Description
Kent and Sussex are home to some of the finest gardens in the country and this brand tour put them in the spot light to be enjoyed to the full. You will be amazed by the sheer quality and pedigree of these gardens, the very essence of the English country garden. This great value tour is packed with garden visits, a tour at Biddenden vineyard and time by the sea in Hastings, Brighton and Battle.
Itinerary
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach the first visit of your break is Penshurst Place, 11 acres of Elizabethan walled gardens and stunning displays. Afternoon arrival at hotel for 4-night stay with breakfast & dinner.
Day 2 - Pashley Manor Gardens - romantic English landscaping and artistic planting, fine old trees and fountains.
Onto Hastings - former Cinque Port and now enjoying a mini-renaissance as a modern seaside town.
Day 3 - Sissinghurst - romantic country gardens with its world famous 'White Garden'. Vita Sackville-West, the poet and writer, began the transforming of Sissinghurst Castle in the 1930s with her diplomat and author husband, Harold Nicolson. Harold's architectural planning of the garden rooms, and the colourful, abundant planting in the gardens by Vita, reflect the romance and intimacy of her poems and writings.
Sissinghurst Castle was the backdrop for a diverse history; from the astonishing time as a prison in the 1700s, to being a home to the women's land army. It was also a family home to some fascinating people who lived here or came to stay.
Today you can take in the ruined architecture of the extensive original buildings, vast panoramic views from the top of the Tower, the current working farm and the 450-acre wider estate along with Vita and Harold's gardens. Onto Biddenden Vineyard for a tour and tasting.
Day 4 - The Rose Garden, The Azalea Ring and The Italian Garden at Borde Hill Garden are sure to impress today before taking the sea air in bustling Brighton.
Day 5 - A leisurely breakfast before heading to The Historic Dockyard at Chatham with its wide range of maritime heritage attractions including a Victorian Naval Sloop, a submarine and a WWII Destroyer. In the afternoon continue onto interchange and home by mid-evening.
Venue Information
Holiday Inn Maidstone, Sevenoaks
This is a modern hotel, located off the M26 with restaurant and bar plus Spirit Health & Fitness Club with pool, gym, hot tub, a sauna and beauty treatments (booking required). All bedrooms have tea/coffee facilities, telephone and hairdryer. Unfortunately there is no lift at this hotel.