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.
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 Britains history, monarchy and religion. Hever is what everyone wants a real castle to be crenelated, moated and haunted. Its 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 Winchester whose Christmas Market (dates to be confirmed) is recognised as one of the best in Europe. Continue to Maidstone and after settling in enjoy dinner in the restaurant.
Friday - We shall pause in 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 11:30 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 shall call into Chichester, with its compact and intimate traffic-free centre. There is history on every corner, from the Tudor Market Cross to the dominant Norman cathedral. Return to Dorset by late afternoon.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Holiday Inn Maidstone
Conveniently situated between Maidstone and Sevenoaks in a delightful rural setting yet convenient for the motorway this comfortable and stylish 4 star hotel is very well equipped. A huge indoor pool, gym, sauna and air-conditioned rooms are just for starters. The 100+ spacious bedrooms are bright and airy with private bathroom, free toiletries, hairdryer, large TV with satellite channels, seating, phone, tea tray and wifi. The restaurant provides a generous buffet breakfast and 3 course served dinner with choices. There is a comfortable bar and a conservatory room in which to relax and socialise. No lift but only ground and first floor rooms.
Tour Price: £339.00 Per Person
Single room supplement: £75.00
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 |
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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 |
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 | Southlands Road bus stop on Buxton Road, Weymouth (former St Nicholas Church) |
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 |
Value House | Value House Car Park |
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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