Festive Historic Homes of Kent

Make your own way to our hotel, where you will meet our Tour Manager. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner served in the hotel restaurant.

Our first visit today is Chartwell, the family home of Winston Churchill from 1924 until the end of his life. The house itself is fascinating, and the history of Churchill portrayed here gives us a glimpse into the private life of Winston ‘the family man’. Outside of his Prime Ministerial duties, Churchill enjoyed painting and, over 50 years, created more than 500 pieces. Enjoy the festive spirit as you explore the House decorated for Christmas, and take a stroll through the gardens, and why not treat yourselves to a warming hot chocolate.

After our visit to Chartwell, we continue onto Hever Castle, a romantic 13th century moated castle and childhood home of Anne Boleyn. In 1903, it was bought by William Waldorf Astor who went on to restore and extend the castle and create the beautiful gardens. The castle was then filled with wonderful paintings, tapestries and furniture which are all on display. The vast Gardens are beautifully designed, with one of the most magnificent being the Italian garden, with its lovely sculptures and lake. Take a stroll through the Tudor Garden or make your way along Anne Boleyn’s walk. During the festive period, Hever Castle is adorned with trees and lights, inside and out, and you will see the beautiful traditionally decorated rooms with twinkling trees and welcome log fires. Be enchanted by the illuminated gardens and, as dusk falls, watch as the castle and trees glow with decorated lights. At the end of the afternoon, we return to our hotel for our evening meal.

After breakfast, we head to Tenterden for a return journey on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Relax in your first-class carriage, as your train journey meanders through the beautiful wintery Wealden countryside. The journey will take you to Northiam, where the steam engine will take water before winding back to Tenterden.

This afternoon we head to Scotney Castle, made up of two properties - a Victorian Mansion, and the ruins of a medieval Castle surrounded by a moat. Parts of the old Castle date back to the 14th century and were added to by the Darell and Hussy families. In the 1830’s, Edward Hussey III planned for the new house to be built overlooking the valley. The old Castle ruin and moat were to be the focus of his new landscape garden. Explore this year's festive theme inside this beautiful Victorian country mansion and take a stroll through the grounds to admire the views. We return to the hotel for dinner this evening.

After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time for you to check-out and make your way home.