The country may be heading into lockdown, but some county attractions are still able to welcome visitors.

Leeds Castle's grounds, gardens and play areas near Maidstone and Hever Castle's near Edenbridge will be able to remain open during the lockdown period, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) confirmed, as the UK Government has allowed paid-for parks and gardens to remain open.

Leeds Castle itself will be closed, but its outdoor spaces, along with takeaway catering outlets, will be open from tomorrow until the end of the lockdown period.

In a statement, the castle said: "The Leeds Castle Foundation, an independent charity, thanks you for your support and we look forward to welcoming you to the estate for some fresh air and exercise over the coming weeks."

Hever Castle has also announced that its gardens and grounds will stay open, with visitors reminded that they can visit with the people they live with, their support bubble or when on your own with one person from another household.

Visitors to Hever Castle’s gardens will also be able to purchase food and drinks to take away although indoor Restaurants will be closed.

Managers at Hever even said as lockdown began: “We never thought we would be asking you this, but 2020 has been a strange year. So please visit Leeds Castle or any visitor attractions that are still able to open their grounds and gardens during the National Lockdown.

“Tourist attractions and tourism needs your support more than ever at the moment.”

The Christmas attraction at Hever will also continue, as much of it is outdoors.

Also falling under paid parks and gardens, the National Trust has announced that many of its sites will still be able to have visitors, but not inside its properties.

To find out about visiting Leeds Castle click here. And for Hever Castle click here.

For more days out ideas across Kent click here.