Christmas at the Castle
Hever Castle in Kent - historic and iconic - bedecked for Christmas with decorations, roaring log fires, candlelight and twinkling lights - with a traditional Christmas Lunch hosted by the lake.
Hever Castle in Kent - historic and iconic - bedecked for Christmas with decorations, roaring log fires, candlelight and twinkling lights - with a traditional Christmas Lunch hosted by the lake.
NB: Dates changed from those originally published in our brochure. Hever has cancelled all public visits on Friday 29th Nov. due to a large corperate booking having been taken there. This Holiday now starts on Thursday 28th Novemebr 2024 (1 day later). Hotel base has been changed from Bridgewood Manor Hotel to The Holiday Inn Maidstone.
Set idyllically in the Garden of England, Hever Castle in Kent has a wealth of history, most recognisably as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn – second wife of Henry 8th and mother of Elizabeth 1st. Built in 1383, it is the original medieval defensive castle and formed the backdrop to tumultuous events that changed the course of Britain’s history, monarchy and religion. Hever is what everyone wants a real castle to be – crenellated, moated and haunted. It’s panelled rooms, fine furniture, tapestries and antiques are magnificent – but at Christmas the castle is fully decorated, roaring log fires, candlelight and twinkling Christmas trees add festive adundance. Outside the gardens and grounds are spectacularly transformed into an illuminated wonderland and a traditional Christmas lunch is hosted in the lakeside pavilion.
ITINERARY
Thursday - Morning departure from Dorset via motorways to Rochester in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon discovering centuries of history and heritage in the town cherished by novelist Charles Dickens. Explore the stunning cathedral, the medieval castle, Guildhall museum and sites associated with the author and his works. Later this afternoon we shall check in to our hotel with porterage and a welcome cuppa. After settling in enjoy dinner in the restaurant.
Friday - We shall pause at Royal Tunbridge Wells this morning - visit The Pantiles, the elegant colonnaded 18th century walkway that houses galleries, shops, crafts and cafes. Continue to Hever Castle and arrive by noon with a self-guided visit of the stunning house and its treasures - decorated for Christmas with welcoming log fires and twinkling lights. A traditional 2 course Christmas lunch is served in the Gutherie Pavilion at 2pm, adorned with decorations and overlooking the lake. Sunset is at 4pm when the gardens become their most spectacular - a light trail of fabulous colours, special effects and twinkling lights that capture the spirit of Christmas. Leave at 5pm to return to hotel for a later dinner.
Saturday - Homewards bound we stop at Winchester whose Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe. Return to Dorset by late afternoon.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Holiday Inn Maidstone
A modern four star hotel providing comfortable well equipped guest rooms and spa facilities. All bedrooms offer a private bathroom, hairdryer, large TV, phone, heating, tea tray and free wifi. The Junction Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed meal in elegant surroundings and the adjacent bar is the perfect place to socialise. Hotel guests are welcome to use the on-site health club which offers an indoor pool, sauna and gym. There is no lift but only 2 floors and plenty of ground floor bedrooms available.
Tour Price: £329.00 Per Person
Single room supplement: £70.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, 2 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Entry to Hever Castle, Entry to Hever Light Trail, 2 course lunch at Hever.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Other Points in Dorset | Phone us to discuss a convenient pick up. |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favourites |
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