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The Royal Oak Foundation
Kent Castles & Coasts
The romantic county of Kent offers a multitude of historic treasures, from enchanting castles and stately homes to imaginative gardens and delightful coastal towns. On this captivating break we learn about Kent’s role in shaping English history, and discover some of its famous residents such as Ann Boleyn, Charles Dickens and Winston Churchill. In a county famed for its castles, we also explore historic Hever and impressive Leeds Castle. We combine these fascinating architectural wonders with the peacefulness of the Kentish coast, as we experience the classic seaside charm of Margate and Whitstable.
Special extras included in your itinerary
- Private guided tour and lunch at Hever Castle
- Exclusive out-of-hours garden tour of Sissinghurst Castle Garden
- Guided walking tour of Canterbury
- Guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral
- Guided tour and refreshments at The Salutation Gardens
- Private guided tour of Leeds Castle
- Guided tour and lunch at Godinton House
- Audio guided tour of Windsor Castle
- Themed evening talk by a guest speaker
On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel in Windsor. In the evening join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Today we first visit Chartwell, Sir Winston Churchill’s beloved home from 1924 to the time of his death. The house is still home to many of the great statesman’s personal and political mementos, including an amazing collection of gifts he received from other world leaders and his personal painting studio hidden in the grounds.
Next, we explore the moated manor house of Ightham Mote, once described by historian David Starkey as “the most beautiful and the most interesting of English country houses”. Built nearly 700 years ago, atmospheric Ightham has been home to medieval knights, courtiers to Henry VIII and Victorian High Society.
From here, we travel to the Chilston Park Hotel where we stay for the next five nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We head to Hever Castle, the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn, where we enjoy a private guided tour and lunch. Dating back to the late 13th century, this double-moated castle is home to various historic artifacts including Tudor portraits and furniture, as well as two prayer books inscribed by Anne Boleyn. The castle was lavishly restored by American millionaire, William Waldorf Astor, in the early 20th century.
We continue to Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, a fine example of horticultural excellence, created by contemporary of Charles Darwin and patron of Victorian plant hunter, John Rogers. We discover its interesting history as we enjoy the combination of world-class British sculpture, secret pathways and stunning floral displays.
This evening we enjoy dinner together in a local pub.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we head to Sissinghurst Castle Garden where we enjoy an exclusive out-of-hours garden tour. Created in the 1930s by novelist Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson around the ruins of an Elizabethan manor house, these world-famous gardens are laid out as a series of individually-planted ‘rooms’ including a fragrant Herb Garden and Rose Garden.
After lunch (not included) in the picturesque town of Tenterden, we continue to Bodiam Castle. This archetypal 14th-century moated castle with a ruined interior gives us a glimpse of medieval splendor and boasts an original wooden portcullis, spiral staircases, and battlements.
After dinner back at the hotel this evening, we enjoy a fascinating talk by a guest speaker.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We start the day in Canterbury. The city has a fascinating history which we learn about on our guided walking tour. We also enjoy a guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in England, dating back to Norman times. In 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in the cathedral and ever since, it has been a site of Christian pilgrimage.
Our next stop is Whitstable, a picturesque fishing and harbour town on the north coast of Kent, renowned for its fresh oysters and connections to Charles Dickens. You can enjoy sampling these culinary delights during dinner in a popular local seafood restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we head to the coastal town of Margate. This town epitomises the charm of a classic British seaside resort, with its unspoilt sandy bays, retro shops and a friendly atmosphere. As Margate is also home to a thriving arts community, you may like to browse the Turner Contemporary, a beautiful gallery overlooking the sea.
We then head to the historic town of Sandwich. Once a major port, there are still many original medieval buildings dotted around this enchanting town, making it a delight to explore.
We continue to The Salutation Gardens in Sandwich, where we enjoy a guided tour and refreshments. Designed in 1912 by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, the exquisite gardens are divided into a sequence of symmetrical ‘rooms.’ After around 70 years, the gardens sadly fell into disorder, but with a new owner and head gardener at the helm, an extensive restoration project was undertaken in 2005.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We visit Leeds Castle, a quintessential moated castle set in 500 acres of glorious parkland, where we enjoy a private guided tour. Dating back to the 12th century, it was once home to Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. The castle’s last private owner was Lady Baillie, an Anglo-American heiress who lovingly restored the castle to its former glory. We discover more of the castle’s fascinating history as well as its wealth of furnishings, paintings, tapestries and antiques on display.
Our next stop is Godinton House, a delightful Jacobean house incorporating a medieval hall and ornate carvings where we enjoy a guided tour and lunch. Godinton is a much-loved home where each room reflects the tastes of those who have lived here with an excellent collection of furniture, art, and curios. We also have time to explore the 12 acres of tranquil gardens, surrounded by ancient parkland.
Later, we check back in to our Windsor hotel where we stay for the last two nights of our tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our first stop today is Down House, home of scientist Charles Darwin and his family for 40 years. Several rooms have been recreated as they appeared when he lived here including the study where he wrote On the Origin of Species. The house is surrounded by extensive gardens; Darwin's 'outdoor laboratory'.
We then visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world which is still one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II today. Established in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, it has been remodelled by successive kings and queens and is regularly used for ceremonial and state occasions. The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art to admire during our audio guided tour.
This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner together back at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change.
What’s Included
- Return airport transfers from London Heathrow*
- 3 nights at a well-appointed hotel, Windsor
- 5 nights at the Chilston Park Hotel
- Welcome drink and canapés
- Full English breakfast each day
- 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 6 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee)
- 1 dinner at a traditional local pub
- 1 dinner at a popular local seafood restaurant
- Services of a tour director throughout your stay
- Travel to and from all excursions
- All entrance costs
- Porterage
*supplement applies for transfers from all other airports
Nights One, Seven and Eight – a well-appointed hotel, Windsor
Nights Two to Six – Chilston Park Hotel, Lenham
Set in 22 acres of parkland in the heart of Kent, the Chilston Park Hotel is an elegant 17th-century manor house. Once home to eminent politicians, writers, Lords and Viscounts, the hotel is filled with antiques dating from as far back as the 17th century and offers the classic comforts of a British country house hotel.
