Stately Homes, Gardens & Heritage of Kent - Tue 23rd April 2019

From GBP £429.00
  • Duration: 5 Days
  • Product code: PVD1QJ

Kent, The Garden of England, is a superb holiday destination with beautiful countryside and a wealth of Castles, Country Houses and fine to enjoy. Always one of our most popular tours of the year, so come along and enjoy exploring England’s oldest county’s history and landscape. This is a holiday for those who have a healthy interest in our great history and enjoy the benefits of a quality hotel. The itinerary is fairly busy and due to the nature of some of the destinations, may not be suitable for all. 


All entrance fees are included – big discount for National Trust Members - £60 off!!

 

DAY 1
Collected from your home around 8.00/9.00am, we have a lunch stop in the historic centre of Guildford before arriving at the hotel mid-afternoon.


DAY 2
After breakfast we head to Chartwell House. This fascinating NT property was the family home of Winston Churchill. The rooms remain much as they were when he lived here, with pictures, books and personal mementoes. The beautiful hillside gardens reflect Sir Winston’s love of the landscape and nature. We head on to Knole – NT property. Originally an archbishop’s palace, Knole is a magnificent 600 year old estate with grand courtyards, tranquil Orangery and parkland, still populated by wild deer. Art lovers will find painting by Reynolds, Gainsborough and Van Dyck. Take the 77 steep steps leading to the tower’s roof – the view is well worth the effort.


DAY 3
In the morning we depart for the stunning Ightham Mote. This beautiful medieval National Trust moated manor house is stunning and has a superb interior to discover. Outside, there are wonderful gardens to enjoy with a series of water features.  Afterwards we head for historic Rochester, with its Norman castle and magnificent Cathedral. Cherished by Charles Dickens, who lived in the area as a child, the town has lovely pedestrianised streets with historic buildings. Great place to spend some time.


DAY 4
We travel through the Kent countryside for Sissinghurst Castle Garden (NT) - one of the most celebrated gardens in the country if not the world. Climb the 78 steps to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the estate. After lunch here, we make the short journey to another Kent gem, Penshurst Place. One of the best-preserved fortified manor houses in England, Penshurst has a stunning mix of paintings, tapestries and furniture but perhaps its best feature are the gardens. From the 11 acres of Elizabethan walled gardens to the beautiful displays divided by a mile of yew hedges , each garden gives a spectacular display for every season.


DAY 5
We head home with a stop for lunch in historic Chichester. Arriving back in the local area around 3/4.00pm - returned to your home by our service.


Meal plan - Dinner Bed & Breakfast


4* Tudor Park Marriott
Surrounded by 200 acres of ancestral parkland this highly rated 4* hotel has a lovely rural aspect - great to return to after a day spent exploring the attractions of Kent. The hotel has excellent leisure facilities - with a renowned 18 hole golf course, a lovely indoor pool and extensive gym. There are lovely areas where you can relax with both the lounge and bar enjoying a homely atmosphere - step out on to the terrace for lovely views over the golf course. Enjoy your meals in the stylish restaurant with a full English Breakfast buffet and 3 course evening meal with choice of menu and tea or coffee. All 120 bedrooms are comfortably furnished with en-suite bathrooms, TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Lift. 


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED HOTEL