UK & Ireland 2025

ENGLAND

UPDATED TOUR

UPDATED TOUR

5 DAYS FROM £386

5 DAYS FROM £389

Leeds Castle Castles, Cobbles & Cream Teas in Kent Known as the Garden of England for its rolling meadows, fruit orchards and leafy hop fields, Kent lays out a wealth of sights and delights, from stately homes and castles to historic towns. Come with us on this enriching tour of this picturesque county, taking in romantic Leeds Castle, handsome Penshurst Place, the cobbled Pantiles quarter of Tunbridge Wells, and a relaxing lunch cruise along the scenic River Medway. PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Leeds Castle Today we visit one of Kent’s historic highlights: 12th century Leeds Castle . We discover the beautiful interior of this moated fortress-palace, which was once owned by Henry VIII, and explore its grounds, which boast a riverside woodland garden and Mediterranean terraces affording gorgeous views over a lake and parkland. During our visit, we also sit down to a delectable cream tea at the Castle View Restaurant – an absolute treat. We can also enjoy the other attractions and activities on offer at the castle, such as its falconry displays, maze and grotto, Dog Collar Museum, mini-train and Black Swan Ferry (seasonal) (small charges apply for the train and ferry). Day 3 Kentish Lady Lunch Cruise This morning we travel to Maidstone where we board our river cruiser, the Kentish Lady, for a relaxing 3-hour lunch cruise on the River Medway . Take a seat in the comfortable, glass-enclosed craft and admire the picturesque countryside as we cruise upriver through Farleigh Lock to Teston Lock and back, enjoying a tasty fish & chip or picnic lunch along the way. As we cruise, we pass by peaceful meadows, medieval castles, and historic bridges, churches and villages; can watch for birdlife like heron, cormorants and kingfishers, enjoy the fresh air on the open decks and if we wish, avail ourselves of the licensed on-board bar (charges apply). Day 4 Penshurst Place & Tunbridge Wells We begin this morning with a visit to stunning Penshurst Place , a 14th-century manor house with 11 acres of formal gardens. We discover the fascinating interior and impressive grounds, exploring the state rooms, gardens and parkland. This afternoon we enjoy free time in the delightful town of Tunbridge Wells with time to explore the historic Pantiles area, which dates to the early 17th century and is home to a range of boutique shops, elegant galleries and popular eateries. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home. For late June-late July tours, why not add a visit to a Lavender Farm in Kent? Every year, Castle Farm opens its glorious lavender fields to visitors to stroll among the scented flowers, learn about lavender production and visit its farm shop. For more details, call your Account Manager.

Cutty Sark © National Maritime Museum, London Seas, Teas and Tall Ships in Kent Restored naval dockyards, tall ships and a spirited World War II history: Kent’s rich maritime and wartime heritage is the theme of this fascinating tour. After tracing 400 years of nautical history at The Historic Dockyard Chatham and seeing the magnificent Cutty Sark at Greenwich followed by a nostalgic cream tea, we visit Chartwell, Churchill’s family home and the RAF Biggin Hill Memorial Museum. PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We visit The Historic Dockyard Chatham , one of Britain’s richest maritime history destinations. Covering 80 acres at Chatham’s former naval dockyard, the exhibits span 400 years of shipbuilding heritage, and include historic warships, interactive galleries and RNLI Lifeboats. Amongst other activities, we can explore a Cold War submarine, WWII destroyer and Victorian sloop; learn how ships are built and view incredible maritime artifacts. We also take a Victorian Ropery Tour to learn the art of ropemaking through exhibits and demonstrations. We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Historic Dockyard Chatham

For an extra special experience at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, why not include a lunch in the Commissioner’s House (not usually open to the public) and a private history talk about the Dockyard? For more info, please speak to our Sales Team. How about a Call the Midwife Location Tour at the Dockyard? Tours let you go behind the scenes of one of TV’s most iconic series and learn how this 400-year-old site is transformed into 1950s East London. Ask for details from your Account Manager.

Day 3 Greenwich Today we have a full day to visit the home of time, Greenwich, where we explore its famous attractions (such as the Royal Observatory, the Old Naval College, Greenwich Park or Greenwich markets, open Tue-Sun), before heading to the Cutty Sark for a late lunchtime entrance. During our self-guided tour , we learn about the life of this historic tea clipper in its heyday, enjoying a cream tea at the end - nothing could be more fitting! Day 4 Chartwell & Biggin Hill Memorial Museum This morning we visit Chartwell , the family home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1922 to 1965, and where he loved to paint, write and entertain. Home to the biggest single collection of his paintings and treasures from every aspect of his life, the house remains much as it was, so provides a unique insight into one of Britain’s greatest leaders. The hillside gardens reflect his love of landscapes and nature, and include the lakes, which he created. This afternoon we continue to the Biggin Hill Memorial Museum , which incorporates St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance, built to preserve the legacy of those who served and died at the airbase during WWII. Our 1-hour guided tour traces the story of RAF Biggin Hill through the poignant stories and possessions of those based here. During our visit, we also enjoy scones with tea/coffee. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.

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