ENGLAND
5 DAYS from £487
Hukins Hops
Hop Along for a Taste of Kent This tour is quite the feast, not only as we take in the wonderful views at the scenic Samphire Hoe nature reserve and enjoy a nostalgic rail journey aboard the Kent & East Sussex Railway, but also the chance to sample some famous wine and craft beers. We also include a ploughman’s lunch and a morning in Kent’s historic city of Canterbury with its medieval centre and castle. NEW
Chapel Down Vineyard
LONG STANDING PARTNER
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Canterbury & Samphire Hoe
the owner or head gardener. The Barham family has lovingly cultivated this stunning 16-acre garden over four generations, nestled in a picturesque parkland near Cranbrook. The vibrant gardens offer stunning vistas of the hills, woodlands, and fields that typify this part of Kent. They beautifully blend formal landscaping with more natural plantings, ensuring a splash of colour all year round. After our tour, we enjoy a ploughmans lunch . This afternoon we travel to Hukins Hops , where for more than a century, British hop garlands have been cultivated the distinctive ‘terroir’ of the Weald of Kent. This 5th generation farm is committed to quality and environmental care and today grows and harvests varieties including intense apricot from Ernest, oranges from Bullion and the classic English flavours of Fuggle. We enjoy a detailed 1 hour guided tour of the farm and the premier hop yards, learning about modern beer making, before we sit down and take part in a tasting of three of their craft beers. Note: Hukins Hops tours are May-mid-Sep. Also wear some comfortable shoes for walking over broken ground in the hop gardens. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home. INCLUSIONS • Entrance to Samphire Hoe • Kent & East Sussex Railway return journey • Chapel Down guided visit & tasting • Entrance to Hole Park with ploughman’s lunch • Hukins Hops guided tour, talk & beer tastings
This morning we head to Canterbury with free time to explore the historic city, famed for its medieval buildings, quaint tea shops and magnificent cathedral. Having been a place of worship for more than 1,400 years, the cathedral is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England and forms part of a World Heritage Site. In between our explores, we can enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the many great eateries here. This afternoon we travel along the coast road down to the beautiful Samphire Hoe nature reserve, home to some of the best views in Kent. We keep our eyes peeled for wildlife, rare plants, stunning landscapes of the White Cliffs and This morning we make tracks for the Kent & East Sussex Railway to embark on a return steam train journey from Tenterden to Bodiam, admiring our scenic surrounds and looking out for a glimpse of Bodiam Castle. We return to Tenterden by coach and have some time at leisure to wander this pretty town and choose a spot for lunch, before we travel a short distance to the renowned and award-winning Chapel Down Vineyard . Here we enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard, learning how the various still and sparkling wines are harvested and produced, followed by a tutored wine tasting. Day 4 Hole Park & Hukins Hops After breakfast we head out to Hole Park for an early entrance and a guided garden tour with either spectacular English Channel views. Day 3 Kent & East Sussex Railway & Chapel Down Vineyard
Burlington Hotel, BW Premier Collection Folkestone, Kent plus The stylish, Victorian Burlington Hotel, BW Premier Collection has a superb location in a pleasant area close to the seafront. The hotel has a traditional feel and offers a friendly, excellent service. All 60 bedrooms are bright, airy and decorated to a high standard, whilst the restaurant is bright and modern in style. There are also two bars where guests can enjoy a drink while they relax. • Lift • Coach parking is off-site & free of charge 4 Nights Half Board Twin from £487pp Double for Sole Use Supplement from £94 Based on Monday arrivals
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Anneka says… I joined a Hukins Hops tour during harvest time and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was especially meaningful to me because my Nan used to pick hops when she was younger, and she’s shared many stories about what it was like back then. It was fascinating to see those stories come to life and see firsthand how hops continue to thrive in Kent and how they are harvested today.
Samphire Hoe
Hole Park House Photo by Stuart Kirk
Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
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