Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Kent

Travel to your hotel via Sissinghurst Castle Garden on the way

We suggest a stop on the way to the hotel to visit the world-famous Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Created in the 1930s by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, the gardens are beautifully designed as a series of individual ‘rooms’, each with its own theme and style of planting. The renowned White Garden is particularly special and is a highlight for many visitors.

For those feeling energetic, the Castle Tower is well worth the climb, with 76 steps leading to the top. The reward is a spectacular panoramic view across the garden ‘rooms’, lakes and surrounding countryside.

Historic Dockyards Chatham and free time in Whitstable

No visit to Kent would be complete without a visit to the Historic Dockyard Chatham. From the moment we arrive, we are warmly welcomed by one of the knowledgeable guides, who brings the fascinating history of this remarkable 80-acre site to life. Explore the beautifully preserved timber-framed buildings where ships were once built for the Royal Navy, including the famous HMS Victory (now located in Portsmouth). Visitors can step aboard HMS Gannet and discover the historic Ropery, where rope is still produced for ships and boats today. There is also the opportunity to enjoy a themed tour, with options focusing on the history of the Dockyard or locations featured in the popular BBC series Call the Midwife.

A short drive away is the charming harbour town of Whitstable, where visitors can enjoy lovely views across the Thames Estuary and out towards the North Sea. On a clear day, you may even spot the unusual Red Sands Towers standing on the horizon. Whitstable is also renowned for its fresh seafood, with many of the town’s eateries serving locally caught oysters, making it an ideal stop for seafood lovers.

Canterbury Punting and Canterbury Cathedral

In the morning, we suggest a relaxing 45-minute punting cruise along the River Stour. With full commentary throughout the journey to the locks, sit back and enjoy the historic buildings, picturesque riverside scenery and abundant wildlife along the way. Although the punts may move slightly as you board, the journey itself is wonderfully smooth as you glide gently along the clear waters.

The magnificent Canterbury Cathedral is the city’s most famous landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step inside to admire the spectacular Gothic architecture, with soaring vaulted ceilings and intricate details that are sure to leave a lasting impression. The beautiful stained-glass windows tell stories from centuries past, often casting colourful reflections across the cathedral floor.

As you explore the different spaces within this sacred and historic building, the peaceful atmosphere invites visitors to pause and take in their surroundings. For any visit to Canterbury, the Cathedral is undoubtedly a highlight.

Located in the heart of the city, Canterbury Cathedral is within easy walking distance of the main pedestrian streets and historic lanes. We recommend allowing some free time to explore Canterbury at your leisure, browse the shops and perhaps relax in one of the many cafés and eateries while enjoying the lively atmosphere and people-watching.

Kentish Lady, Maidstone and Kent & East Sussex Railway

In the morning, we enjoy a relaxing one-hour return cruise along the River Medway, travelling to Allington and back. Sit back and enjoy the peaceful scenery as we spend an hour taking in the views from the water.

Our next stop today is Tenterden, where we board the train for a scenic single journey to Bodiam on the Kent & East Sussex Heritage Railway. We arrive early to explore the beautifully preserved station and platform buildings, where you may even spot staff and volunteers busy polishing the windows or preparing the carriages before departure.

The journey to Bodiam takes approximately 50 minutes, offering lovely views of the surrounding countryside as we travel through the picturesque Kent and East Sussex landscape. Our coach will be waiting for us for our onward journey to the hotel.

Travel home via Leeds Castle

Before travelling home, our final visit in Kent is to the magnificent Leeds Castle. Beautiful in all seasons and set within its own moat, this historic castle dates back over 500 years and boasts a fascinating royal heritage. Henry VIII transformed the castle for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and over the centuries it has undergone many changes, welcoming notable guests including Winston Churchill. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, including the famous yew maze, Leeds Castle provides a stunning finale to our Kent visit.