Kent - Curiosity is Calling INCLUDES TWO LUNCHES
Monday 27 March 2023 to Friday 31 March 2023
£595pp Single supplement £95
- Destination
- Itinerary
- Full inclusions
- Hotel
- Booking request
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Spark your curiosity as you discover some of Kent’s best-kept secrets and hidden gems. The northern area of this beautiful county is rich in river heritage, steeped in aviation and military history and abundant with incredible local produce. As the childhood home of Charles Dickens, it's also perfect for exploring the literary connections of the iconic author. Discover the streets and buildings of Rochester which inspired so many of his works and walk through the pages of history at Rochester Cathedral (donation entry), a site that has been celebrating Christian worship since 604AD. With its breath-taking architecture, beautifully refurbished crypt café and stunning library collection, it’s not to be missed – especially as it sits opposite an impressive, fortified Castle which has the tallest Norman keep in the country! Not too far away is the pretty market town of Faversham which boasts an impressive reputation for fine food, excellent local produce as well as being home to Britain's oldest brewer. Beer has been produced here for over 850 years at the family-run Shepherd Neame Brewery. Dubbed Kent's ‘Treasure Island’, the Isle of Sheppey offers adventure, escape and unspoilt, serene beaches and is just waiting to be discovered on our guided coach tour of this little known gem.
With no less than three guided tours included with this break, you’re guaranteed to capture some curious facts! We’ll have a private tour through the history of the Isle of Sheppey at The Criterion (with fish & chips), take in the island's varied landscape during a scenic coach tour and uncover links to the Battle of Britain at Biggin Hill (with lunch). Visits to Churchill’s Chartwell and the Hurricane and Spitfire Museum will add to your understanding of what an important role the area played during WWII.
Tour code: A3386
Monday
Sightsee in historic Rochester, a place cherished by the Victorian novelist Charles Dickens, who lived here as a child and returned as a successful author. You’ll find a Norman Castle, the second oldest cathedral in England and a High Street packed with independent shops and cafés. Enjoy a welcome tea/coffee at the hotel.
Tuesday
Step back in time at Chartwell, the Churchill family home, where the rooms remain much as they were during Sir Winston’s lifetime. He cherished this beautiful country setting and the gardens reflect his love of nature. Finish the day with a sightseeing stop in Westerham. Perhaps pop into the newly refurbished George & Dragon Pub, once a 16th century coaching inn or take a self-guided walking tour of the town, passing Churchill’s statue along the way.
Wednesday
After an arrival tea/coffee, take a private tour through Nelson’s Cabin, an original Music Hall and Sheerness Co-op 1816 at The Criterion, a heritage centre dedicated to showcasing the diverse history of the Isle of Sheppey. Finish with a fish & chip lunch before taking a guided coach tour across the island. Drive through a range of landscapes and wildlife, learn about the island’s aviation history, its naval links to Nelson and maritime significance.
Thursday
Start the day admiring over 300 listed buildings in Faversham as you wander through this medieval market town or along the creek to the quayside shops and eateries. Continue on to the Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum, a rare surviving airfield from the Battle of Britain, telling stories of the brave men and women that served here through aircraft displays and original objects. Finish the day in Margate – wander along the prom or visit Turner Contemporary and explore their unique exhibitions.
Friday
After breakfast we’ll depart for Biggin Hill, Britain’s most famous wartime fighter station where the Memorial Museum charts the story of those who served and the community who supported them. Finish with a buffet lunch before completing our journey home.
- 4 nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
- Entry to Chartwell (NT)
- Private tour of The Criterion Bluetown with a fish & chip lunch
- Guided tour across the Isle of Sheppey
- Guided tour and buffet lunch at Biggin Hill
- Free time in Rochester, Westerham, Faversham, Margate
- Visit to The Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum
- Option to visit Turner Contemporary in Margate (free entry)
- Tea/coffee after dinner every evening
- Welcome tea/coffee at the hotel
- Porterage
- Door2Door travel (save £10pp by meeting the coach)
- Free holiday insurance
- BCH-ABTOT Financial Protection
- Executive touring coach featuring a refreshment station, reclining seats, reading lights, curtains, foot and arm rests, toilet, safety belts, air suspension and individual air-flow controls
- An experienced, friendly, highly-rated and professional tour driver
- £5 discount for National Trust members
- Book with just a £40pp deposit (balance due 8 weeks prior to departure)
Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa 
- Situated between the Downs and the coast, it’s a great location for exploring Kent
- Well furnished and smartly styled
- Rated 4.1/5 by Shaws customers in 2023
- Ensuite rooms with TV, direct dial phone, hairdryer, trouser press or ironing facilities, desk area, free WiFi & complimentary tea/coffee tray
- Restaurant, bar, patio and inner courtyard
- Indoor pool, sauna and steam room
- Treatment rooms (extra charge)
- Lift to all floors
ACCESS: Walk-in showers and ground floor rooms are available on request
Ask us about upgrades which may be available at a supplement
