Group Travel and Tour Operator for Kent
Kent Grape and Grain
Who needs Champagne, when we have fabulous fizz on our doorstep!
Thanks to a unique micro-climate Kent now produces award-winning sparkling wines that rival the French masters. The awareness and interest in English sparkling wine is growing steadily, and on this tour you can visit two innovative wineries, Chapel Down and Hush Heath. Kent has a rich history and tradition of producing high-quality alcoholic beverages, and on this tour we also call into Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer. Because you are on a coach you can indulge in the beer and wine tastings without worrying about a designated driver! Other tempting highlights include Brogdale National Fruit Collection, heritage farm park Kent Life, and free time in Faversham and Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Dates
22nd September 2024; 12th May, 9th June, 15th September, 13th October - all 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to your hotel
Depending on where you are travelling from we can recommend a lunch stop.
Day 2
Shepherd Neame Brewery and Brogdale National Fruit Collection
Arrive in the Faversham where there is time to browse the traditional street market before your brewery tour at Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer. Here we learn about the art of brewing with chances to taste the mineral water from the on-site well and smell locally grown hops. Discover the past in the Old Brewery store with its historic delivery vehicles, bygone pub signs and end the tour with a tutored tasting of fine Kentish ales and speciality lagers.
Afternoon option 1 – In the afternoon we visit Brogdale, home to the National Fruit Collection, the largest collection of fruit trees in the world. We take a guided orchard tour of the seasonal fruit collections (June – strawberries, berries and currants/ September – apples, pears, quince, medlars.)
Afternoon option 2 – If that sounds a bit fruity then after Shepherd Neame there is the option to have a 2-course lunch at The Foundry, a unique microbrewery and restaurant located in the heart of Canterbury. Spend the rest of the afternoon in the historic town centre including a guided tour of the iconic Cathedral. £21 supplement per person.
Day 3
Chapel Down Winery and Kent life
Chapel Down is one of Kent’s award winning sparkling wine producers, with rumours that their wine was served at Will’s and Kate’s wedding! Enjoy a tour of the vineyards and winery where we learn about the history of English wine, the vineyard cycle and the intricacies of the traditional method of sparkling wine production. To complete the experience we take part in a tutored tasting of their award-winning range of wines.
Our next stop is Kent Life. Here we can explore the collection of historic buildings, stroll through the gardens, meet the resident animals, or take a time out in Dotty’s Tea Room.
Day 4
Hush Heath Winery and Royal Tunbridge Wells
Hidden away in beautiful Kent countryside near Staplehurst, the Estate produces one of England’s most iconic and exclusive sparkling wines using the traditional method, Balfour Brut Rose. The Estate boasts an exquisite selection of wines and ciders all produced from fruit grown in our beautiful vineyards and apple orchards, some of which are served first class on British Airways!
On our visit we enjoy a self-guided walk; picking up a map from one of the team at the Cellar Door on arrival. With two specially designed routes to choose from, explore our picturesque 400-acre Estate at your own pace with a stroll through our beautiful vineyards, apple orchards, wildflower meadows and ancient oak woodlands. Upon returning to our tasting room and spacious outside terrace, sample three Balfour wines. There is also the opportunity to purchase the wines at the on-site shop.
In the afternoon we call into Royal Tunbridge Wells, the charming historic town that was a favourite of Queen Victoria.
Day 5
Return home via Bluewater
Today we return home via Bluewater, one of the largest shopping centres in Britain. Completely undercover with ample coach parking and full accessibility, there are over 300 stores, including big names like John Lewis and specialist food stores, and 50 restaurants to discover. All groups are offered a VIP booklet with discounted offers for certain shops.
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.
Please note
Safety Precautions – Sensible closed toe shoes must be worn. Due to the nature of the premises featured in this tour there are uneven inside and outside surfaces and steep steps. In most cases virtual tours can be provided with prior notice.
Itinerary may be subject to change due to attraction availability.
Mercure Maidstone Great Danes
Dates | 5 days / 4 nights |
22nd September 2024 | From £459.00 per person |
Holiday Inn Ashford North
Dates | 5 days / 4 nights |
12th May 2025 | From £484.00 per person |
9th June 2025 | From £484.00 per person |
15th September 2025 | From £484.00 per person |
13th October 2025 | From £459.00 per person |
Single supplement available on request.