Garden of England

Departing London, we make our way from the city to the nearby county of Kent, renowned as the “Garden of England”. Embarking on a trail of statesmen and royalty our first stop is Chartwell house, once the private home of Sir Winston Churchill. A charming rust-red stone manor, Chartwell is effectively a time capsule of 1930s family life providing an insight in to Churchills’ library, sitting room and study. Outside, we’ll roam some of the 800 acres of woodland, gardens and picturesque lakes. Then it’s on to Hever Castle, a centuries old Royal manor set amidst formal English rose gardens and once childhood home of Anne Boleyn – we’ll step back to Tudor times as we wander the beautifully preserved rooms adorned with intricate tapestries and a collection of Tudor portraits that rivals the country’s best galleries. Then we continue to Canterbury, our base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Abode Canterbury Hotel (or similar), Canterbury

Meals: Dinner included

We start today at Canterbury Cathedral, a dominating gothic structure, which was the destination of the pilgrims of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and today holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Here we can see medieval ruins, the oak-roofed monks’ Chapter House and the 11th century crypt. Later we head for Whitstable, a charming port bustling with picturesque lanes, quirky alleys and where you can follow the fishermen’s catch from the pebbled beach to the harbour market. Having worked up a thirst after all that salty sea air, we make our way to Shepherd Neame in Faversham where we tour England’s oldest brewery and sample the award-winning beers. After enjoying the local produce, we return to charming Canterbury where your evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Abode Canterbury Hotel (or similar), Canterbury

Meals: Breakfast included

Today we revisit the golden age of British travel as we board the Tenterden Steam Railway; our journey carries us in a classic carriage as we chug our way through the idyllic rural scenery of England’s South East to Bodiam. Stepping in to a storybook, we encounter the archetypal English fortress at the awe-inspiring 14th century Bodiam Castle; soaring towers, iron-studded wooden portcullis and a surrounding moat are just some of the features. Climb spiral staircases and walk the great hall dais before channelling your inner knight as you step out on the battlements. Our third and final destination of the day is Rye, a charm-filled market town situated in the heart of 1066 country where we can visit the Rye Heritage Centre. This evening enjoy Rye at your leisure.

Overnight: Mermaid Inn (or similar), Rye

Meals: Breakfast included

This morning we dedicate time to exploring Rye; we’ll hear tales of smugglers and Norman conquests as we traverse the cobbled lanes lined and timberwork houses to see destinations that inspired writers and artists alike, from Henry James to Paul Nash. Departing Rye, we’ll follow the coastal roads to Dover. At Dover Castle we’ll see medieval tunnels, evocative interiors and gain far-reaching views across the English Channel from the Great Tower. Maybe we’ll catch a glimpse of the legendary White Cliffs of Dover. Later we return to Rye, for an afternoon at leisure to see more of the town before enjoying a final dinner together.

Overnight: Mermaid Inn (or similar), Rye

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

Today we head for the market town of Battle, where we can stand on the very spot where King Harold fell during the fateful conflict; a moment which changed the course of English history. After visiting the historic monastery we make our way to the famous Sissinghurst Castle, whose extensive grounds were transformed in the 1930s by renowned Vita Sackville-West and her husband to become one of the most spectacular and celebrated gardens in England. Now managed by England’s National Trust the gardens remain just as spectacular today, offering manicured lawns, walled gardens and the beautiful rose gardens, Vita’s favourite. Our tour reaches its conclusion this evening upon our return to London (5.30pm approx).

Meals: Breakfast included