For an affordable family day out that offers lots of fresh air and some spectacular scenery, why not visit one of Kent’s open gardens?

The National Garden Scheme has more than 100 gardens opening across the county this year, with some offering open days during the Easter holidays. We’ve picked just a few of our favourites - and the best part about them is that kids can visit for free.

Cobham Hall, near Gravesend

Take your family on a trip to the filming location for Channel 4’s Junior Bake Off. The famous tent pops up on the lawns of this boarding school to film every season, so you might recognise the Elizabethan mansion and its surrounding parkland. While you’re there, you can stroll beneath the majestic trees, through the formal gardens and down the lime avenue.

Details: Easter Monday from 2pm to 5pm at Cobham Hall in Cobham, near Gravesend. Adult tickets cost £5.

Nettlestead Place, near Maidstone

Enjoy a springtime walk through the 10-acre garden with its collection of unique trees and shrubs, including the thuja maze, bamboos, a glen garden and daffodil lawns. There’s also a beautiful sunken pond area where you can take a seat and soak up the sights and sounds of the garden.

Details: Sunday, April 7 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at Nettlestead Place in Nettlestead, near Maidstone. Adult tickets cost £8.

Oak Cottage and Swallowfields Nursery, near Ashford

This quaint half-acre cottage garden is a charming space that celebrates lots of unusual and interesting plants in the heart of the countryside. There will be spring flowers popping up in the coming weeks and the onsite nursery will be offering advice and specimens ahead of its display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Details: Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13 from 11am to 4pm at Oak Cottage and Swallowfields Nursery in Elmsted, near Ashford. Adult tickets cost £6 and can be booked in advance here.

Godinton House, near Ashford

This stunning Jacobean house is surrounded by 12 acres of tranquil gardens, parkland and oak trees. Explore the many delights of the grounds, including the formal terraced lawns, topiary, wild gardens, Italian garden, walled garden, glasshouses, an ornamental greenhouse with exotic plants and a pond.

Details: Saturday, April 13 at Godinton House and Gardens in Great Chart, near Ashford. Adult tickets cost £8.