Kent - England's Oldest County

Welcome to a region rich in treasures. There's arguably not another area in the country that can boast so deep and varied a range of attractions to entertain, educate, and simply be enjoyed by the holiday-maker.

Naturally, as an area closest to the continent, it has seen many an invader. Some enjoyed more success than others did but all left their mark as the region's castles and defences attest. Not all invasions were military ones. Trade and ideas crossed the channel too, and they too left their mark in harbour towns, great cathedrals and literary homes.

It's also known as the 'garden of England' and not without good reason. The gentle undulating 'Weald' is dotted with hop fields and fat cattle graze in lush green meadows.

And in the tiny, picturesque, flower-filled villages, life continues much as it has done for centuries.

This is a lovely tour and has always received great plaudits and praise from past participants. You'll be sure to add yours.

Depart London, following the Thames towards the North Sea, past the Greenwich Meridien Line, and a Thames riverside location with connections to Captain Christopher Jones and 'The Mayflower'. See the Pocahontas memorial at Gravesend, and then lunch in the tiny, but jewel-like city of Rochester. Here you will see the cathedral, a well-preserved 12th century castle and a medieval shopping street. Charles Dickens lived and set many of his tales in this city. Continue this afternoon through country dubbed 'the garden of England' to Chartwell, home to Winston Churchill. Overnight in Kent.

The Canterbury Cathedral, Leeds Castle and Dover are the main features of our day's touring. Depending on group majority interest you may choose from the fishing village of Whitstable; Britain's most haunted village of Pluckley; an emotive Battle of Britain memorial and a few real back-road drives where you'll see hop fields and the traditional oast houses of the region. Our Jamestown commemoration theme is explored at Leeds Castle, (connections with Virginia developers the Culpeppers and Fairfaxes) and at nearby Maidstone where we'll find a Washington Memorial and the origins of the 'Stars and Stripes'. Overnight in Kent.

Start the day with a visit to the fabulous gardens of Sissinghurst. Next we cross the Romney marshes, once a haunt of smugglers, to the picturesque old Cinque Port of Rye. Along the coast you'll see coastal fortresses built to repel the invader, Napoleon. Then to a place all have heard of, Hastings! We'll explore the site of this most famous of battles. 1066 changed the course of the history of the English-speaking people and it is a spine-tingling exercise to walk part of the actual battlefield. On our return journey to London we'll see Winnie the Pooh's Ashdown Forest and may even stop for a game of Pooh Sticks! If Pooh is of no attraction then perhaps Rudyard Kipling's house may be? Return to London by 6 p.m.

Note:
A pre-tour passenger pick-up charge of approx. $30 per party applies when London accommodation is other than a hotel nominated by Back Roads Touring and a higher charge applies if your hotel is located outside central London. All passengers are returned to their central London hotel after each tour. Pre & Post Tour accommodation offers available on application.