Kent And The Garden Of England

Staying at the Bridgewood Manor Hotel, Chatham

6 DAYS | 26th June 2026

Known as the ‘Garden of England’, Kent is a beautiful county bursting with rich heritage. The abundance of picturesque gardens and historic buildings are some of the most famous in the country. A favourite of King Henry VIII there is everything from ancient woodland to landscaped parkland, flower gardens to herb gardens, vineyards to orchards. On this fascinating tour we step back in time and explore a wonderful selection of delightful towns, stunning gardens and historic treasures.

Our base for the tour is the 4* Bridgewood Manor Hotel in Chatham situated in the heart of Kent. The facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym and the Squires Restaurant and Bar offer an array of culinary choices. All bedrooms include a TV, WiFi and courtesy refreshments tray.

FRIDAY

We depart Macclesfield calling for coffee en-route to Stockwood Country Park where we visit the Mossman horse-drawn carriage collection, the largest of its kind in the UK. Treat yourself to a spot of lunch in the café or why not bring along an indulgent picnic? After our visit we continue to our hotel.

SATURDAY

Our adventures today take us to the fashionable spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. With free time to explore, why not visit the museum, art gallery or stroll along the Pantiles, the town’s famous colonnaded shopping street. After lunch our stop is Scotney Castle; something of a fairytale, this medieval moated castle and Victorian country mansion is set within one of the UK’s best examples of a Picturesque garden. Explore the well-loved family home, stroll in the walled kitchen garden, and venture onto the 780-acre estate to enjoy open parkland and ancient woodland. With ample time to explore, pop into the tearoom for some well-earned confectionery. (NT Member: Free; Non members £18.05)

SUNDAY

Today we’re treated to a full day at Leeds Castle. Famous for its 900-year history as a royal residence and its unique location, it has earned the title the “loveliest castle in the world”. It was a royal retreat for six English queens, a palace for Henry VIII, and a private country house where notable figures like Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin were entertained. Today, it is a major visitor attraction, known for its gardens, maze, and intriguing Dog Collar Museum.

MONDAY

We begin the day with a visit to the classic English town of Tenterden, otherwise known as “The Jewel of the Weald.” With its broad, tree-lined high street, historic buildings, and a welcoming atmosphere, you will have time for a stroll and lunch. Next, we take the short journey to Sissinghurst Castle Garden; home to poet and writer Vita Sackville-West, she began transforming the castle in the 1930s with her diplomat and author husband, Harold Nicolson. Harold’s architectural planning of the garden rooms, and the colourful, abundant planting in the gardens by Vita, reflect the romance and intimacy of her poems and writings. (NT Members: Free; Non-Members: £13.00).

TUESDAY

Our destination this morning is the famous city of Canterbury. Why not take time to visit the Cathedral, stroll around the shops, have lunch in one of the many cafes or maybe take a punt on the river. We then take the short journey to Goodnestone Park where we spend the afternoon in the 15 acres of gardens. Jane Austen was a frequent visitor, its lovely grounds surrounding an elegant 16th century house. Why not enjoy afternoon refreshments in the café before we return our hotel?

WEDNESDAY

We head for home making comfort stops en-route with a lunch stop at a garden centre and we aim to arrive home early evening.