DAY 1: Depart from your home area in the morning travelling to Kent, and arrive late afternoon at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel. 4 nights stay – dinner, bed and breakfast.
DAY 2: Our first visit this morning is to the lovely picture postcard village of Chilham. The village is situated on the former pilgrims route to Canterbury, now known as the Northdowns Way, and the many half timbered houses in the square were all part of the castle estate. The castle itself has been the location for TV films and programmes. After a short stay we continue to Canterbury itself. The city is dominated by the magnificent Cathedral – , and the city centre, being very compact, is best explored on foot, or by horse drawn carriage. There is a maze of intriguing side streets with a rich variety of specialist shops and welcoming cafes and pubs in which to relax.
DAY 3: This morning, we visit the town of Rochester with its magnificent cathedral and historic castle. Take a stroll along High Street and explore the old town and cobbled streets This afternoon we travel the short distance to Chatham and the famous Historic Naval Dockyard. This is the filming location for the popular series Call the Midwife. We will enjoy a themed, guided tour including access to the impressive new Call the Midwife Exhibition. After our tour, you are free to explore the abundance of historic buildings dating from 1704, three warships, dry docks, the Royal Dockyard Museum and much more.
DAY 4: This morning, we drive into Maidstone centre where you have time to explore the town and obtain lunch here before our afternoon visit to Leeds Castle. Leeds Castle is set on two islands on the River Len and has been home to generations of lords and ladies for over 1,000 years. We are transported through around 900 years of the castle’s history – in a sumptuous mix of period architecture, impressive interiors, and family treasures.
DAY 5: After breakfast, we leave and head for home.
