4* South Coast Weekender

The lovely south Kent coast is the perfect place to enjoy a breezy seaside weekend break in October. Discover coastal cool, rural adventure and an urban vibe in buzzy Folkestone. Based in the excellent 4* Burlington Hotel perched on the picturesque coastline, take time out to enjoy some of Kent's beautiful autumnal land- and seascapes, a heritage train ride through Romney Marsh, a visit to a stunning fortress-turned-stately home and be charmed by some of the historic Cinque Port towns.Weekend Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner- Visit & entry to Walmer Castle- Time in Folkestone & Rye- One way journey on RHDR Hythe to Dungeness- En-route stops at Battle of Britain Memorial & Royal Tunbridge Wells (time permitting)

Autumnal Weekend on the Kent Coast
Day 1 - After joining your weekend holiday coach, head to south to the coast with en-route stop/s including The Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel Le Ferne (time permitting) which is very close to your hotel. Pause while looking out to sea and imagine how it must have felt to watch wave after wave of Luftwaffe bombers heading this way during the conflict that changed history - and then visit the Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall to see the names of the fewer than 3,000 RAF aircrew who took up the challenge. A replica Hurricane and Spitfire and busts of Sir Keith Park and Lord Dowding add to the attractions. (May also be possible to stop here after the Walmer Castle visit instead). Continue the short distance to Folkestone, with its traditional charms and rich maritime history plus plenty of metropolitan chic, to check in at 4* BW+ Burlington Hotel for 3 nights DBB\n\nDay 2 -3 At leisure in Folkestone with two included excursions\n\nRomney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway & Rye\nTake a heritage train ride from Hythe to Dungeness aboard the historic Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, dubbed 'Kent's Mainline in Miniature' for its one-third full size steam and diesel locomotives (may operate by steam or diesel). 13½ miles of narrow-gauge track stretching from the Cinque Port town of Hythe to Dungeness, encompasses small town charm and villages along the way, the open skies and landscape of Romney Marsh and the unique beauty of Dungeness. There's nothing quite like a ride on The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway - back in the 1920s and 30s, visitors flocked to travel on the little trains, just as they do today. During the WW2 the RHDR was pressed into service, running freight trains to carry fuel and taking troops to the cinema. Disembark in Dungeness, described as Britain's only desert. Dungeness is an other-worldly shingle promontory - home to a power station, a nature reserve and film-maker Derek Jarman's cottage.\n\nThen it's off to picturesque Rye in Sussex's 1066 country. A medieval cobbled citadel huddled against invaders and the sea, Rye is home to a myriad of art, curiosities and cosy pubs. Built on smuggled secrets and timeless tales, Rye has nooks and crannies to explore and distant views across Romney Marsh to ponder. You'll find an array of delicatessens, bookshops and quirky independent emporia on the High Street as well as antiques, art and photography galleries. \n\nWalmer Castle\nAfter breakfast board the coach for a visit to Walmer Castle, an impressive Tudor fortress turned country house near Deal. Originally part of a chain of coastal artillery defences, it became the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Displays highlight the Duke of Wellington, Lord Warden for 23 years until his death in 1852. You'll see the armchair in which he died and a pair of his 'Wellington boots'. There's plenty to enjoy in the glorious gardens, with pretty borders, a kitchen garden, wildflower meadows, shady woodland walks, the restored glen garden and the striking yew cloud hedge in the Broadwalk. Return for an afternoon at leisure in the hotel or perhaps stroll into town. Folkestone is a fashionable seaside resort with a Roman, Georgian, Victorian and 20th century wartime history, gardens, beaches, shops, great food outlets and a contemporary artistic appeal. The pretty Old Town, 'the Creative Quarter', a kind of "urban village" where many of the buildings lining the cobblestone streets have been turned into shops, cafes and artist studios.\n\nDay 4 - After breakfast head homewards with an en-route stop in Royal Tunbridge Wells, one of Georgian England's most fashionable destinations. The discovery of the Chalybeate Spring over 400 years ago, made the town a magnet for royalty and the gentry. The elegance and atmosphere of this bygone era remain today. Visit The Pantiles, the famous colonnaded walkway where the aristocracy once promenaded, and which is now home to a wonderful selection of high-quality boutiques, specialist independent shops, bars and cafés. Continue to interchange to arrive back in your hometowns early evening.Best Western Plus Burlington Hotel, Folkestone
The stylish 4* Best Western Plus Burlington Hotel is a charming Victorian building set in tranquil surroundings of the West End, just off Folkestone's famous Leas Promenade overlooking the English Channel. \n\nThe hotel has a traditional feel and offers a friendly, good standard service. Guestrooms are bright and airy with modern furnishings in-keeping with the hotel's traditional Victorian style. Room facilities include free WiFi, flat screen TVs, in-room safe and tea / coffee making facilities. \n\nThe Bay Tree Bar & Grill serves modern British food and cocktails and there is also a traditional bar / lounge. \n\nThere is a lift