Day 1: Following your home taxi collection, you will join our luxury tour coach and we will make our way to Kent making suitable stops along the way. Upon arrival at the Ashford International Hotel and Spa, we enjoy tea/coffee and biscuits in the lounge whilst your luggage is delivered to your room
Day 2: This morning we head to the historic city of Canterbury. One of the most beautiful and historic cities in England, the medieval city centre bustles with famous name stores and exclusive boutiques while the picturesque side streets are home to smaller specialist shops, pubs and restaurants. UNESCO has granted world heritage status to part of the city, including St Martin’s Church, St Augustine’s Abbey and the Cathedral. The Norman cathedral still dominates the skyline as you approach Canterbury; giving 21st century visitors the same sense of awe as their medieval counterparts. The city centre is very compact and is best explored on foot.
After lunch we continue to the East Kent Coast where we visit Sandwich, one of the best preserved medieval towns in England. Steeped in ancient history and with a charming centre full of age-old pubs and beautiful architecture, Sandwich is ideal afternoon stop. Sleepy Sandwich is full of cute cottages and perfectly preserved medieval buildings. Grab coffee and a fresh pastry from the superb No Name Shop and wander to the quayside, eyeing half-timbered houses and antiques shops as you go. There’s no shortage of historic pubs in Sandwich. Step back in time at The Crispin Inn, which was built in 1491. The nearby Kings Arms is equally historic – it was first recorded as The Queen’s Arms during the 1500s and even has Elizabeth I’s coat of arms on the side of the building.
Day 3: This morning we visit Leeds Castle. Visitors never forget their first breath-taking vision of Leeds Castle in Kent, rising majestically from the moat. With its riveting history serving six of England’s medieval queens, to its elaborate transformation into an elegant 20th-century retreat by Anglo-American heiress, Lady Baillie, Leeds Castle’s rich heritage has secured its place as one of the most visited historic attractions in Britain. There’s plenty for all to enjoy, from exploring the Princess Alexandra Gardens and the elaborate castle, to watching in awe as the Birds of Prey fly overhead in the daily display.
Later we visit the town of 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).
Day 4: Today we are joined by a local guide as we head for the land of mysterious marshes and smugglers. First, we come to New Romney. A Cinque Port since 1155, the Great Storm of 1287 changed the course of the River Rother and made New Romney an inland town. Next, we arrive at Lydd. In the 18th and 19th centuries the town was notorious for the activities of ‘owlers’ (Local smugglers hooting to each other at dead of night). Have a look at All Saints Church – The Cathedral of the Marsh, which has a soaring 132ft tower, and at 199ft is Kent’s longest church, parts of it date back to Roman times. As we head inland spot the tower of St Mildred’s Church at Tenterden. Known as the ‘Jewel in the Weald’ the town makes an ideal place to finish the day.
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 (Dinner will be table service)
Price: £524pp
Single Supplement: £Nil (Limited Availability)
Additional Singles Beyond Allocation From: £120 (Will be allocated a twin or double room for sole occupancy, depending on availability)
Insurance: TBC (Insurance not currently available)
Tour Reference: AWE5092
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure