Soak up some of Kent’s rich history this autumn with the National Trust’s half term activities.

From pumpkin trails and ghost hunts to hand painting and graffiti workshops, there’s lots to keep your family entertained at these stunning country estates…

CHARTWELL, Westerham

Is there a better time of year to learn all about pumpkins? Visit Winston Churchill’s former home this month and enjoy the seasonal pumpkin display in the walled garden, which is a perfect spot to snap a selfie. You can also take part in the pumpkin trail and, if you can guess the weight of the biggest pumpkin, you’ll win a special prize.

Details: Saturday, October 21 to Sunday, October 29 at Chartwell in Westerham. Pumpkin trail costs £1 in addition to the entry ticket. Book online here.

EMMETTS GARDEN, Sevenoaks

From giant willow mushrooms to a fairy ring of wooden toadstools, Emmetts Garden is a great place to discover funky fungi this half term. The gardens will host the Fungi Festival with special activities during the school holidays including graffiti workshops, mushroom crafts and the spooky Halloween-themed finale.

Details: Friday, October 6 to Sunday, October 29 at Emmetts Garden in Sevenoaks. Activities included in the entry ticket. Book online here.

IGHTHAM MOTE, Sevenoaks

There’s lots to do at this medieval manor in October. There’s the ghost trail, which is set up in the picturesque gardens which brave visitors must explore if they want to help find the not-so-spooky ghosts hidden among the plants and trees. There will also be a number of half term craft activities taking place during the week.

Details: Saturday, October 21 to Sunday, October 29 at Ightham Mote near Sevenoaks. Activities included in the entry ticket. Book online here.

KNOLE, Sevenoaks

Let your artistic side loose with a huge drawing festival this half term. The Big Draw Festival will return to Knole this year with a new theme, Drawing with Senses, which encourages participants to use all five senses in creative ways, from sketching with your eyes closed to painting with your hands. There will also be an indoor trail, fancy dress outfits and children’s workshops.

Details: Saturday, October 21 to Sunday, October 29 at Knole in Sevenoaks. The festival is included in the entry ticket. Book online here.

SCOTNEY CASTLE, Lamberhurst

No matter your kids’ age, there’s something to suit the whole family at Scotney Castle. For little ones there’s the Silly Skeletons trail, while visitors aged 7 and over can help find Professor Squilby on the Secrets of Scotney trail. Both trails follow a similar route so your family can stay together while taking part.

Details: Saturday, October 21 to Sunday, October 29 at Scotney Garden in Lamberhurst, near Tunbridge Wells. Trail costs £3 per child in addition to the entry ticket. Book online.