed that you will see them.

Mote Park

When I think of Mote Park in the autumn I think of paths covered in fallen golden leaves, just ready to be kicked by wellied feet! Covering over 450 acres, it includes natural features such as grassland, woodland, rivers and a 30 acre lake.
There is a great playpark suitable for all ages perfect if the kids havent run out of steam on their walk. There is a new cafe due to be opening in the autumn but there is a kiosk offering hot food and drinks if not.

Get lost in a gorgeous garden

Hole Park Gardens

Probably most famous for its bluebell walk in Spring, Hole Park Gardens is equally worth visiting in the Autumn. The gardens explore in a riot of colour before giving way to the colours of Autumn. With 16 acres of gardens and 10 acres of woodland there is plenty to explore. Take the woodland walk to experience the best of the autumn colours and look out for the sculpture of a family of bears climbing a tree.

Belmont House

With over 3000 acres to explore Belmont is another destination perfect for an Autumn wander. Nestled in the Faversham countryside is an 18th century house and its surrounding estate, giving spectacular views of the Kentish North Downs. In Autumn the tress and plants give way to golden hues. No visit to Belmont is complete without a go on the swing and a visit to the lizard sculpture.

Penshurst Place

There is much to explore at Penshurst Place. During the autumn season expect a beautiful array of colurs, looking out for rosehips and red berries. The best spots to see the full array of autumn foliage is by strolling the Arboretum, Woodland Trail and Parkland. Head to the kitchen garden and you may even see pumpkins growing. The autumn season is your last chance to see Penshurst Place until next February. The adventure playground, which includes a toddler area will delight the children and makes Penshurst the perfect destination for all of the family.