Kent
Known as 'the Garden of England', the south-eastern county of Kent combines all that is best about the English landscape. Rolling countryside, romantic castles, cosy pubs, magnficent cathedrals, fine houses, and of course, wonderful gardens. in addition, there are strong connections to luminaries of literature, such as Chaucer and Dickens, heavywights of history, such as Henry VIII and Winston Churchill and giants of science, such as Darwin. So much to do and see, and close to London too.
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Chartwell House
Chartwell was the private home of Winston Churchill and his family. Looking down over the Kent countryside, and now maintained by the National Trust, the place is a remarkable and fascinating tribute to the man who led Britain during World War Two, and a tour here is a truly memorable experience. (Read more...)
Dover Castle
Dover in Kent is the country’s front line facing across the English Channel. Caesar, Napoleon and Hitler all tried unsuccessfully to attack here, but the famous white cliffs have remained defiant, and perched above them is the remarkable Dover Castle, one of the best historical attractions in England. (Read more...)
Down House
Down House on the borders of Kent and London is the fascinating family home of the Victorian naturalist Charles Darwin. With English Heritage as its custodian it is maintained as if the Darwin family have just popped out for a country walk. Truly a remarkable insight into the man and his work. (Read more...)
Finchcocks
Finchcocks is a notable baroque-styled Georgian manor house in Kent. There are extensive views over the surrounding countryside and the estate includes 13 acres of parkland, gardens and meadows along the river Teise. The house is famous for its display of historical keyboard instruments known as the Burnett collection. (Read more...)
Hever Castle
Hever Castle in Kent was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the girl who grew up to become the legendary apple of Henry VIII’s roving eye, but met a nasty end. Renovated in the 20th century, it contains many Tudor artefacts, and is set in magnificent grounds with fine gardens and a maze. (Read more...)
Ightham Mote
Ightham Mote is a medieval moated manor house in Kent. Set in picturesque countryside, but very much hidden from view, it is reached via a delightful village and down a narrow country lane. In his acclaimed book England’s Thousand Best Houses, Simon Jenkins describes it as ‘England at peace with nature.’ (Read more...)
Knole House
Knole House has been described as the best surviving remains of a stately home from the Tudor and Jacobean era. It is the largest private house in England and superbly well preserved. Surrounded by a 1,000-acre deer park, it also contains a 30-acre private walled garden, the largest in the country. (Read more...)
Leeds Castle
In some of the most magnificent countryside in the heart of Kent sits Leeds Castle. With a rich history spanning nearly 900 years, and landscaped with gardens, waterfalls and lakes, it is not surprising that this idyllic Camelot has been described as the ‘loveliest castle in the world’. (Read more...)
Penshurst Place
Penshurst Place & Gardens is an English country estate in Kent. It was much visited by King Henry VIII during his various affairs with the Boleyn family. But the highlight is the superb medieval great hall. With records dating back to 1346, the 11-acre garden is one of the oldest in private ownership. (Read more...)
Quebec House
Quebec House was the family home of James Wolfe, the famous British military general whose victory over the French forces at the Battle of Quebec in 1759 ensured the legacy of the English-speaking peoples in North America. It is situated in the town of Westerham in Kent, his birthplace in 1727. (Read more...)
Rochester Cathedral
Rochester Cathedral is a medieval church in the town of Rochester, in Kent. The bishopric is the second oldest in England after Canterbury. Today the building is widely regarded as one of the finest Norman cathedrals in the country. The view along the river Medway towards the town’s castle is spectacular. (Read more...)
Scotney Castle
Scotney Castle is actually the remains of three buildings in one, a medieval tower, a 17th century mansion, and a Victorian country house in mock Tudor style. Situated in Kent with magnificent views of the countryside, it is run by the National Trust who have been sympathetic in its maintenance. (Read more...)
Sissinghurst Castle & Garden
Kent has often been described as the ‘Garden of England’. And at its heart lies a six-acre site described as the ‘epitome of the English country garden’. Not surprisingly, Sissinghurst is the most popular garden in UK, designed and planted by a controversial husband and wife team between 1930-1960. (Read more...)