Historic Homes of Kent and Heritage Railways

July-September 2021

5 days from £695pp

Delve deep into the exciting history of Kent on this unique five day rail holiday as we visit some of the county’s most famous historic homes including Chartwell, once home to the renowned Sir Wintson Churchill and Penshurst Place, previous home of the infamous King Henry VIII. We will also enjoy rides on Heritage railways, Kent & East Sussex Railway and the Bluebell Railway.

Sit back and relax as you ride the Kent & East Sussex Railway
Enjoy the scenic views on board the Bluebell Railway
Explore 15th century Great Dixter House & Gardens
A visit to Chartwell, the family home of Winston Churchill
Enjoy the splendour and beauty of Penshurst Place & Gardens
Visit enchanting Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn

Description
Itinerary
What's Included
Travel Options
Dates & Prices

From King Henry VIII to the great Sir Winston Churchill, many a famed historic figured has made Kent their home over the years. On this five-day rail holiday, we will delve deep into the thrilling history of Kent, visiting the historic homes of those that once lived here to gain a unique perspective into their lives. In order to reach these spectacular homes, we will travel aboard some of the county’s most famous heritage railways, including the Bluebell Railway & the Kent & East Sussex Railway- adding to the overall experience of this trip of ‘times gone by’.

Day 1: Alfriston, South Downs National Park
Make your own way to our hotel in the South Downs National Park where you will meet our Tour Manager. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner served in the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 2: Kent & East Sussex Railway and Great Dixter House & Gardens
After breakfast, we travel by coach to the market town of Tenterden, where we will enjoy a return rail journey between Tenterden and Bodiam on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. After some free time in Tenterden to browse or maybe enjoy one of the many café's or tearoom's, we continue by coach to Great Dixter House and Gardens where we spend the afternoon. Great Dixter House was purchased in 1910 by Nathaniel Llloyd for £6,000 and then restored by Edwin Lutyens. It was the birthplace of gardener, and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd (1921-2006) the youngest of Nathaniel’s 6 children. Great Dixter house is made up of three houses with the medieval part of the house, including the great hall, being open to visitors to enjoy along with the many different types of gardens; the Exotic Garden, Orchard Garden, Solar Garden, Peacock Garden and the Long Border. You’ll have plenty of time to explore before we return to the hotel for our evening meal.
Day 3: Bluebell Railway & Chartwell
After breakfast, we travel by coach to Sheffield Park station where we enjoy a ride on the Bluebell railway to East Grinstead station. On arrival, our coach will be waiting and will take us to 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, which can all be viewed in his studio. You will also have time to explore the gardens here, including Lady Churchill’s rose garden, the Golden Rose Avenue plus the walled Garden. We return to the hotel for dinner this evening.
Day 4: Penshurst Place & Gardens and Hever Castle
Today we visit Penshurst Place and Gardens, once visited By Henry VIII as a guest of Edward Stafford the 3rd Duke of Buckingham. After the lavish visit Henry VIII had Stafford tried for treason and Penshurst Place became the property of the crown. Henry used it as a hunting lodge whilst courting Anne Boleyn, whose family owned Hever Castle close by. In 1552 King Edward VI granted the estate to Sir William Sidney and it has been the Ancestral home of the Sidney family ever since, including the Elizabethan poet, courtier and soldier, Sir Philip Sidney. After a leisurely visit to Penshurst Place, 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 vast Gardens are beautifully designed, and you can take a stroll through the Tudor Garden; Rhododendron walk and Anne Boleyn's walk. The splendour and beauty of Penshurst Place, and the enchantment of Hever Castle make for a truly wonderful day out.
Day 5: Home
After a leisurely breakfast, it is time for you to check-out and embark on your return journey home.

Please note: We cannot guarantee that all our rail journeys will be steam hauled and the running order of the itinerary may change depending on availability. The final itinerary will be confirmed in your final Travel Documents.

Overview

The four-star Deans Place Country Hotel & Restaurant was originally a vast farming estate and became a private hotel at the beginning of the 20th century. It is set on the banks of the Cuckmere River at the foot of the South Downs National Park. The hotel has free WIFI, a public bar, guest lounges plus an award-winning dining room. There is also an outdoor heated swimming pool which is usually available from May to September. Car parking is complimentary at the hotel and the nearest railway station is Berwick which is around a 10-minute ride in a taxi. Please note there is no lift at the hotel.

Room Facilities & Amenities

En Suite bathroom
Television
Tea & coffee making facilities

Historic Homes of Kent and Heritage Railways

July-September 2021

5 days from £695pp

Day 1: Alfriston, South Downs National Park

Day 2: Kent & East Sussex Railway and Great Dixter House & Gardens

Day 3: Bluebell Railway & Chartwell

Day 4: Penshurst Place & Gardens and Hever Castle

Day 5: Home

Meet us at our hotel in the UK

Your Accommodation

Deans Place Country Hotel & Restaurant

Overview

Room Facilities & Amenities

Historic Homes of Kent and Heritage Railways

July-September 2021

5 days from £695pp

Your Accommodation

Deans Place Country Hotel & Restaurant

Overview

Room Facilities & Amenities

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