Kent - Castles & Cruising
A new tour with an imaginative and fascinating itinerary introducing Kent's enchanting countryside and its historic past
A new tour with an imaginative and fascinating itinerary introducing Kent's enchanting countryside and its historic past
Kent has long been a popular destination and had some illustrious residents in it’s time, from King Henry VIII to Sir Winston Churchill. Where else could you find beautiful countryside, dotted with orchards, hop fields and oast houses, historic towns and picturesque villages, a charming coastline and more castles than any other county in England? Our tour introduces its enchanting countryside, providing you with a flavour of the county and takes you back in time to explore its historic and fascinating past. A new tour with an imaginative and fascinating itinerary – Kent has proved so very popular that we had to offer it again.
ITINERARY
Monday - Morning departure from Dorset with a stop in historic and quaint Reigate for lunch. Continue to our hotel and after settling in enjoy dinner in the restaurant.
Tuesday - We visit one of Kent's historic highlights: 12th century Leeds Castle. Discover the beautiful interior of this moated fortress-palace, once owned by Henry VIII, and explore its grounds. The riverside woodland garden and Mediterranean terraces afford views over the lake and parkland. We shall indulge in a cream tea during our stay here. Other attractions include a falconry display, maze, grotto, dog collar museum, mini-train* and Black Swan ferry* (*extra charge).
Wednesday - A visit to Rochester, with its Victorian high street and traditional atmosphere - former home town of Charles Dickens. The great keep of Rochester Castle dominates the skyline together with its inseparable twin, the magnificent Cathedral. Later this morning drive to nearby Maidstone and board The Kentish Lady river cruiser for a 3 hour lunch cruise on the River Medway. Admire the picturesque scenery as you cruise in a glass enclosed craft - passing peaceful meadows, medieval castles, historic bridges, churches and villages while watching for wildlife along the riverbanks. A fish & chip or picnic lunch is included and a bar is available onboard.
Thursday - Penhurst Place is a stunning 14th century castellated manor house with 11 acres of grounds. During our morning here we shall discover its grand state rooms and have time to enjoy its multifaceted formal gardens - a sheer delight. This afternoon we shall call into Royal Tunbridge Wells to visit the historic Pantilles area - dating from the early 17th century it houses shops, galleries and cafes in charming buildings.
Friday - Homewards bound with a stop in Guildford, recognised for its stunning High Street complete with 17th century Guildhall clock - chance to enjoy a riverside walk maybe? Resume this afternoon to arrive back in Dorset later afternoon.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
BRIDGEWOOD MANOR HOTEL, Chatham
A warm welcome awaits you at the charming 4 star Bridgewood Manor conveniently located between Rochester and Maidstone and sitting perfectly for our intended visits. Each of the 100 bedrooms is equipped with private bathroom with free toiletries, hairdryer, television, iron, phone, tea tray and free wifi. Guests have free use of the extensive leisure facilities which includes an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Squires Restaurant provides a varied menu of delicious dishes using fresh local seasonal ingredients. There is a large lounge bar in which to socialise and a pretty outdoor courtyard to enjoy. A lift serves all floors.
TOUR PRICE: £615.00
Single Room Supplement: £130.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Entry to Leeds Castle with a cream tea, River Medway Cruise with lunch, Entry to Penhurst Place.
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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