Highlights of Kent & Leeds Castle

If you are looking for an action packed short Spring break, not too far from home, then this is the tour for you. There are so many top-class attractions in the south-east corner of England and the highlights just keep coming - history and heritage abound from spellbinding Canterbury with its enthralling cathedral at its heart to formidable Leeds Castle, balanced on two islands; from the 'Age of Sail' when Chatham Dockyard built mighty ships that toured the world's oceans to a unique historic film location complete with cobbled streets and genuine Victorian warehouses. Bring a sense of adventure with you and come and enjoy the charms and hospitality of Kent based in a modern 4* hotel near MaidstoneFantastic included visits
Day 1 - After boarding your holiday coach, head eastwards to Kent. Rochester makes an excellent break in the journey with time to explore. Rochester has a unique William and Mary period High Street and 75% of the buildings that you see today would have been known to Charles Dickens and 50% to Oliver Cromwell, as many facades received a make-over following the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Enjoy time for lunch in one of many High Street eateries before setting off to the Orida Hotel Maidstone to arrive late afternoon for the next 4 nights with breakfast & buffet dinner\n\nDays 2 - 4 At leisure with three included excursions\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nLeeds Castle & Gardens\nJust a very short drive this morning takes you to magnificent Leeds Castle, often considered one of the world's most beautiful and romantic castles. Rising majestically from the still waters of its moat, surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens, Leeds Castle has always been a palace to impress. Today's interiors are the result of the massive refurbishment by top European designers throughout the 1920s and 30s for its last private owner, high-society hostess Lady Baillie who entertained the likes of Errol Flynn, Douglas Fairbanks and John F Kennedy in this princely family home and party pad. Enjoy a free flow visit through the castle rooms with an informative multimedia guide to take you through its history spanning over 900 years. Stroll through the mesmerising historical gardens and be sure not to miss the sun-drenched Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terraces or the fragrant Culpeper Gardens on your garden discovery. There are several food outlets on site including the Castle View Restaurant and there is a large shop stocked with seasonally changing gifts\n\nNB There is a 5-minute walk from the coach park to the Visitor Centre and then another 5 minute walk onto the castle (complimentary mobility bus subject to availability). As a historic building there are some accessibility restrictions and the upstairs of the castle as well as the Maze and Grotto are not accessible to wheelchair users. There are accessible paths (some slopes) around the gardens\n\nCanterbury & its Cathedral\nEnjoy a relaxed start this morning to enjoy the hotel facilities before heading off to Canterbury, the beautiful medieval walled city which been hosting visitors for more than 1,000 years - a warm welcome for any 'pilgrim' is guaranteed! It certainly tops the charts for English cathedral cities, with its World Heritage- listed cathedral one of Europe's finest. Explore the town's narrow medieval alleyways, riverside gardens and ancient city walls as well as its bustling centre full of independent and high street shops and plentiful restaurants and cosy cafés.\n\nThis afternoon meet up to for a guided tour to discover the Cathedral's epic history through its soaring architecture, glorious spaces and enthralling secrets & stories of the people who made it what it is today. With more than 1400 years of Christian history, Canterbury Cathedral is a truly extraordinary place with an overwhelming history. It is also the site of English history's most famous murder: Archbishop Thomas Becket was killed here in 1170. After the tour, you will have time at leisure in the town or you may like to stay on for the Choral Evensong at 17.30. Evening Prayer (Evensong) has been sung daily in Canterbury Cathedral for well over 1,000 years and you are invited to share in this living tradition. It is normally sung by some, or all, of the Cathedral Choir, takes place in the glorious setting of the Cathedral Quire, lasting about 45 minutes. Leave Canterbury about 18.30 for a slightly later dinner this evening in the hotel\n\nChatham Historic Dockyard & Call the Midwife\nEnjoy a day out at Chatham Historic Dockyard, an 80-acre riverfront site that was home to Kent's legendary naval ship building heritage and return to the 'Age of Sail', when the dockyard built mighty ships that won command of the world's oceans. A visit to the Historic Dockyard Chatham - one of Britain's leading maritime heritage destinations - is a guaranteed adventure. Test your sea legs as you peer through the periscope of a Cold War Submarine, command the bridge of a WWII Destroyer and ring the ship's bell on the deck of a Victorian Sloop.\n\nIt's also your chance to walk in the footsteps of Sister Julienne, Nurse Trixie Franklin and the stars of Call the Midwife which was filmed at the Dockyard. Guided by your personal costumed midwife, the tour reveals what it was like to be an extra on the set of the popular BBC series and how the dockyard was transformed into a scene from the 1950s. Entrance is also included to an exclusive gallery featuring sets, costumes, props and unique artefacts. There are two cafes on site for snacks and refreshments\n\nNB There are cobbled streets and some uneven surfaces and comfortable footwear is advisable\n\nDay 5 - Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in the hotel, before checking out today. Set off this morning and time permitting, a stop will be made in Royal Windsor, crowned by stunning Windsor Castle (entrance not included), the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world and an official residence of His Majesty The King. Then later on this afternoon, it's back to interchange and onwards to your home towns.

Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & buffet dinner- Tea / coffee after dinner- Porterage- En-route visits to Rochester & Windsor (time permitting)- Entrance to Leeds Castle with multimedia guide- Visit to Canterbury- Guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral- Option to attend Choral Evensong in the Cathedral- Visit & entrance to Chatham Historic Dockyard- Guided 'Call The Midwife' tourOrida Hotel Maidstone
This 4* modern, low-rise hotel is located just off the M20 just outside Maidstone and just 5 miles from Leeds Castle. Warmly furnished, traditional guestrooms provide TV, hairdryer, Wi-Fi desk an dtea / coffee making facilities. The hotel features a relaxed restaurant as well as a lounge bar and Starbucks cafe. The Health Club amenities include an indoor pool, a gym, a sauna and steam room. NB there is no lift but there are plenty of ground floor rooms. Singles are doubles for sole occupancy