County of Kent

Often referred to as the Garden of England, Kent boasts so many attractions, you would struggle to fit them into your itinerary! With its vineyards and orchards, conical coast houses, castles, country gardens and cathedrals like Canterbury, the county capital, this is quintessential England at its best!

A range of local hotels, subject to availability, can be offered to suit individual requirements.

PLACES TO VISIT/THINGS TO DO

Chatham Historic Dockyard - One of Kent’s top tourist attractions portraying over 400 years of British maritime history. Set in an 80-acre site it boasts historic architecture, a ropery, ships, museums and galleries. Guided tours can be arranged by coach or on foot.

Kingswear Paddle Steamer - Sail back in time aboard a real steamship. Built in 1924 the coal fired steam engine turns the large paddles with ease, making regular sailings to and from Chatham and Rochester.

Rochester - City Tour Guided tours can be arranged to explore this beautiful city with a visit to Rochester Cathedral and many more places of interest. Charles Dickens lived nearby in Gad’s Hill, and based many of his novels on the city and its surroundings.

Dickens World - Opened in May 2007, £62 million was spent on creating an indoor complex based around the life and times of Charles Dickens. Experience Victorian life amongst the cobbled streets and alleys, look out for the street entertainers and be sure to take the themed dark boat ride which takes you through Londons sewers, across the city and over the rooftops!! Among the attractions are places featured in Dickens books including The Old Curiosity Shoppe.

Eltham Palace - Stephen and Virginia Courtauld built this stunning showpiece in 1936. Next to the remains of a medieval royal palace where Henry VIII spent his childhood, this is a masterpiece of twentieth century design. Set in 19 acres of surrounding gardens featuring a sunken rose garden and a medieval bridge it has that all round appeal.

Leeds Castle -This great castle has been home to royalty, lords and ladies for over 1000 years and in 2009 will be celebrating the 500 th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession, with many special events. Steeped in history it houses a treasure trove of paintings, tapestries and antiques. It stands in 500 acres of parkland with woodland walks, formal gardens and featuring an aviary, duckery, falcon displays and its very own vineyard!

Dover Castle - An intriguing place to visit with its labyrinth of secret wartime tunnels built deep in the White Cliffs of Dover. Guided walks take place through the rooms where Sir Admiral Ramsay planned the ‘miracle of Dunkirk’,and the underground hospital follows the story of a wounded wartime pilot. Fascinating! Walmer Castle & Queen Mother’s Garden - Originally built by Henry VIII, a former official home to Sir Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother, this castle has been transformed into an elegant stately home. Set in beautiful gardens, the highlight being the spectacular Queen Mother’s Garden designed to commemorate her 95 th birthday.

Barnsole Vineyard - What better way to end any day than a wine tasting? Full guided vineyard tours are available at a small cost and must be pre-booked.

Historic Canterbury - County capital dominated by a magnificent cathedral is now a World Heritage Site. Canterbury is a very compact city that can be explored on foot, or better still by horse drawn carriage.

Insurance details on request. dates strictly subject to availability. All tours fully bonded by BCH - the Bonded Coach Holidays Section of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK.

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