Castles & Gardens of Kent

There are so many attractions in the south-east corner of England and this tour will show you some of the very best! Beautiful historic Rochester with it's magnificent cathedral and the castle with the tallest keep in the country.

One of the best kept secrets of the Garden of England, the 15 acre Hole Park and Vita Sackville-West's Sissinghurst Castle and it's world-renowned garden. Lullingstone Castle finishes this great break with it's World Garden is one of England oldest family estates overlooking a stunning 15 acre lake. The Queen Mother's Walmer Castle is a joy to see especially her garden!

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Lots of visits included.
- 4 nights accommodation- Breakfast & Dinner- Hot drink after dinner- Porterage- En Route Visit to Rochester- Visit & entrance to Walmer Castle & Garden- Visit to Deal- Visit & entrance to Hole Park Garden- Visit, entrance, guided tour & coffee + homemade bake at Sissinghurst Castle Garden- En Route visit & entrance to Lullingstone Castle & World Garden

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Day 1 - Head eastwards to Kent. Rochester makes an excellent break in the journey with time to sightsee. The free Guildhall Museum tells the story of Rochester as well as the life of Charles Dickens. Rochester is also home to Britain's only museum of Huguenot history located just above the Visitor Centre. Admissions to places of interest are not included. Enjoy lunch in one of many High Street eateries before setting off to The Great Danes Hotel to arrive late afternoon for the next 4 nights with breakfast & dinner.

Days 2 - 4 At leisure with 2 included excursions.

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Sissinghurst Castle Garden & Hole Park Garden (Tuesday)
Sited in the grounds of a great Elizabethan house, framed by the rich Kentish landscape of woods, farmland, lakes and streams, the famous Sissinghurst Castle Garden with its pink brick tower is the result of creative tension between the formal design approach of Harold Nicolson and the abundant planting preferences of his wife, Vita Sackville-West. Enjoy the Early Bird Guided tour with the head gardener which starts at 10.00 and coffee & a home bake, all included. A short drive south to Hole Park Garden rounds the day off. This outstandingly beautiful country house garden reflects the care and long-term planning that is unique to family owned estates. In the summer months enjoy long herbaceous borders - half the border has been replanted in the original pink and blue planting scheme first used by the late Christopher Lloyd when he first designed the border at Hole Park. The remainder of the border was replanted using the original colour scheme of yellow and white. Admission to garden included. Returning to the Great Danes late afternoon. Walmer Castle & Gardens & Deal (Monday)Explore over eight acres of award-winning gardens in the grounds of a Tudor fortress turned country house. Built on the orders of Henry VIII to defend England's southern shores, Walmer Castle later became a home for the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports - among them the Duke of Wellington and the Queen Mother. Inside the castle, discover stories and secrets from the castle's past. and see some remarkable objects, including a pair of original Wellington Boots.
There's plenty to see in the glorious gardens, with flower-filled borders, a kitchen garden, wildflower meadows, shady woodland walks, the restored glen garden and the striking yew cloud hedge in the Broadwalk. Admission to castle & garden included. A short drive to Deal, quaint, quirky and one of the most charming coastal towns in Kent. Deal in White Cliffs Country is steeped in history. See a fantastic range of maritime exhibits at Deal Museum, the Timeball Tower Museum.. Take a leisurely stroll along the pier and look back at a view that has hardly changed in a century. Discover Deal's history and explore the maze of narrow streets and alleyways, renowned for smuggling during the 18th century. Returning to the hotel late afternoon. Your driver may offer you an optional excursion, subject to driving regulations.

Day 5 - Check out. Travelling westward to Lullingstone Castle & World Garden. Lullingstone Castle is one of England's oldest family estates, dating back to the time of Domesday. The World Garden combines plant heritage with cutting-edge horticulture. The garden is full of thousands of rare, unusual and beautiful plants collected from all over the world. Admission to the garden included. The Castle is not open to visitors today. Early afternoon set off for interchange and your home towns.4 Star

Mercure Great Danes Hotel - 4 Star

Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel is built around a Georgian country house with 26 acres of private grounds.

All 126 bedrooms have HD TV and complimentary high-speed WiFi & hospitality tray.

Relax at the end of a days sightseeing or after a session in the gym or swimming pool!

Lift.


Few gyms in Kent offer as many facilities as this health club. The newly equipped gym features Matrix equipment, a cardio suite, resistance and free weights room,

A spin & class studio with over 20 classes a week, all-weather tennis courts and more. Relax in the swimming pool, sauna and steam room, or enjoy a treatment from beauticians at Pavo Spa beauty salon. Open to guests and members.