There are a great number of cultural gems all over Kent for older people to enjoy. This guide will highlight some of Kent’s best cultural attractions, including National Trust properties, beautiful castles and Silver Cinema screenings.
If you are looking for more accessible days out, you can take a look at Age Space’s guide to The Best Accessible Days out in Kent.
Three Stunning National Trust Properties in Kent
There are some incredible National Trust properties in Kent that can provide a great day out. We have listed three of our favourites below.
Be sure to take a look at out guide to the Best Discounts for the Elderly in Kent for details on getting a senior discount for National Trust membership!
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote is a beautiful, medieval, moated manor house that was built over 700 years ago. It is described by architectural writer John Newman as being the “most complete small, medieval manor house in the county”. It even has a Grade I listed dog kennel!
As well as the house, there are three stunning estate walks that offer great views of the Kent countryside, including the ancient bluebell woodland at Scathes Wood.
Steps have been taken to make Ightham Mote as accessible as possible and a suggested-level access map around the gardens is available from Visitor Reception. For wheelchair users, only the ground floor is accessible due to the house’s uneven floors. Guide dogs are welcome and there are large-print and braille house guides available. You can read more about accessibility at Ightham Mote in its’ full access guide.
Prices
- Adult: £16.00
- Child: £8.00
National Trust members can enter for free!
Opening Hours
Opening Hours vary seasonally, please take a look at the website for details.
Parking
The car park is open all year, costing £3.00 per day for non-members.
- Telephone: 01732 810378
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Chartwell
Chartwell was the family home of the Churchill family and where Winston Churchill lived himself for much of his adult life. The house and gardens have been left largely as they were when he lived there, including the lakes he had created.
In November 2019 a new exhibition was launched at Chartwell, exploring the Life of Churchill through 50 Objects.
There is wheelchair access only to the sitting room, hall and library, but the team at Chartwell have put together an immersive Virtual Tour for people who cannot access the other rooms. A step-free route of the grounds is available.
You can read more about accessibility at Chartwell in their complete access statement.
Prices
- Adults: £20.00 for the entire property or £14.00 for the Garden & Studio
- Children: £10.00 for the entire property or £7.00 for the Garden & Studio
National Trust members can enter for free!
Opening Hours
Opening Hours vary seasonally, please take a look at the website for details.
Parking
- Telephone: 01732 868381
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Sissinghurst Castle Gardens
Sissinghurst Castle Gardens has a rich history, dating back to its time as a prison in the 1700s and then its use as a base for the women’s land army.
It grew to prominence during the period in which it was inhabited by the poet and writer, Vita Sackville-West and her husband, Harold Nicolson. Together, they transformed Sissinghurst Castle’s grounds into beautiful gardens, full of colourful, abundant flora and carefully planned garden rooms.
Wheelchair users may find some parts of the garden challenging to navigate as there are uneven paths, steps, and levels. You can read more about accessibility at Sissinghurst Castle Grounds in their complete access statement.
Prices
- Adult: £16.00
- Child: £8.00
National Trust members can enter for free!
Opening Hours
Opening Hours vary seasonally, please take a look at the website for details.
Parking
There is designated, disabled parking in the main car park, with a mobility buggy that runs from the car park to the visitor reception and the shop.
- Telephone: 01580 710700
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Two Beautiful Castles in Kent
Hever Castle
Hever Castle is the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the Queen of England from 1533 to 1536. The castle, which began being built in the 13th century, has vast and impressive mazes, gardens and a lake. Those feeling adventurous can rent a boat for the afternoon and enjoy relaxing on the 38-acre lake!
As well as the beautiful castle and grounds, Hever Castle also boasts a fantastic collection of Tudor paintings. There are also two restaurants and an expansive shop on-site.
Unfortunately, motorised wheelchairs cannot be used in the castle and courtyard, but the gardens, shops and restaurants are all wheelchair-accessible. You can read more about accessibility at Hever Castle in their full access statement.
Prices
Castle & Gardens
- Adult: £20.80
- Child: £11.80
- Concession/Senior (60+): £18.25
Gardens Only
- Adult: £17.15
- Child: £10.75
- Concession/Senior (60+): £15.50
Opening Hours
Opening Times vary seasonally.
Parking
Parking is free and accessible parking is available.
- Telephone: 01732 865224
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Dover Castle
Dover Castle, sometimes described as the “Key to England” due to its historical use in military defence, is one of the largest castles in England. The site of the castle has a long and rich history, dating back to the existence of two Roman lighthouses built in the early 2nd century.
In more recent times, it is believed that the Dunkirk evacuation was masterminded here during World War II. On a trip to the castle, you will be able to climb the Great Tower and enter the underground Secret Wartime Tunnels. We would highly recommend Dover Castle to anybody interested in their history!
Wheelchair access is available within the grounds and the Operation Dynamo experience, but not the Underground Hospital. Find out more about accessibility at Dover Castle in their access statement.
Prices
Prices vary seasonally. You can find more information and book through the Dover Castle’s website.
As Dover Castle is owned by English Heritage, members can access the castle for free. Find out more information on our page on the Best Discounts for the Elderly in Kent.
Opening Hours
Every day, 10:00am – 17:00pm
Parking
Free parking for up to 200 cars.
- Telephone: 0370 333 1181
- Visit Website
Silver Screenings at Local Cinemas Across Kent
ODEON Silver Screen
ODEON cinemas run dedicated silver screenings for older people (60+). Tickets for these showings are from £3.50 and include hot drinks and biscuits.
In Kent, there are ODEON cinemas in Chatham, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells. To find out when there are ODEON silver screen showings coming up near you, visit the website of your most convenient cinema below:
Chatham
- Address: ODEON, Leviathon Way, Chatham, ME4 4LL
- Visit Website
Maidstone
- Address: ODEON Luxe, Barker Road, Maidstone, ME16 8RG
- Visit Website
Tunbridge Wells
- Address: ODEON, Knights Way, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3UW
- Visit Website
Picturehouse Silver Screen
Picturehouse Ashford run Silver Screen showings of films every Thursday before 17:00. These showings cost a reduced rate of £7.30 and come with free tea or filter coffee. You can find out which films are coming up for Silver Screen showings on the Picturehouse website.
- Address: Ashford Picturehouse, Elwick Road, Ashford, TN23 1AE
- Visit Website
