Historic Homes of Kent and Heritage Railways

Staying in lovely 4-star accommodations, our hand-picked hotel offers elegance, luxury and first-class facilities. Explore your glorious countryside surroundings, or indulge in delicious meals at the on-site restaurant. From here, you’ll visit famous homes, castles and their gardens, including Lady Churchill’s rose gardens, the vibrant colourful gardens at Scotney Castle, and the Tudor gardens of Penshurst Place, which was once a hunting lodge for King Henry VIII. You’ll also take two journeys by steam train, looking out on the beauty of the South East's countryside.

5 days from £895pp

Single Room Supplement from £220pp

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Your Tour Includes

  • 4 nights hotel with English breakfast
  • 4 evening meals
  • Services of an experienced Tour Manager
  • Coach transfers for our excursions

Itinerary

Please choose your preferred 5 day itinerary

Make your own way to our hotel, where you will meet an experienced Tour Manager. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner served in the hotel's restaurant.

Included Meals

  • Dinner

After breakfast, we travel by coach to the market town of Tenterden, where we will enjoy a return rail journey between Tenterden and Bodiam on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. After some free time in Tenterden to browse or enjoy one of the cafés or tearooms, we continue by coach to Scotney Castle, where we include entrance to the castle and gardens.

Scotney Castle has a long and rich history. The earliest parts of the Old Castle were built in 1378 by Roger de Ashburnham and were added to over the years by both the Darell and Hussey families. Scotney Castle has been in the ownership of the National Trust since Christopher Hussey’s death in 1970, and the house remained the private residence of his widow, Betty Hussey, until June 2007, when it was first opened to visitors. Visit the renowned picturesque garden to enjoy the vibrant colours and wander the romantic and ruined Old Castle. Inside the 19th-century house is a large collection which features many artworks, books and furniture, as well as stories about previous inhabitants. You’ll have plenty of time to explore before we return to the hotel by coach for our evening meal.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Included Highlights

  • Scotney Castle
  • Kent & East Sussex Railway

Today, we travel by coach for our visit to Penshurst Place and Gardens, once visited by Henry VIII as a guest of Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham. After the lavish visit, Henry VIII had Stafford tried for treason and Penshurst Place became the property of the crown. Henry used it as a hunting lodge whilst courting Anne Boleyn, whose family owned Hever Castle nearby. In 1552, King Edward VI granted the estate to Sir William Sidney, and it has been the ancestral home of the Sidney family ever since, including the Elizabethan poet, courtier, and soldier, Sir Philip Sidney.

We continue by coach onto Hever Castle, a romantic 13th-century moated castle and childhood home of Anne Boleyn. In 1903, it was bought by William Waldorf Astor who went on to restore and extend the castle and create the vast, beautiful gardens. You can take a stroll through the Tudor Garden, rhododendron walk, and Anne Boleyn's walk. The splendour and beauty of Penshurst Place and the enchantment of Hever Castle make for a truly wonderful day out. We return to the hotel by coach and enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Included Highlights

  • Hever Castle
  • Penhurst Place and Gardens

After breakfast, we travel by coach to Sheffield Park Station, where we ride on the Bluebell Railway to East Grinstead station. On arrival, our coach will be waiting and will take us to Chartwell, the family home of Winston Churchill from 1924 until the end of his life. The house itself is fascinating, and the history of Churchill portrayed here gives us a glimpse into the private life of Winston ‘the family man’. Outside of his Prime Ministerial duties, Churchill enjoyed painting, and over 50 years created more than 500 pieces, which can all be viewed in his studio. You will also have time to explore the gardens here, including Lady Churchill’s rose garden, the Golden Rose Avenue, and the walled garden. We return to the hotel by coach for dinner this evening.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Included Highlights

  • Bluebell Railway
  • Chartwell House

After a leisurely breakfast, it is time for you to check out and make your own way home.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast

*Please note: We cannot guarantee that all our rail journeys will be steam hauled and the running order of the itinerary may change depending on availability. The final itinerary will be confirmed in your final Travel Documents.*

Introducing

Boasting expertly crafted itineraries and luxurious, handpicked accommodation, enjoy an indulgent escape in the UK's most desirable destinations with The Signature Collection.

The Spa Hotel

The Spa Hotel

Accommodation

For 2023 departures, you will stay for four nights at the Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club.

For 2024 departures, you will stay for four nights at the Spa Hotel in Royal Tunbridge Wells. 

The Spa Hotel

The Spa Hotel

Escape to the elegant 4-star Spa Hotel, a captivating country mansion located just a 15-minute walk from Tunbridge Wells railway station. Set within 14 acres of enchanting gardens and parkland, this remarkable hotel offers a tranquil retreat. Unwind and rejuvenate in the hotel's inviting swimming pool, sauna, gym and steam room, providing the ultimate relaxation (extra charges may apply, please inquire locally). Indulge in incredible dining options at the lovely Orangery Restaurant, sip on delicious cocktails at the Zagatos Bar, or enjoy a fantastic outdoor pizza oven experience on the terrace! The spacious and beautifully decorated bedrooms offer modern amenities including WiFi, a TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities, and you can enjoy the convenience of complimentary car parking too.

Location: Langton Road Royal Tunbridge Wells, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8XJ

Hotel Facilities

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Room
  • TV
  • Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
  • Hairdryer
  • Safe Box
  • Air Conditioning
  • Free Wifi
  • Iron or Trouser Press
General
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Indoor Swimming Pool
  • Lift
  • Sauna or Steam Room
Service
  • Gym
Car Parking
  • Free Car Parking
Hotel
  • Swimming Pool
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Lift
  • WiFi Available

Single Room Supplements

Single Room Supplement from £220.00

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