Historic Homes of Kent & Heritage Railways
Historic Homes of Kent & Heritage Railways
Historic Homes of Kent & Heritage Railways
5 Days
Visiting: Kent & East Sussex Railway and Scotney Castle, Penshurst Place & Gardens with Guided House Tour & Hever Castle, Bluebell Railway & Chartwell
Tour operator:
Tour code:
l-a5duphk
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Enjoy journeys on the Kent & East Sussex and Bluebell railways, and discover the historic homes of Kent, including Chartwell and Hever Castle.
Itinerary
Day 1
Make your own way to our hotel, where you will meet our experienced Tour Manager. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner served in the hotel's restaurant.
Day 2 Kent & East Sussex Railway And Scotney Castle
Location: Kent & East Sussex Railway and Scotney Castle
This morning, we travel by coach to the market town of Tenterden. Here, we board the Kent & East Sussex Railway for a return rail journey between Tenterden and Bodiam, soaking up the scenery along the way. Enjoy some free time in Tenterden to explore the shops or relax in one of the delightful cafés before continuing to the iconic Scotney Castle, with included entrance to both the castle and its lush gardens.
Steeped in history, the roots of the Old Castle at Scotney stretch back to 1378, a creation of Roger de Ashburnham. Over the centuries, the Darell and Hussey families have each added their touch. Since Christopher Hussey's passing in 1970, the National Trust took ownership, and in 2007, following Betty Hussey's private residence, its doors were opened to the public. The picturesque gardens are bursting with beautiful colours, and the ruined Old Castle is worth exploring. Venture inside the 19th-century house and discover a vast collection of art, literature, and furnishings, intertwined with stories of its former residents. After a day filled with exploration, we journey back by coach.
Day 3 Penshurst Place & Gardens With Guided House Tour & Hever Castle
Location: Penshurst Place & Gardens with Guided House Tour & Hever Castle
Today, our journey begins aboard the coach, heading towards the magnificent Penshurst Place and Gardens. This grand estate has once played host to King Henry VIII, courtesy of Edward Stafford, the 3rd Duke of Buckingham. After the lavish visit, Henry VIII had Stafford tried for treason and Penshurst Place became the property of the crown. It became Henry's hunting lodge, especially during his romantic pursuit of Anne Boleyn, whose family owned Hever Castle nearby. In 1552, King Edward VI entrusted Penshurst to Sir William Sidney. This marked the start of the Sidney family's legacy, including the iconic Elizabethan figure, Sir Philip Sidney.
Our exploration continues as the coach takes us to Hever Castle. This dreamy 13th-century castle, surrounded by a moat, was once the backdrop to Anne Boleyn's childhood tales. Its ownership shifted in 1903 when William Waldorf Astor acquired it, meticulously restoring the castle and creating the beautiful gardens. Meander through the Tudor Garden, enjoy the rhododendron walk, and trace Anne Boleyn's footsteps in her dedicated walkway.
We return to the hotel by coach and enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
Day 4 Bluebell Railway & Chartwell
Location: Bluebell Railway & Chartwell
After breakfast, we travel by coach to Sheffield Park Station. Here, we climb aboard the historic Bluebell Railway for a scenic journey to East Grinstead station. On arrival, our coach takes us to Chartwell – the cherished family home of Winston Churchill from 1924 until his last days. More than just the iconic Prime Minister's residence, Chartwell offers an intimate glance into Winston Churchill’s personal world. Beyond his political duties, Churchill harboured a passion for painting. With over half a century dedicated to this art, he crafted more than 500 masterpieces, all of which can be admired in his personal 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.
Day 5
After a leisurely breakfast, it is time for you to check out and make your own way home.
Accommodation
For 2024 departures, you will stay for four nights at the Spa Hotel in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?
Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Leger Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of leger holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.