Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Kent
Secrets of the ‘Garden of England’
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Late summer view of the lawn and cottages at Ightham Mote ©National Trust Images, Chris Jonas
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The Chapel Corridor, a passageway between the Oriel Room and the New Chapel at Ightham Mote ©National Trust Images, Chris Jonas
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Godinton House walled garden
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View of Bodiam Castle ©National Trust Images, Sam Milling
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Visitors at Bodiam Castle ©National Trust Images, John Millar
Discover more of the Secrets of the ‘Garden of England’ – Kent, with visits to Godinton House and Gardens, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Great Dixter House and Gardens, Ightham Mote , Bodiam Castle, Kent & East Sussex Railway and enjoy a wine tasting at Chapel Down Winery.
Dates
22nd September 2024; 12th May, 9th June, 15th September, 13th October - all 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Kent
If time permits, why not ask the Greatdays team for suggestions for a stop-off on the journey.
Day 2
Private visit to Godinton House and Gardens
An exclusive morning visit to Godinton House & Gardens, a haven of peace and tranquillity whose owners treat visitors as ‘friends and family’. Tea and biscuits is followed by a one-hour guided tour of the house that unravels its 600 years of history and reveals a collection of furniture, art, porcelain and curios. Outside, a walled garden, rose garden, Italian garden, terraced lawns and herbaceous borders combine to offer a memorable visit.
Day 3
Discover Riverhill Himalayan Gardens and Ightam Mote
A morning visit to Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. The head gardener will take you on an entertaining exploration of the grounds. In the afternoon we visit the National Trust’s Ightham Mote, a lovely 14th century medieval moated manor house surrounded by a beautiful garden.
Day 4
Steam train, Bodiam Castle, Great Dixter and a wine tasting
This morning we join the steam-hauled Kent & East Sussex Railway for a 45-minute ride from Tenterden to Bodiam. We visit Bodiam Castle, complete with drawbridge and moat. There’s free time for lunch and to visit the castle. In the afternoon we visit Great Dixter House & Gardens with an optional one-hour tour of the garden. We then stop at Chapel Down Winery for a wine tasting.
Day 5
Return home
Featured Hotels – Inspected by Greatdays Staff in November 2023
Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel ****
This hotel, located in the heart of the Garden of England, neighbours the majestic Leeds Castle. There are 126 comfortable bedrooms, a lounge area, and leisure facilities including a gym, swimming pool, sauna, steam and Jacuzzi. There is a lift to all floors, however to access the ground floor lift from reception there are seven steps. A wheelchair lift is available. There is ample free coach parking.
Holiday Inn Ashford – North ***
A warm welcome awaits at this newly renovated hotel, set in a rural location around 4 miles from Ashford. The hotel is on 3 floors with an open plan lounge area and bar with Starbucks coffee shop, and restaurant. Make yourself at home in one of the 92 en-suite bedrooms which all feature tea and coffee making facilities, flat-screen TV and hairdryer. The hotel has a lift to all floor and provides ample free coach parking.
Mercure Maidstone Great Danes
| Dates | 5 days / 4 nights |
| 22nd September 2024 | From £479.00 per person |
Holiday Inn Ashford North
| Dates | 5 days / 4 nights |
| 12th May 2025 | From £505.00 per person |
| 9th June 2025 | From £505.00 per person |
| 15th September 2025 | From £505.00 per person |
| 13th October 2025 | From £505.00 per person |
Single supplement available on request.
