If there’s one tour that epitomises the joy of strolling around a perfect English country garden, it is this tour of the famous gardens and castles of Kent– with one shining example after another to be savoured and enjoyed. Even if you have visited some of these properties before, such is their allure that you can return again and again, just as you would re-read your favourite novel.
First-time visitors will be bowled over by the quality and pedigree of these gardens and castles which capture the essence of the English country garden.
Our journey into Kent brings many rewards.
Visits include the magnificently manicured gardens of Sissinghurst; the world-famous gardens at Great Dixter; the historic Hever Castle and gardens; the spectacular photogenic Leeds Castle; the lovely Edwardian gardens at Doddington; the beautiful Penhurst Place Gardens; Scotney Castle, known as one of the most romantic gardens in England and the restful and tranquil gardens at Belmont Castle.
What’s included
Five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at Chilston Park Hotel.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary.
Services of a professional tour manager.
Our base for the tour
The Chilston Park Hotel in Maidstone is an elegant 4-star Grade I listed manor house set within 77 acres of private parkland. It is a popular destination for weddings, leisure breaks, and known for its historic charm and antiques.
The hotel has 53 unique bedrooms, including feature bedrooms with 4-poster beds and mews junior suites located in the converted stables.
Culpeper’s Restaurant, located in the original dining room, serves modern British cuisine and has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes. Afternoon tea is also served in the Marble Lounge.
The property includes a tranquil lake, manicured gardens, and extensive parkland, often with sheep and cows grazing, offering a quiet, romantic atmosphere.
Complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and cozy drawing rooms with open fires.
SIX-DAY exclusive hosted tour
- Great value for money with coach travel, visits, accommodation and evening meals and breakfast included.
- Fully supported with experiences assistance team whilst on tour.
- Innovative holiday, well planned and perfectly paced.
- Accompanied access to gardens and visits.
- No hidden extras.
- Friendly tour personnel.
- Welcoming, friendly service from first contact.
- Four stay luxury Maidstone hotel base for our stay situated in 77 acres of parkland.
Our itinerary
Day 1: Somerset departure from Taunton and travel by luxury coach to Maidstone with regular stops and tea breaks arriving in time for tea before relaxing and then enjoying a welcoming dinner.
Day 2: We have a long but most rewarding day with two venues to look forward to. Our first stop is Hever Castle on the Kent and Surrey border. Set in 125 acres of glorious grounds this was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. During our visit we will enjoy its award-winning gardens and its rich and varied history. After lunch at the Castle we head off for an afternoon visit to the beautiful Penhurst Place and its 14th century Manor House and 48 acres of gardens.
Day 3: Another busy and exciting day ahead of us. First it’s to Doddington Place with its famous woodland and sunken garden which was recognised in the Sunday Times recently as ‘one of England’s unsung hero gardens’. Every generation that has lived at Doddington Place has played a part in the evolution of the garden which is now a mix of history and perfection. In the afternoon a short drive to Scotney Castle an English country house and romantic ruined castle and Victorian mansion and with formal gardens.
Day 4: This promises to be a very special day with two world class venues to look forward to. First we arrive at SiSsinghurst, the historic, poetic and iconic gardens a refuge dedicated to beauty. Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson fell in love with Sissinghurst Castle and created a world-renowned garden.
In the afternoon we dip into East Sussex and enjoy the gardens at Great Dixter. This is Christopher Lloyd’s mesmerising garden built around a fifteenth century house extended by Sir Edwin Lutyens
Day 5: Our first stop today is the picturesque Leeds Castle, built on islands in a lake formed by the River Len near Maidstone and an exciting and fun venue. Then in the afternoon we go on to discover Belmont House, the beautiful 18th-century home and gardens built in 1769 surrounded by picturesque and tranquil gardens.
£1400pp BOOK NOW – NUMBERS LIMITED FOR THIS IN DEMAND TOUR
25% fully refundable deposit upon booking. Group booking discount: If 11 x people or more book on a single booking a maximum of one free place will be provided.
Ready to book?
If you’d like to join us on this exciting gardening tour then call Country Gardener on 01823 431767 or email on alan@countrygardener.co.uk reservations for the tour are open now.
TOUR BACKED BY COUNTRY GARDENER MAGAZINES
