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Kent: The Garden of England

5.0/5 Based on 3 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Small Group Scenic
Our Price From 3,703 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 83 Per Person
 Trip Length
7 Days
 Trip Starts
London
 Trip Finishes
London
7 Day Kent: The Garden of England Itinerary (Back-Roads)
Countries Explored: England
Trip Style
Small Group
Departures
Accommodation
Boutique
Max. Group Size
18
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BGOLL4

Overview

Read 3 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Back-Roads 7 Day Kent: The Garden of England. Open a treasure box of storybook castles, secret tunnels and enchanting gardens as we dedicate seven days to England’s exquisite South East. On our travels we’ll see why Whitstable has been dubbed the ‘Pearl of Kent’, wander the exquisite gardens of Kent’s most famous castles and discover the tales that make Canterbury the jewel in the county’s crown.

Itinerary

A capital filled with rich history and culture, London is where we'll meet for the start of our incredible journey. Tonight, we'll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner. Stay: Tower Suites by Blue Orchid (or similar) (D)

After breakfast, we'll set a course for our first historic stop: Chartwell House. Many of us will know the public face of Sir Winston Churchill, but a chance to see inside Chartwell will give us a glimpse into his private home. From the library to the sitting room and study, this red stone manor is a time capsule brimming with insights into 1930s family life. Next, we'll set our sights on the world-renowned Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens. Created by the poet and writer, Vita Sackville-West, this is one of the most famous gardens in England – featuring a particularly special collection of old garden roses. After enjoying some free time to stroll the colourful grounds, we'll move on to Canterbury – where we'll spend the evening at our leisure. Stay: Abode Hotel (or similar) (B)

Our day will begin with a locally guided visit to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral. The oldest working church in England, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to medieval ruins, an oak-roofed Chapter House and a staggering gothic nave. Then: we'll move on to the picturesque Kent countryside – filled with quaint villages bursting with character and unspoilt coastal vistas. Tonight, we'll come together for a delicious included meal – sharing photos and stories of the day's adventures. Stay: Leeds Castle (or similar) (B/D)

This morning we'll take some time to explore Leeds Castle on a guided tour of the famous moat, the areas below stairs and the grand bedrooms (some of which were favoured by King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson during their frequent stays). Then: onwards to the Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham, where we'll be treated to a tour – with the chance to sample some award-winning beers. We'll round off the day with a seaside stroll in the quaint town of Whitstable before returning to our idyllic accommodation for the evening. Stay: Leeds Castle (or similar) (B)

Next stop: historic Tenterden, a quintessentially English town overlooking the valley of the River Rother. After taking a wander around with our expert Tour Leader, we'll pull up a chair and get comfy at a local winery – where we'll clink glasses over an included wine tasting. Our final destination of the day will be the charming market town of Rye. Here, we'll spend the rest of the day at our leisure – with plenty of free time to visit the Rye Heritage Centre and explore the time-honoured town centre. Stay: The Mermaid Inn (or similar) (B)

Today we'll dedicate some time to exploring Rye's cobbled lanes and timber-clad houses, experiencing some of the magic that inspired writers and artists such as Henry James and Paul Nash. After tracing the shoreline and spotting those famous white cliffs, we'll arrive at Dover Castle: the gateway to the English coast. This fortress boasts evocative interiors that tell centuries of historic tales, not to mention far-reaching views from the Great Tower and dark medieval tunnels with covert cannons every few paces. The afternoon will see us back in Rye, where some free time will allow for the chance to see more of the town before our farewell dinner. Stay: The Mermaid Inn (or similar) (B/D)

Our journey may be coming to a close, but we have one more stop before returning to London – the enchanting Hever Castle. We'll have the opportunity to wander through Anne Boleyn's childhood home and gaze upon the large collection of antique furniture, books and Tudor paintings housed here. Then, we'll make tracks back to London – where we'll say our goodbyes. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Visit the iconic castles and gardens of Hever, Leeds, Dover and Sissinghurst
  • Delve into the fascinating history of Canterbury Cathedral with a local guide
  • Sample celebrated beers at Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewery

  • 6 nights in hand-picked accommodation
  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader and Driver

  • 6 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. International flights not included.

Trip Reviews (3) Most Recent 'Kent: The Garden of England' Reviews

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
3 Reviews
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Well Planned Backroads Tour   3 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2022
This was a well planned small group tour by Backroads to the beautiful countryside of Kent. Neil (tour guide) and Steve (bus driver) were excellent in their professionalism and we both enjoyed a relaxed and hassle free trip. The itinerary was well planned, but would have preferred a little more time a Hever Castle. The hotel stays were in great locations ...read more with close proximity to restaurants and services. Thank you to Georgie for your efforts in taking care of flights and liaising with Backroads. Would definitely travel with Backroads again.
Fantastic tour through Kent   1 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2022
Highly recommend Back-Roads for their organisation and choice of itinerary. Really enjoyed this trip and would highly recommend it. It was a small group tour which are well worth the extra $. Fantastic hotels and guides.
Beuatiful. 1 , WA, Australia, Jun 2019
We went from one beautiful garden or castle to another. So much was seen. One of the highlights was the Tenterden Steam Railway. But so were Hever and Bodiam Castles! Our stay in the Mermaid Hotel in Rye was a delight. Thank you Georgie at Global Journeys for organizing everything so efficiently.
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Back-Roads. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Back-Roads. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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