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Kent: The Garden of England 2024/2025

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Kent: The Garden of England: 1 nt London, 1 nt Canterbury, 2 nts Maidstone, 2 nts Rye

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or  [email protected] to book. 

Open a treasure box of storybook castles, secret tunnels and enchanting gardens as we dedicate six days to England’s exquisite South East. On our travels we’ll see why Whitstable has been dubbed the ‘Pearl of Kent’, wander the exquisite gardens of Kent’s most famous castles and discover the tales that make Canterbury the jewel in the county’s crown.

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS / MAX 18 GUESTS

Tour Details

The Blue-Roads Difference – Visit the iconic castles and gardens of Hever, Leeds, Dover and Sissinghurst – Delve into the fascinating history of Canterbury Cathedral with a local guide – Sample celebrated beers at Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewery

Pick Up Location & TIme

Tower Suites by Blue Orchid (London)  ( Google Map ) 6:00pm – Meet tour guide and group for welcome dinner.

Drop off Location & Time

Tower Suites by Blue Orchid (London)  ( Google Map ) Late afternoon tour ends.

Price Includes

• 6 nights' in boutique accommodation
• Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader and Driver
• Premium mini-coach transportation
• Daily full English breakfasts, 3 dinners
• Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary

Price Excludes

• Pre / Post hotel nights
• Driver / Tour Leader gratuity is at your discretion
• Travel Insurance

What to Expect

Blue Roads Tours are conducted at a leisurely pace; we take our time and avoid rushing from place to place.  Stops are made frequently during the day to avoid extended periods of time on the coach.  On a typical day they might leave at 9am and arrive at the hotel at 5pm.  We endeavor to build rest and relaxation time into our itineraries, an most inclusions are not mandatory – so if you’d rather explore on your own, you’re welcome to meet up with the group at the designated meeting point. 

The Blue Roads Tours are designed so that there is as little time as possible on the mini-coach and plenty to see while on board.  We travel along the scenic route wherever possible, meaning you’ll see more of the countryside and local village life than on a regular tour.  Inevitable, there are days when travelling between locations may involve motorway driving and more mileage.  Generally, driving time will not last for more than three or four hours per day.

Day 1 London

A capital filled with rich history and culture, London is where we’ll meet for the start of our incredible journey. Tonight, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner. (D)

Accommodation: Tower Suites by Blue Orchid (or similar)

Day 2 London – Chartwell House – Sissinghurst – Canterbury

After breakfast, we’ll set a course for our first historic stop: Chartwell House. Many of us will know the public face of Sir Winston Churchill, but a chance to see inside Chartwell will give us a glimpse into his private home. From the library to the sitting room and study, this red stone manor is a time capsule brimming with insights into 1930s family life. Next, we’ll set our sights on the world-renowned Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens. Created by the poet and writer, Vita Sackville-West, this is one of the most famous gardens in England – featuring a particularly special collection of old garden roses. After enjoying some free time to stroll the colourful grounds, we’ll move on to Canterbury – where we’ll spend the evening at our leisure. (B)

Accommodation: Abode Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Canterbury – Kent Countryside and Coast – Maidstone

Our day will begin with a locally guided visit to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral. The oldest working church in England, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to medieval ruins, an oak-roofed Chapter House and a staggering gothic nave. Then: we’ll move on to the picturesque Kent countryside – filled with quaint villages bursting with character and unspoilt coastal vistas. Tonight, we’ll come together for a delicious included meal – sharing photos and stories of the day’s adventures. ( B,D)

Accommodation: Leeds Castle (or similar)

Day 4 Maidstone – Faversham – Whitstable – Maidstone

This morning we’ll take some time to explore Leeds Castle on a guided tour of the famous moat, the areas below stairs and the grand bedrooms (some of which were favoured by King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson during their frequent stays). Then: onwards to the Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham, where we’ll be treated to a tour – with the chance to sample some award-winning beers. We’ll round off the day with a seaside stroll in the quaint town of Whitstable before returning to our idyllic accommodation for the evening. (B)

Day 5 Maidstone – Tenterden – Rye

Next stop: historic Tenterden, a quintessentially English town overlooking the valley of the River Rother. After taking a wander around with our expert Tour Leader, we’ll pull up a chair and get comfy at the Chapel Down winery – where we’ll clink glasses over an included wine tasting. Our final destination of the day will be the charming market town of Rye. Here, we’ll spend the rest of the day at our leisure – with plenty of free time to visit the Rye Heritage Centre and explore the time-honoured town centre. (B)

Accommodation: The Mermaid Inn (or similar)

Day 6 Rye – Dover – Rye

Today we’ll dedicate some time to exploring Rye’s cobbled lanes and timber-clad houses, experiencing some of the magic that inspired writers and artists such as Henry James and Paul Nash. After tracing the shoreline and spotting those famous white cliffs, we’ll arrive at Dover Castle: the gateway to the English coast. This fortress boasts evocative interiors that tell centuries of historic tales, not to mention far-reaching views from the Great Tower and dark medieval tunnels with covert cannons every few paces. The afternoon will see us back in Rye, where some free time will allow for the chance to see more of the town before our farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 7 Rye – Hever Castle – London

Our journey may be coming to a close, but we have one more stop before returning to London – the enchanting Hever Castle. We’ll have the opportunity to wander through Anne Boleyn’s childhood home and gaze upon the large collection of antique furniture, books and Tudor paintings housed here. Then, we’ll make tracks back to London – where we’ll say our goodbyes.(B)

Dates and Prices:

Dates shown in green are guaranteed departures. 

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Discount applicable to new bookings. Valid until July 1st, 2024. 

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Book early! 

Pricing is per person (pp) based on twin/ double occupancy. Rates are in $ CAD.

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or [email protected]   to book.

Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline.

Notes Back-Roads Touring have hand-picked an extensive portfolio of quality properties across Europe and to ensure the very best experience on each of our tours hotels may vary to those listed in this itinerary.

Mobility: All of our tours involve walking and require our guests to board and disembark our vehicles several times a day making this tour unsuitable for those with reduced mobility.

Luggage:  As we travel in mini-coaches, luggage space is limited.  You are allowed 1 x suitcase: 20 kg  and 158 cm total (Length plus Width must equal 158 cm) and 1 x Hand Bag / Small Back Pack

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Kent & East Sussex

• 3 days / 4 nights
• Independent
• Great British Tours
• 1 week or less

The county of Kent is known as the Garden of England, with orchards, vineyards and fields with hops but also many other attractions, imposing cathedrals, beautiful castles and stunning gardens – all connected by scenic country lanes. Enjoy a four-night stay in a beautiful country house hotel, with three days of lovely driving around this historic county.

Kent is often overlooked as people head through to Dover and the continent but it’s well worth a more detailed exploration. It is also a fabulous introduction to the English countryside for those living in mainland Europe. Kent is the English county closest to the continent, easy to reach with a short ferry crossing or just 35 minutes through the tunnel under the English Channel.

If you’re looking for region with beautiful beaches, stunning castles, exciting culture and delicious food and drink, then you’ve come to the right place. This county has some of the best beaches in Europe – voted by Lonely Planet – as well as art galleries, elegant stately homes, romantic getaways, and interesting attractions. This tour also detours a little into East Sussex.

Tour Highlights

• Stunning scenery of the Weald, Kent & parts of East Sussex • Visit England’s oldest brewery, Shepherd Neame • Discover the famous gardens of Sissinghurst, Great Dixter & Great Comp • Visit the incredible Canterbury Cathedral • Explore beautiful properties such as Rudyard Kipling’s Batemans, Ightham Mote & Knole House • Visit Sir Winston Churchill’s home of Chartwell • Visit Bodiam Castle, Hever Castle, Leeds Castle, Chiddingstone Castle • Cultural delights such as historic churches, ancient towns & villages, & fascinating museums

Drive to the Hotel. Settle into your room and enjoy a delicious dinner in the restaurant.

Enjoy a visit to Faversham, with its half-timbered houses, a 16th-century Guildhall and, in the centre of this market town, England’s oldest brewery, Shepherd Neame, dating from the 13th  century. It is possible to tour the brewery. Then proceed to Whitstable, renowned for its oyster culture and excellent little fish restaurants, and then pass through Herne Bay, which features a typically-Victorian two-mile seafront. Continue on to the oldest of the Cinque Ports, Sandwich, with its windmill and folk museum. One of the highlights of the tour is, without doubt, Canterbury, which is worth a lengthy visit to see the world famous 11th century cathedral and historic town centre. Return to the hotel. Although the hotel has a good restaurant, recommendations of nearby restaurants and pubs for dinner are also suggested in the tour book.

Take a scenic route via the famous gardens of  Sissinghurst, created by Vita Sackville-West. Then continue to the pleasant town of Cranbrook, with its many 18th century buildings. Drive to Scotney Castle (National Trust) with its beautiful gardens, and then on to Lamberhurst, once the centre of the Wealden iron industry. Just over the border in East Sussex, discover Burwash, an outstandingly attractive village of 16th and 17th-century houses. Nearby is Bateman’s, the home of Rudyard Kipling, which provided inspiration for much of his work. Then explore the beautiful Bodiam Castle – a medieval,  14th century,  moated castle. This fairytale castle is one of Britain’s most romantic and picturesque, set in the heart of 1066 country. With spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th-century Bodiam Castle is the real thing. Windows where arrows were once fired, a tower that was once a look-out and ruins that were once walked upon by knights. Great Dixter was built by famed architect, Edward Lutyens, and the house is also widely renowned for the fantastic gardens in the arts and crafts style. The route then winds on to the C.M. Booth Vehicle Museum, which houses a large collection of early 3-wheeled Morgans as well as many other British marques. Drive on to Tenterden, the pearl of the Weald with its white, weather-boarded houses along the shopping street. The town is also the starting point of the Kent and East Sussex  Railway, a lovely old steam train which leads to Northiam. Continue on to the Biddenden Vineyards, one of the seven wonders of the Weald part of Kent and boasting a one-star Michelin restaurant. Return to the hotel in the evening.

Enjoy a scenic tour via the Great Comp Gardens, a 17th century manor house surrounded by 7 acres of exotic gardens, which were created from 1957. Then continue along to Ightham Mote,  a stunning moated manor house dating from 1372, which is now part of the National Trust. The tour then continues to Knole ,  near Sevenoaks, one of England’s most important houses with an extensive collection of historic furniture and its medieval deer park. Visit Chartwell, Sir Winston Churchill’s home near Westerham and now in the hands of the National Trust. Just a few miles further is Hever Castle, a charming small castle and the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife. Half the castle has been refurbished in the early 20th century, as have the gardens with an Italian addition. Chiddingstone, to the east of Hever, is a beautiful village, owned in its entirety by the National Trust, including Chiddingstone Castle. Then continue to Penshurst, a small village with stone houses and a magnificent church. Enjoy a final dinner at the hotel.

Discover the gorgeous Leeds Castle. There has been a castle on the site since 1119, and owned by a number of English kings, but the castle seen today dates mainly from the early 19th century after some extensive remodelling by a previous owner. Depart for home.

Where we'll stay

The routes in this tour are all centred on just one hotel, so there will be no unpacking and repacking during the trip.   Once the home of Lords and politicians, this 17th century, luxury hotel is set in its own 8-hectare parkland. The interior has been sympathetically converted with many of its original features, artwork and furniture remaining. The restaurant has been awarded 2 AA rosettes and a full English breakfast is served every morning. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and TV.

What's included

• An extensively researched and carefully designed itinerary to optimise your trip
• Tour book – includes a brief history of the regions to be visited, emergency details, maps and directions, accommodation information, and a very detailed, tailored account of sights and visits for each day.

Requirements

Price from tour book is £125 (incl uk p&p).

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Gardens and Castles of Kent Group Tour

The picturesque county of Kent, with its stunning gardens, fairytale castles set amidst acres of rolling parkland, stunning floral displays and quirky oast houses. Delve deep into this treasure trove in the south-east of England.

Your Details

Your enquiry, tour highlights.

• Royal Tunbridge Wells, the Georgian spa town popular with royalty, with its colonnaded Pantiles and array of independent boutiques, antique shops, bookshops and cafes.
• Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, a National Trust property. Home of author Vita Sackville-West, made up of 10 beautiful gardens and a moated Elizabethan manor house and tower. One of the most visited gardens in England.
• Great Dixter House with its topiary, long border, orchard, wild flower meadow and garden designed in the retro-folk art style of William Morris' Arts & Crafts Movement.
• 14th Century Hever Castle, as if drawn from a child's picture book. The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, where she first met King Henry VIII. An amazing 125 acres, these include Italian, Rose and Tudor gardens, topiary, a yew maze and informal areas including Sunday Walk and Anne Boleyn's Walk.
• Chartwell, a National Trust property and Sir Winston Churchill's home in the Kent countryside.
• Exquisite Leeds Castle, a favourite of Henry VIII and medieval queens, surrounded by a lake, woods, parkland and water gardens.
• The Kentish Gardens at Kent Life with an ornamental herb garden, herbaceous borders, apple orchards, Oast House and Vintage Village telling the story of the county's rural past.
• Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, renowned for its beautiful and historic gardens and expansive views across the Weald of Kent. Discover over 12 acres of historic gardens, punctuated with contemporary sculptures, as well as woodland paths, breathtaking views and plenty of benches!
• Pashley Manor Gardens, boasting all the ingredients of the English Country Garden – sweeping herbaceous borders, ha-ha, well maintained lawns, box hedges, espaliered rose walk, historic walled garden, inspiring kitchen garden, venerable trees and a Grade I listed house as a backdrop.

Picture Gallery

What Our Clients Say

I was very fortunate to be on their 70th and 75th D-Day celebration tours. The service and attention to details was exceptional. It was very moving to go back.

As a Jane Austen enthusiast, this tour was perfect - and the Jane Austen Festival in Bath was just fabulous to see!

Words fail me...The Downton Abbey was a perfectly wonderful travel experience! We did not know we would be the ONLY guests at the Abbey. When we realised how truly exclusive our tour was we were speechless! Surreal being there and actually meeting Lady Carnarvon.

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Kent Tours from London

The garden of england. home to castles, orchards and rolling hills. setting of some of the most iconic events in british history..

Join our Kent tours from London to discover beautiful scenery and iconic history. Travel in a small-group on a comfortable minibus, in the company of a friendly driver-guide. Travel through glorious countryside visit the historic Canterbury Cathedral and gaze out over the famous White Cliffs…

Highlights of our Kent tours:

Visit the white cliffs.

Absorb views at one of Britain’s most iconic sights; the White Cliffs of Dover.

Explore Canterbury

Visit this historic city, including England’s most senior church, Canterbury Cathedral.

Enjoy a lovely landscape

Travel through pretty countryside in a region known as the ‘Garden of England’.

Kent: a brief history

Located in the south-easternmost corner of England, i t is thought that the name Kent means ‘border’; deriv ing from the Celtic community who first inhabit ed the region . I n 55bc and 54bc , Julius Caesar made attempts to invade Britain and on both occasions landed in Kent. Although both attempts were ultimately unsuccessful, Caesar described the local people as ‘The most civilised of all the Celts’. But less than a century later, the mighty Roman army arrived on the beaches of Kent again to invade Britain, and begin an occupation that would span nearly four hundred years.

Kent was a gain the s etting for another iconic event in Br iti s h history; the Battle of Hastings, in 1066. Duke William of Normandy and his forces had set sail across the channel from France with the aim of conquering Britain. Upon landing they were met by an English army led by King Harold, and a bloody b attle ensued at Hastings which saw Harold killed and the Normans victorious. Keen to claim the throne, William moved quickly through Kent, via Dover and Canterbury, before travelling north to London, where he was crowned King William on Christmas Day in 1066.

During the Second World War, Kent played a crucial role in some of the most significant events. In 1940 the county , and Dover in particular, w ere at the centre of Operation Dynamo, which saw 330,000 troops rescued from Dunkirk. L ater the same year, the Battle of Britain was fought in the skies over Kent, with the RAF resist ing the relentless German offensives, causing Hitler to postpo ne Nazi plans to invade, a victory that Churchill famously  described as the ‘finest hour’. Throughout the war, Kent was bombed heavily, and in 1944 Operation Fortitude was launched, a crucial decoy for the Normandy landings.

Places to visit in Kent

Kent is known as the ‘Garden of England’, a nickname first given to the area by King Henry VIII. The county is famous for its charming landscape; it is a traditional fruit growing area with an abundance of orchards and hop gardens. Any venture into Kent should spend time on the rural roads absorb ing the natural beauty of the countryside. Kent is an area famously known for its castles. Arguably one of the most important fortresses in the whole of England is Dover Castle. During the Second World War, the castle was HQ for Operation Dynamo and oversaw the evacuation of 330,000 Allied soldiers from Dunkirk.

Travelling through the heart of Kent will take you to the iconic cathedral city of Canterbury, a settlement occupied for several millennia by Celts, Romans, Jutes and beyond. The main landmark of the city is its Cathedral, which is the most senior church in England. The Cathedral has was founded in 597ad by Augustine, who formally introduce Christianity to England. It has been a place of pilgrimage since the controversial Martyrdom of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. Canterbury is not a large place , with a population of only 55,000, but any visit to Kent must include this historic city.

Another famous feature and symbol of Kent is its coastline; with of the county boasting over 350 miles of shoreline. Along the coast you’ll find charming towns and beautiful beaches. But the most s triking feature of Kent’s coast is its world-famous White Cliffs. Compromising of chalk, a nd with a geological history spanning millions of years, the White Cliffs have become not only symbolic of Kent, but Britain overall. They can be seen in several different parts of the county, but the best place to visit is Dover. For any visitor to Kent, a view over the White Cliffs of Dover is a must.

Want to go?

A day in kent tour from london (1-day).

• You’ll visit: Canterbury, Deal, Kent Countryside, White Cliffs of Dover
• Explore the best of the ‘Garden of England’ in a day
• Small-groups guaranteed, with a maximum of 16 per group
• Spend time in the historic city of Canterbury and visit the iconic Cathedral, which is the most senior church in England
• Gaze out over one of the most iconic sights in Britain: the White Cliffs and take a walk to absorb spectacular views

Special Interest Tours

Kent offers an eclectic range of experiences and hides a number of real hidden gems.There are experts who can ensure you pack your trip with unusual activities and excursions - so why not take advantage and book a bespoke tour around Kent today?

Take a look at the selection of tours available below ...

Kent's Castles, Gardens and Coastline

Join Rabbies on a magnificent 3-day exploration of the architecture, flavours, and history of the 'Garden of England' including Canterbury Cathedral, The White Cliffs of Dover and delicious Whitstable oysters.

Book now via Rabbies

Kentish Vines and Railway Lines

Travel through the ‘Garden of England’ by train and discover the scenic coastal towns on your journey from Hythe to Dungeness. Enjoy the lush countryside and heritage along the way aboard the Kent and East Sussex Railway and sample the fruits of the countryside at a traditional vineyard.

Book now via Great Days Travel

The Colours and Culture of Kent

Norman Allen's planned itinerary includes a guided tour of Chatham Historic Dockyard; Rochester, home of Charles Dickens; the wonderful gardens at Sissinghurst and Penshurst Place. Continue to Canterbury Cathedral where Thomas Becket was martyred, the newly opened Secret Wartime Tunnels at Dover Castle, Hever Castle and Churchill's beloved home, Chartwell.

Book now via Norman Allen

St Augustine Tour

Sent by Pope Gregory to re-establish Christianity in England after the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons, Augustine founded the Christian Church in southern England and was the first Archbishop of Canterbury. Supported by King Ethelbert of Kent and Queen Bertha, Augustine gradually introduced Christianity by consecrating pagan temples for Christian worship and converting festivals into martyrs' feast days. Follow Augustine's route, back then fraught with danger, along the south coast.

Book now via Tours International

Satisfaction Tour

The Satisfaction Tour is a 2½ hour fascinating tour of Dartford – Mick Jagger and Keith Richards’ home town. Discover where Mick and Keith grew up and met before the formation of The Rolling Stones, the world’s greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll band.

Gentle Cycling Holidays

The Carter Company have been providing great cycling and walking trips for over 25 years. They offer 7 cycling holidays in Kent, without doubt the most cycling friendly county in England with its' cycle paths, converted railway lines and bike welcoming towns. Enjoy their unique, well researched routes, hand picked hotels and unrivalled customer service.   Holidays are also available throughout the UK and Europe.

Book now via The Carter Company

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Kent: The Garden of England 2023

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• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Coach / Bus

Australia • Traveled in September 2023

• Introduction
• Day 1 London (England)
• Day 2 London – Chartwell House and Sissinghurst – Canterbury
• Day 3 Canterbury – Kent Countryside and Coast – Maidstone
• Day 4 Maidstone – Faversham and Whitstable – Maidstone
• Day 5 Maidstone – Tenterden – Rye
• Day 6 Rye – Dover – Rye
• Day 7 Rye – Hever Castle – London

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Operated by Back-Roads Touring

Here at Back-Roads, our passion is delivering small group holidays that delve a little deeper....

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 5.0
• Itinerary Good 4.0
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 5.0
• Accommodation Good 4.0
• Food Good 4.0
• Tour Operator Back-Roads Touring 4.4
• PM Phil · October 4th, 2023 All worked pretty well. Tour Leader and Driver really good. Trip date: September 2023

• JM James · June 12th, 2022 Very good submersion into the region. Great guide/leader , driver, coach, and hotels. Could have had a bit less search for back roads in favor of more time at key sites and cities. Trip date: June 2022

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• Saturday 22 Jun, 2024 Friday 28 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double $2,689 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• -6% Saturday 20 Jul, 2024 Friday 26 Jul, 2024 English Based on Double $2,689 $2,539 2024 Version View this tour
• Saturday 17 Aug, 2024 Friday 23 Aug, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double $2,689 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Saturday 7 Sep, 2024 Friday 13 Sep, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double $2,689 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• 1 Other Unavailable Departure
• Saturday 3 May, 2025 Friday 9 May, 2025 English Based on Double $2,519 2024 Version View this tour
• Saturday 10 May, 2025 Friday 16 May, 2025 English Based on Double $2,519 2024 Version View this tour
• Saturday 17 May, 2025 Friday 23 May, 2025 English Based on Double $2,519 2024 Version View this tour
• Saturday 7 Jun, 2025 Friday 13 Jun, 2025 English Based on Double $2,689 2024 Version View this tour
• Saturday 21 Jun, 2025 Friday 27 Jun, 2025 English Based on Double $2,689 2024 Version View this tour
• Saturday 19 Jul, 2025 Friday 25 Jul, 2025 English Based on Double $2,689 2024 Version View this tour

Frequently Asked Questions

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• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before August 17th, 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 17th, 2024, a minimum payment of $200 is required to confirm your booking with Back-Roads Touring. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Back-Roads Touring will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
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• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Back-Roads Touring. Please familiarise yourself with the Back-Roads Touring payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Road Trip Through the Best of Kent, England

• Post last modified: October 15, 2023
• Post author: Nicole

You can support this website, at no additional cost to you, by using our links to purchase hotel stays, rental cars, travel products and more.  Learn more .

What does England make you think of? Castles? Lush countryside? Adorably cute historical villages? If this is what you are looking for, then a road trip through the English county of Kent is for you.

Known as “The Garden of England,” Kent is arguably one of the prettiest areas in the country. Here you’ll find the UK’s oldest and most famous cathedrals, castles once owned by Henry VIII, Roman ruins, and tons of those adorable villages we mentioned.

Kent is also close to London, so it’s easy to get to. And, being in the south, the climate is more mild than other areas of the UK. What’s not to love!

This guide includes a 6 – 10 day road trip itinerary through the English county of Kent. At the bottom of this post, you’ll find a savable Google Map with the route to use for your adventure.

None of the attractions in this guide sponsor us; we just thought you’d enjoy them too.

Historic Rochester

The historic town of Rochester was our first stop on our road trip through Kent. With one of the most well-preserved Norman castles in England, an historic old town center, and England’s second oldest cathedral, in our opinion Rochester is sadly underrated as a tourist destination. Plus, its proximity to London, less than an hour by train, makes it perfect for day trips too.

Learn more about what to see and do in our detailed post about visiting Rochester .

Leeds Castle

Known as “the loveliest castle in the world,” Leads Castle sits on 500 beautifully maintained acres. History buffs will also love that the castle’s 900-year-old history includes England’s most famous historical figure, King Henry VIII.

Today, you can visit so much more than just the castle’s living quarters, the gardens include a large maze, a falconry display, and even Europe’s largest display of antique dog collars. That last one is surprisingly interesting.

To learn more, see our detailed post on visiting Leeds Castle .

The City of Canterbury and the infamous Canterbury Cathedral is a must for any road trip through Kent.

The city itself has a very medieval feel, with crooked Tudor buildings that look like they may topple over with the slightest gust of wind. Though, Canterbury was around long before the medieval ages.

Did you know Canterbury was once a Roman town? Go underground to visit the Roman Museum which gives a unique look at what life was like in 1st Century Canterbury.

See our detailed post on visiting Canterbury Cathedral .

White Cliffs of Dover

Unless you find yourself ferrying over to France, not many tourists find themselves in Dover. However, it’s personally one of my favorite areas of Kent, so I couldn’t leave it off our road trip.

Walking along the towering White Cliffs of Dove r, to me, the views feel remote and majestic. Adding to the ambience, wild horses would often greet us on our walks out to the South Foreland Lighthouse . All the while, Dover Castle overlooking us from the hill. 

Hythe and Port Lympne Safari Park

The seaside town of Hythe is a popular summer destination for many Britons. Even though we found ourselves there in winter, the bitter whipping wind couldn’t stop us from enjoying the picture-perfect pebbled beaches of this southern shore town.

Next door to Hythe we spent a day cooing over the animals at Port Lympne Safari Park . With 600 acres, it’s nothing like a zoo, rather it’s more of a sanctuary for rare or endangered animals.

Rye and Winchelsea

We break the rules just slightly on this next road trip stop as we cross the border of Kent into East Sussex to visit the tiny town of Rye .

Stuck in time, aged Tudor buildings lean over the cobbled stone streets. Once home to pirates and smugglers, Rye is full of legends, ghost stories and secret passageways.

To learn more, see our detailed post on visiting Rye .

If you can spare an hour or two it’s worth popping next door into Winchelsea . The even tinier town centers around the 13th century Church of Saint Thomas. This is the same St. Thomas Becket you’ll learn so much about when you visit Canterbury Cathedral . Edward I founded the church in his honor.

Royal Tunbridge Wells

Every time we are back in the UK, we have to fit in at least one afternoon tea , and we couldn’t think of a place more suitable than the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells . We reserved a table for 4 PM at the One Warwick Park Hotel . It was everything we wanted, elegant and delicious.

As we arrived in town a little early, we also had a chance to check out the boutique shops in The Pantiles , a Georgian shopping complex.

Hever Castle

Finally, we ended our road trip through Kent with a visit to Anne Boleyn’s (King Henry VIII’s second wife) childhood home, Hever Castle . The castle is so well-preserved, they even still have one of the original locks King Henry used for his personal security when staying at the castle.

Oh, and if you are a fan of the TV comedy drama Catherine, based on Catherine the Great, you’ll recognize Hever Castle’s Loggia Pavilion in several scenes.

For more on Anne and our visit, see our detailed post on Hever Castle .

Timings and Road Trip Route through Kent

Below we’ve mapped the cities mentioned in this post for easy access on your trip.

We had ten full days to enjoy our road trip through Kent, so we took things slow. We spent a little extra time in Hythe, spent the night at Hever Castle , and added a night in Hastings in East Sussex. However, the route is easy to do in seven days.

If you’re short on time, you could manage Rochester, Leeds Castle, and Hever Castle each in half-a-day. Though, we feel you’d be rushing.

• Day 1 – Rochester
• Day 2 – Leeds Castle
• Day 3 – Canterbury / Dover
• Day 4 – Port Lympne Wildlife Park / Hythe (if it’s summer, you may want extra time in Hythe)
• Day 6 – Rye / Winchelsea / Royal Tunbridge Wells
• Day 7 – Hever Castle

To use this map. Press the slider in the top left corner to open the list of cities.

To save this map to your phone’s Google Maps account, click the small grey star next to the title. To recall the map later in Google Maps, click Saved , then Maps . You’ll see this map in your list.

As we were coming from Essex, we started our road trip on the northern side of Kent, in Rochester, but it makes no difference to your enjoyment if you started on the southern end with Hever Castle.

Posts Mentioned in this Guide

For more details to help plan your trip, here are other posts you’ll find helpful.

• Day in Historic Rochester
• Day at Leeds Castle
• 10 Tips and Secrets for Visiting Canterbury Cathedral
• A Guide to Port Lympne Safari Park
• Rye, England – Immerse Yourself in Old World England
• A Guide to Afternoon Tea in England
• Hever Castle & Gardens: Explore Anne Boleyn’s Childhood Home

We recommend and use these companies to arrange our travel plans; they make travel planning easy and affordable. If you have questions on our experiences, feel free to ask us !

• Book Flights: Skyscanner
• Book Accommodation: Booking.com
• Book Rental Cars: Rentalcars.com
• Buy Travel Gear: Amazon

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Though we aim for accuracy, travel is an ever-changing world. Please check information with the facility you plan to visit. 

Privacy Overview

3 Day Tour from London to Kent Castles, Garden and Coastline Canterbury, Leeds Castle, White Cliffs of Dover, Rye There are no departures planned for this tour.

Small group tour limited to 16 Kent, an England travel "must see" is known as the Garden of England. We spend 3 days discovering gardens, history and heritage.  We sample the flavours of Kent from legendary Whitstable Oysters to the clear crisp wine produced in this area. There is no shortage of England travel ideas on this tour – it is jam packed with hidden treasures with a focus on Kent and South-East England. Step back in time. Discover ancient castles, medieval Canterbury cathedral and stand atop the natural marvel of the White Cliffs of Dover. Your itinerary may include: ancient buildings & ruins, castles, churches & cathedrals, country houses, and more! Day 1: Escape from London and enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views from the North Downs then visit  breathtaking Leeds Castle known as “the loveliest castle in the world”. You continue deeper into rural Kent and visit the traditional Kent village of Smarden with its narrow lanes and medieval church before travelling onwards to your base for the next two nights in the cathedral town of Canterbury. Call +1-800-221-2474 9AM - 6PM Mon-Fri Eastern Time Please Email Us For Information

Day 3  Leaving Canterbury you travel south and across the county line into East Sussex for a short visit to Rye, a medieval town that was once part of the Cinque Ports confederation and is now landlocked two miles from the open sea. Rye has been home to smugglers, royalty as well as writers and now offers visitors the chance to lose themselves in its ancient narrow lanes and passages. Turning North you travel the short distance to Biddenden Vineyards which were established in 1969 and now produce a fine selection of English Wines and Ciders. You can stroll around the 22 acre Vineyard, learn about the unique climate and soil that allows vines to flourish in this part of Kent and then sample the finished product. Your tour continues on to Sissinghurst Castle, a 16th century hunting tower, former prison and Manor House. Stopping for lunch you will have time to explore the gardens, castle buildings and surrounding estate. The colourful gardens, designed by poet Vita Sackville-West, are considered the finest in England and offers some of the finest views across the Weald of Kent towards the North Downs hills, so many England travel ideas have come alive! From here you begin your journey back to London arriving back at Greenlines coach station at 19.00 Call +1-800-221-2474 9AM - 5PM Mon-Fri Eastern Time Please Email Us For Information

T O U R I N C L U D E S

~ North Downs  ~ Leeds Castle ~ Canterbury Cathedral ~ White Cliffs of Dover ~ Whitstable Oysters ~ Traditional Villages ~ Vineyard Visit

There are no departures planned for this tour. Call +1-800-221-2474 9AM - 5PM Mon-Fri Eastern Time Please Email Us For Information

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• Jane Austen, Brontes Tour
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ENGLAND PLUS TOURS

Private Tours for Small Groups and Families

England Plus Tours   is a small family company that specialises in half and full day excursions in the south-east of England. We also offer longer stays in Kent, and private tours in other parts of Great Britain and the nearby continent. 

Based on the south-east coast of Kent, England Plus Tours is ideally located to meet clients at London’s main airports and at the Port of Dover. We also receive visitors staying in London, who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital for a day and experience the thrill of a high-speed train down to the coast. In just under an hour, they can find themselves in a different world, enjoying a cream tea in one of our idyllic Kentish villages or taking in spectacular views from the White Cliffs of Dover!

Shore Excursions from the Port of Dover

Sit Back and Remove the Stress

We will be waiting to greet you with a smile as you and your group step off the ship in Dover to take a  private tour with us.  

By travelling in a small group of up to 6 people, we are able to show you some truly hidden gems where the large tour groups do not go.

You can sit back and relax in the knowledge that we will have you back to your ship in Dover well before the all-aboard time.  

Experience the Real England

Our clients often ask us to make an additional stop to take a photo, or in a local village to have a drink or a bite to eat. Absolutely no problem!

What better way to make your shore excursion even more memorable than by experiencing a cream tea in an English tearoom or a  ploughman’s lunch and a local beer in a traditional village pub? On a private tour, the best part is, the choice is yours!

Dover Transfer with en route Visit

Do you have spare time on your way between Dover and the airport?

Let us take care of your airport transfer and turn your last day into a highlight of your vacation. You may easily be able to fit in a visit on the way such as a Royal Palace like Windsor or Hampton Court, Chartwell (Winston Churchill’s former home), Hever Castle, where Ann Boleyn was raised, or perhaps a stop for lunch in a charming village.

Visit every corner of Great Britain with us

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Taylor Swift announces end of Eras Tour during milestone 100th show in Liverpool

The singer called the tour the "most rewarding, most wonderful thing."

Taylor Swift marked a significant milestone in her career during her 100th show on the Eras Tour in Liverpool, England.

Swift surprised her fans mid-performance with the announcement that the tour would conclude in December 2024.

"You know, this is actually the 100th show of the tour. That blows my mind," Swift told the audience in a fan-recorded video posted to X .

MORE: Taylor Swift stops concert to help a fan in distress

She added, "That doesn't feel like a real statistic to me because this has definitely been the most exhausting, all-encompassing, but most joyful, most rewarding, most wonderful thing that has ever happened in my life thus far. These moments with you."

A spokesperson for the 14-time Grammy winner confirmed to ABC News that Swift's tour will end with a stop in Vancouver, Canada, on Dec. 8.

The Eras Tour began on March 18, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, and has been a global phenomenon.

Initially planned as a shorter stint, the tour has been extended multiple times, covering the United States, South America, Asia, Australia and now Europe. After its European leg, the tour will return to North America for its final shows.

In her heartfelt announcement, Swift reflected on the significance of the moment. "The celebration of the 100th show for me means this is the very first time I've ever acknowledged to myself and admitted that this tour is going to end in December," she said.

"Like, that's it, and that feels like so far away from now, but then again it feels like we just played our first show on this tour because you have made this so much fun for us that we wanted to do 100 shows, 150-something shows that we have on the whole tour," she added.

Throughout the tour, Swift has consistently expressed her gratitude and awe at the overwhelming support from her fans. "I think that this tour has really become my entire life," she admitted during the announcement.

She added, "It's taken over everything. Like, I think I once had hobbies but I don't know what they were anymore. 'Cause all I do when I'm not on stage is, like, sit at home and try to think of clever, like, acoustic song mashups and think about what you might want to hear. Just – so like, when I'm not on the stage, I'm dreaming about being back on the stage with you guys."

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