The delightful county of Kent, which is blessed with charming English countryside, has so much to offer both the first-time visitor and the seasoned traveller. This tour offers an abundance of history and intrigue in beautiful settings. We will visit Leeds Castle, which is often described as the ‘loveliest castle in the world’. Also included are visits to Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hole Park Gardens plus a cruise along the River Stour, Canterbury.
Your Hotel
A warm welcome awaits at the charming Bridgewood Manor Hotel, which is near the county town of Maidstone and is a modern hotel with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. There are some ground floor bedrooms (on request only), and some bedrooms have walk-in showers (on request only). There is also a lift to all floors.
Itinerary
Monday: Travel to Kent, arriving late afternoon, when tea and coffee will be served.
Tuesday: After a leisurely breakfast and morning at leisure we travel the short distance to Leeds Castle, once a royal palace and residence. There will be time to explore the rooms, the lovely grounds, riverside woodland garden and Mediterranean terrace garden, from where beautiful views over the serene lake and parkland can be had.
Wednesday: We begin our day with a relaxing river cruise in Canterbury. Afterwards, time allowing, there will be leisure time to explore the winding lanes and streets of the city. We then move on to Hole Park Gardens, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Weald’, four generations of the Barham family have created a wonderful sixteen-acre garden in a magical parkland setting.
Thursday: After breakfast we head for Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. The splendid rooms and award-winning gardens boast over 700 years of history, making this a memorable visit. We then move on to Rochester, famous for its links to Charles Dickens.
Friday: With luggage loaded, it’s time to head back to Derbyshire.
Cost shown is per person half board based on sharing a twin or double room
