Henry VIII and novelist Vita Sackville-West have both been residents of the National Trust house, Knole. Surrounded by a 1000-acre deer park, its early 17th-century state rooms contain an important collection of tapestries, and paintings by Van Dyck and Gainsborough.
Step into Charles Darwin's slippers and explore Down House, in which he wrote and researched his revolutionary On The Origin of Species series. Watch bees building their honeycomb or pace his Sandwalk path and come up with your own theories.
Imagine Henry VIII warming his hands at the octagonal hearth when he came to stay in the 13th-century Penshurst Place and Gardens. Kids love the ancient suits of armour in the Baron's Hall. Visit in June to admire the Rose Garden.
Join a guided tour of the Jacobean Godinton House mansion and explore the stunning medieval hall and beautifully restored labyrinth of rooms. The house is surrounded by 12 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds including a rose garden.
Britain's most important naval base for over 400 years, the now-restored Historic Dockyard Chatham is a key heritage site. Kent's largest museum, it includes Royal Navy's last operational Second World War destroyer, HMS Cavalier, and the Chatham-built submarine, Ocelot.