Today these affluent counties offer a contrasting tranquillity but retain the intriguing hallmarks of England’s turbulent past. Our journey will take us over mellow English landscapes to the region’s highlights old and new, from dramatic coastlines to archetypal medieval castles and from towering cathedrals to renowned English Country Gardens. This region belies a treasure trove of historic and cultural gems, just waiting to be discovered.
Using your included rail pass, depart London by train for the short journey to the historic city of Canterbury. After leaving your luggage at the hotel, your afternoon is free to explore this charming destination; wander the tangle of historic lanes, take a punt on the river, visit the Roman Museum to discover the city’s origins, or climb the Westgate Tower for epic views over the city. Later use your included tickets to visit Canterbury Cathedral; destination of pilgrims over the centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a visual spectacle whilst also holding a captivating history and pivotal place in English history. This evening, meet with your driver and group for dinner.
Overnight: Canterbury
Meals: Dinner included.
Today we delight in the Kentish coast and countryside; first stop is Dover, gateway between England and the European continent. After spotting the famous white cliffs, we’ll visit Dover Castle whose ramparts date back almost 1000 years but also played a pivotal role in wartime England; we’ll take time to discover its story. By afternoon, we return inland over the Kent Downs to the historic town of Faversham where we’ll enjoy a tour of one of England’s oldest breweries and sample some of their local ales. Time-permitting, we’ll visit one of Kent’s traditional seaside towns for an afternoon stroll before returning to Canterbury where your evening is free to dine at leisure.
Overnight: Canterbury
Meals: Breakfast included.
Departing Canterbury and journeying over the Kent countryside, this morning we head for one of England’s most famous country gardens at Sissinghurst Gardens – set around an historic tower the garden was created by poet and writer, Vita Sackville-West. We’ll learn of her eccentric life in the exhibition before wandering the elegant gardens, orchard and grounds. Later we continue our journey to the historic town of Battle, a site which saw a turning point of English History. There’ll be time to wander the historic streets and see the imposing Battle Abbey. Later we continue to our hotel in the Sussex countryside.
Overnight: Sussex
Meals: Breakfast included.
Today we take in rural Sussex; on our hitlist we’ll visit the archetypal Tudor fort at Hever Castle. Dating back over 600 years and once home to Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIIIs ill-fated wives but mother of Queen Elizabeth I. We’ll explore the double-moated fortified palace which is set within 125 acres of glorious grounds and gardens. If you prefer your history more recent, later it’s all aboard the famous Bluebell Railway; one of England’s first heritage lines, we’ll experience the glory days of Victorian rail travel as we board a vintage locomotive for a scenic steam train ride through the Sussex countryside. This evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner together at our hotel.
Overnight: Sussex
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.
Today we enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to a local rail station where you bid farewell to your driver. Using your included rail tickets you can take the short direct journey back in to the heart of London. For those flying from Gatwick Airport, private transfers can be arranged from your final accommodation to the airport. Guests travelling onward to join another of our tours will be transferred onward to a suitable station. If you want to continue your adventures around Britain, connect to one of our other journeys – ask your consultant for suggestions.
Meals: Breakfast included.
All hotels and accommodations included in your trip are carefully selected to meet a 4-star standard or higher. While we occasionally book 3-star hotels or B&B properties, they must meet our high standards of quality and comfort. To ensure consistency, we strive to have a team member visit each property regularly or conduct a thorough site inspection.
Round trip flights to the tours destination are not included, but we are happy to provide you with a flight quote for your trip along with travel protection for the duration.
While booking flights may seem simple, hidden fees and service classes that exclude seats, meals, or bags are common. Since 1985, our expertise and exclusive contracts allow us to secure better routes and often better prices than what’s available online.
We would be happy to help create a custom itinerary for you before or after your time in England, if you’d like to extend your trip.
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