Enjoy family days out without breaking the bank this spring with free entry and special events at some of Kent’s top attractions.

The National Lottery Open Week returns from Saturday, March 18 to Sunday, March 26, offering visitors with a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard great discounts at castles, gardens, cathedrals and more. Here’s everywhere in Kent that’s taking part.

Canterbury Cathedral

Make the pilgrimage to England’s first Cathedral and find out how this Kent landmark came to be. Canterbury Cathedral has recently undergone a £30m restoration project to improve its exhibition spaces, visitor centre and repair the building, so there has never been a better time to visit. There will be guided tours and talks, suitable for families of all ages, to help you find out everything there is to know about this historic building. The cathedral’s Easter tour also launches on the same day.

Offer: Half price entry on Saturday, March 25.

Chartwell, Westerham

For forty years, Chartwell was the family home of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Many of the rooms in the house have been kept the same since the Churchill family moved into the home in 1922, with pictures, books and personal items dotted around the property, including the special exhibition which features 50 artefacts. The beautiful grounds have been meticulously landscaped and boast a kitchen garden, rose garden, walled garden, nature trails and play areas.

Offer: Free entry from Saturday, March 18 to Sunday, March 26.

Dover Castle

Take in stunning views of the English Channel from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Once you’ve enjoyed a bracing visit to the clifftop, you can head into Dover Castle, the medieval fortress that has been part of some of England’s most defining moments, including its wartime tunnels, underground hospital and Roman lighthouse. This exclusive offer also includes a guided tour of the Constable’s Tower, a 13th Century Gatehouse that is usually closed to the public. You can book your tour online here.

Offer: Free entry on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26 with guided tours on Friday, March 24 and Sunday, March 26.

Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks

This Edwardian estate is bursting with exotic plants, and is perfect for anyone who loves to see spring gardens blossoming into life. Sitting atop one of the highest points in the county, these gardens offer panoramic views over the Weald as you stroll through the grounds. You can take a walk through the rock garden with imitation mountainsides, the rose garden with traditional pink and white roses, and the south garden with many plants and shrubs brought to England from international exhibitions.

Offer: Free entry from Saturday, March 18 to Sunday, March 26.

Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks

The unique 14th century moated manor house, tucked away in a hidden valley in Sevenoaks, is well worth discovering. The house itself is packed with 700 years of history, and the gardens are brimming with wildflowers, daffodils, hellebores and rows upon rows of vibrant colours. The grounds sprawl out for 500 acres and feature woodland walks and natural play areas with stepping stones and balance beams.

Offer: Free entry from Saturday, March 18 to Sunday, March 26.

Ramsgate Tunnels

The 82-year-old Deep Tunnel Shelters that wind below the streets of Ramsgate tell countless stories of the Second World War. The shelters, which were used to protect civilians during wartime, are a fascinating journey below ground, filled with interesting facts and unique construction. Your tour of these shelters starts with a film shown in a 150-year old Victorian Railway Tunnel and a visit to the purpose-built Air Raid Precaution tunnel, before you head underground. You can book your tour online here.

Offer: Choose what to pay for a Deep Shelter Explorer Tour from Saturday, March 18 to Friday, March 24.

RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve

This nature reserve might be a bit breezy at this time of year, but it’s well worth it to spot the varied wildlife and soak up the beautiful views of Dungeness. The reserve, made up of open shingle, wet grassland and wildflower meadows, has a number of rare plants, insects and birds that you can observe on your visit. You can even pick up a free Wildlife Explorer rucksack with lots of family activities to do while on the reserve, from minibeast hunting to pond dipping.

Offer: Free entry from Saturday, March 18 to Sunday, March 26.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Cranbrook

Created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson in the early 1930s, these world-famous gardens are a sight to behold in the spring. The series of gardens, including the Lime Walk, the Purple Border and the orchard, are all completely unique and filled with different species of plants, shrubs and trees. TV presenter and First Dates star Fred Sirieix recently visited the gardens ahead of the National Lottery Open Week and called it “one of the most romantic and beautiful gardens in the country”.

Offer: Free entry from Saturday, March 18 to Sunday, March 26.

Smallhythe Place, Tenterden

This 16th century house-turned-museum is a living tribute to Victorian actress Ellen Terry. The performer once lived in the National Trust property and, since her death, the house has become a museum dedicated to her life and work. The estate also includes a converted thatched barn that now serves as a theatre with a varied programme of family entertainment.

Offer: Free entry from Saturday, March 18 to Sunday, March 26.

Stoneacre, Maidstone

Dating back 500 years, this 15th century property is a great example of a Wealden Hall-House, a medieval timber-framed hall house originating from the region. The house is still full of traditional collections of furniture, wood and metal work in its Great Hall, Priest’s House and Bettenham Cottages. There are also lots of country walks that begin and end at Stoneacre, such as a stroll through Otham Valley and the outskirts of Maidstone.

Offer: Free entry from Saturday, March 18 to Sunday, March 26.

Walmer Castle and Gardens

English Heritage site Walmer Castle is a great historic day out by the coast. With this special offer, not only will you get free entry to the site but you can explore even more of the gardens and grounds with a guided tour. The award-winning, Grade II listed gardens, near Deal, are filled with flower borders, wildflower meadows, woodland walks and a glen garden, all of which look spectacular in the spring. The tours are limited, so you will need to book your place in advance here.

Offer: Free entry from Wednesday, March 22 to Sunday, March 26 with guided tours on Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23.

Wanstone Rediscovered, Dover

This fascinating project is a truly unique day out. The National Trust has been working to preserve and maintain Wanstone and Fan Bay, both of which are important sites from the Second World War with many wartime structures still intact. The spots, just below the White Cliffs of Dover, are time capsules containing remaining weapon infrastructure from cross-channel guns and some of the largest weapons ever installed on mainland Britain.

Offer: Free entry on Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 26.