Highlights of Kent

Day 1

Depart Wales and travel to your hotel with comfort stops on route and also take a visit to Sissinghurst Castle Garden on the way. The castle was created in the 1930s and the gardens are beautifully designed as a series of individual 'rooms', each with its own theme and style of planting. The renowned White Garden is particularly special and is a highlight for many visitors.

For those feeling energetic, the Castle Tower is well worth the climb, with 76 steps leading to the top. The reward is a spectacular panoramic view across the garden 'rooms', lakes and surrounding countryside.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. You will also enjoy a three course dinner.

Day 2

After breakfast, head out to the historic Dockyards, No visit to Kent would be complete without a visit to the Histroic Dockyard Chatham. From the moment we arrive you will be greeted by one of the knowledgable guides, who will teach you all about the history of this remarkable 80-acre site to life. Explore the beautifully preserved timber-framed buildings where ships were once built for the Royal Navy, including the famous HMS Victory. Visitors can step aboard HMS Gannet and discover the historic ropery, where rope is still produced for ships and boats today. There is also the opportunity to enjoy a themed tour, with options focusing on the history of the Dockyard or locations featured in the popular BBC series Call the Midwife.

You will also be able to enjoy free time in Whitstable before heading back to the hotel for your evening at leisure and your three course dinner meal.

Day 3

Enjoy breakfast in the morning, head out and enjoy a relaxing 45 minute punting cruise along the River Stour. With full commentary throughout the journey to the locks, sit back adn enjoy the historic buildings, picturesque riverside scenery and abundant wildlife along the way. Although the punts may move slightly as you board, the journey itself is wonderfully smooth as you glide along the clear waters.
The magnificent Canterbury Cathedral is the city's most famous landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step inside to admire the spectacular Gothic architecture, with soaring vaulted ceilings and intricate details that are sure to leave a lasting impression. The beautiful stained-glass windows tell stories from centuries past, often casting colourful reflections across the cathedral floor.

As you explore the different spaces within this sacred and historic building, the peaceful atmosphere invites visitors to pause and take in their surroundings. For any visit to Canterbury, the Cathedral is undoubtedly a highlight.
Located in the heart of the city, Canterbury Cathedral is within easy walking distance of the main pedestrian streets and historic lanes. You will have free time to explore Canterbury at your own leisure, maybe some shopping or some relaxation in a Cafe.

Return to the hotel in the evening for evening at leisure and your three course dinner meal.

Day 4

After breakfast, you will then enjoy a relaxing one hour return cruise along the River Medway, travelling to Allington and back. Sit back and enjoy the peaceful scenery as we spend an hour taking in the views from the water.

Our next stop today is Tenterden, where we board the train for a scenic single journey to Bodiam on the Kent and East Sussex Heritage Railway. We arrive early to explore the beautifully preserved station and platform buildings, where you may even spot staff and volunteers busy polishing the windows or preparing the carriages before departure.
The journey to Bodiam takes approximately 50 minutes, offering lovely views of the surrounding countryside as we travel through the picturesque Kent and East Sussex landscape. The coach will be waiting for you to return to the hotel for your three course dinner meal and evening at leisure.

Day 5

After breakfast, you will begin your journey home but you will first make a stop at the magnificent Leeds Castle. Beautiful in all seasons and set within its own moat, this historic castle dates back over 500 years and boasts a fascinating royal heritage. Henry VIII transformed the castle for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and over the centuries it has undergone many changes. Take in all it has to offer, and then finally return back to Wales.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner