Kent, Castles & Coastlines

A journey into the Garden of England, we start at Chartwell, Family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill. Winston and Clementine Churchill bought Chartwell in 1922; it would be their family home for the next forty years. The rooms in the house remain much as they were when he lived here, with pictures, books and personal mementoes while a special exhibition gives deeper insight into his life through 50 objects. Chartwell’s hillside gardens reflect his love of landscape and nature. We make our way to our 4* country house hotel in Kent where we spend the next 4 nights.

Dinner/Overnight - Chilston Park Hotel, Kent

Step into the enchanting realm of Leeds Castle, often hailed as the “loveliest castle in the world.” Our guided tour will delve into its illustrious past as a royal residence for six of England’s medieval queens and a favoured retreat of Henry VIII. Nestled on two picturesque islands amidst a serene lake, the Norman castle exudes timeless elegance. The county of Kent also lays claim to some of the countries leading wine producers with many wines punching well above their weight in national and international markets. We will visit one of the vineyards for a tour and tasting.

Dinner/Overnight - Chilston Park Hotel, Kent
 

Visit two historic estates in Kent brought together by the Tudors. Learn more about the history of these two estates and their royal connections. First, a tour of Penshurst Place to discover its rich medieval and Tudor history. Find out why the Sidney family, who still own it to this day, were gifted the property in 1552 by Henry VIII’s son, Edward VI. Take time to wander the unique historic Elizabethan Gardens with records dating back to the 14th century. Then we travel just a few miles west to visit Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn to which she returned repeatedly during her long courtship with Henry VIII. Enjoy a leisurely visit through the intimate Castle and magnificent grounds. Lunch is included today at Penshurst Place.

Lunch/ Overnight - Chilston Park Hotel, Kent
 

Who can resist the allure of the coast, we make our way along the east coast which is home to a myriad of picturesque seaside towns, each with their own unique appeal. We enjoy time in one of the towns allowing you time to talk in a stroll, find that perfect souvenir at the independent shops, or enjoy a drink at one of the many cafés. The afternoon is spent in the medieval, walled city of Canterbury – here we have a walking tour and visit the World Heritage-listed Canterbury Cathedral, the Church of England’s mother ship, and a truly extraordinary place with an absorbing history, one of England’s top visited attractions.

Dinner/ Overnight - Chilston Park Hotel, Kent
 

Discover the atmosphere of one of England’s most significant historic sites on an unforgettable tour. In the year 1066, the armies of King Harold and William the Conqueror clashed here at the Battle of Hastings. Our tour of the Abbey and Battlefield shows us the spot where this decisive struggle was fought, and England’s future decided. It is then onto Alfriston, nestled within the South Downs National Park in East Sussex, a village that epitomizes the quintessential English countryside. With its medieval streets, timber-framed buildings, and a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. You will have free time, and we will also enjoy a delicious pub lunch. We end in Brighton, where we spend the next 3 nights. Dinners on your own in Brighton allow you the chance to experience the abundance of options, healthy and sustainable restaurants are at the forefront or one of the many great pubs also.

Lunch/Overnight - Harbour Hotel, Brighton (or similar)
 

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, here we explore over 400 years of naval history with a look into the Dockyard’s role in building and maintaining warships. You will have time to take in The Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s favourite ship, HMS Victory, Britain’s greatest naval icon and HMS Warrior once the crown jewel of the Victorian Navy. Making our way back to Brighton we stop in Chichester, you will enjoy free time to enjoy this mainly pedestrianized town, with shops, cafes, and a plethora of grade II listed buildings and of course, the magnificent 11^th century Chichester Cathedral.

Afternoon Tea/Overnight - Harbour Hotel, Brighton (or similar)
 

Brighton may seem like a typical British seaside resort but delve below the surface and you’ll discover so much more. A day to explore the Victorian history and modern-day delights of Brighton Palace Pier, search the boho boutiques of its quaint shopping streets, The Lanes, and we have an included tour of the Royal Pavilion. Discover the wondrous pleasure palace built for King George IV as a seaside escape from his busy life in London. Situated right in the centre of beautiful Brighton, a short walk from the seaside, the Royal Pavilion was also used by King William IV and Queen Victoria during their lifetimes. Designed with the aesthetics of China and India in mind, the inside of the Pavilion is just as breathtaking as the outside. Your afternoon is at leisure and tonight at our farewell dinner, we toast this memorable tour.

Dinner/Overnight - Harbour Hotel, Brighton (or similar)
 

Your tour concludes today after a final breakfast.