Day 1: Following your home taxi collection we make our way through the Essex villages to the medieval town of Saffron Walden. There are many interesting historic buildings in the town and ample cafes to grab a bite to eat. At the heart of the town lies St Mary’s Church, the largest parish church in Essex. You may wish to visit the Saffron Walden Museum which houses a fascinating collection and has everything from mammoth tusks to mummies, from an early Tudor bed to a natural history museum gallery. In the grounds of the museum there are also the ruins of the Castle Keep which dates back to the 1130s or 40s. (entry not included). We then make our way to the Marriott Tudor Park Hotel, Maidstone for our four night stay on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis
Day 2: After breakfast, we have an interesting day with a knowledgeable tour guide exploring the beautiful countryside of Kent’s Medway Valley. Our first visit is to Tudeley church, with its Marc Chagall stained glass. As we enjoy a leisurely drive through the countryside, we discover Kentish curios, myths and legends, see the Hoppers Hospital, pass through many pretty villages and marinas full of bobbing boats and cross the ancient bridge at Yalding. There will be a chance to obtain lunch in West Malling, with its eye catching architecture and tempting shops. It also has an impressive collection of Blue Plaques to celebrate its notable citizens of the past. We round the day off at Aylesford Friary. Here we visit the beautiful chapels full of unusual modern artwork, stroll around the tranquil peace garden and maybe take a wander down to the river.
Day 3: Today we head for Rochester, a place once cherished by the Victorian novelist Charles Dickens, who lived in the area as a child and returned as a successful author. With the town’s history dating back centuries, there is so much to see and do in the historic city itself. You may wish to explore Rochester Cathedral, founded in 604 and the second oldest in England. You could enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of one of the tallest keeps in the country at the magnificent Rochester Castle. Built on the highest part of Rochester’s Roman city wall, to defend the crossing of the River Medway. (attractions subject to individual choice and payment).
This afternoon we head to Leeds castle. Leeds Castle has been called the “loveliest castle in the world”. Listed in the Domesday Book, this castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal residence and a royal palace. It’s situation is stunning, set on two islands in a magnificent lake. The Royal Manor was originally built in 857AD and owned by a Saxon royal family. After the Norman Conquest, work began on building the first stone castle on the site. In 1278 the Castle became a royal palace for Edward I and his Queen, Eleanor of Castile. Major improvements were made to the castle during the reign of Edward I. The Barbican, constructed during this time, is unique in that it is made up of three parts, each having its own entrance, drawbridge, gateway and portcullis. The medieval Keep, incorporating the Great Hall, is called the Gloriette, in honour of Queen Eleanor. (Itinerary amended due to the river cruise & Allington Castle not reopening until April)
Day 4: After breakfast we depart the hotel and travel through the High Weald to Rye, an historic harbour town and one of the best preserved medieval towns in England. The town is home to the enchanting, cobbled Mermaid Street, the impressive Norman church of St Mary’s, a rich selection of specialist shops and a thriving fishing fleet. Later we pass Bodiam as we make our way to Tenterden, which is a fascinating town to explore. Georgian buildings share the streets with tall Victorian houses and tiny cottages; brick and stucco blend easily alongside traditional Kent tile and weatherboard, creating a timeless air. At its centre are the tree-lined greens and unique shops offering beautiful gifts, crafts and antiques. You may wish to grab a spot at one of the many tea rooms and enjoy a relaxing cuppa and just watch the world go by.
Day 5: Sadly this morning we make our way home, stopping for some time at leisure in Lavenham. With its Tudor houses, crooked, half-timbered cottages and 15th Century Wool church, it’s easy to understand why the streets of Lavenham have been used as background for TV and films including Lovejoy and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Known as England’s best preserved medieval village and one of Suffolk’s important wool towns, you can spend hours exploring Lavenham, one of the most picturesque villages in England. On our return to Norfolk our door to door taxi service will be waiting to take you home.
Holiday Information:
4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Price: £628pp
Single Supplement: £nil (Limited Availability)
Additional Singles Beyond Allocation from: £140 (single occupancy rooms will either be king or twin bedded rooms, depending on availability)
Insurance: £POA Due to crossover renewal dates over the festive period, new insurance policies cannot currently be purchased online. Please contact our office in the new year for further details.
Tour Reference: AWE4714
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure