Drive through the outstanding natural beauty of the County of Sussex on your way to Bateman’s—former home of world-famous writer, Rudyard Kipling. Surrounded by wooded landscape, this 17th-century Jacobean mansion is decked with mullioned windows and oak beams. The rooms, decorated with oriental rugs and artifacts—reflecting his strong association with the East—once provided Kipling with a much-needed sanctuary. Gaze out the upstairs windows at verdant gardens and surroundi

Drive through the outstanding natural beauty of the County of Sussex on your way to Bateman’s—former home of world-famous writer, Rudyard Kipling. Surrounded by wooded landscape, this 17th-century Jacobean mansion is decked with mullioned windows and oak beams. The rooms, decorated with oriental rugs and artifacts—reflecting his strong association with the East—once provided Kipling with a much-needed sanctuary. Gaze out the upstairs windows at verdant gardens and surrounding countryside, and browse the manuscripts, letters and photographs on display in his study. You will take a leisurely stroll through the delightful grounds, where you will see wildflowers, fruits and herbs and the pond and Rose Garden, surrounded by yew hedges, which Kipling himself designed. Before you leave, check out his Phantom I (purchased in 1928) on display in the garage.

Your tour starts with a drive directly to Leeds Castle—one of the most romantic and ancient castles in the United Kingdom. In the 9th century, Leeds was the site of a manor belonging the Saxon royal family. Listed in the Domesday Book, this castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal residence to six of England’s medieval queens, a playground and palace to Henry VIII, and a private home. Today, lovingly restored, it is the seat of a magnificent collection of medieval furnishings, paintings, tapestries and treasures, and v ... more

Your tour starts with a drive directly to Leeds Castle—one of the most romantic and ancient castles in the United Kingdom. In the 9th century, Leeds was the site of a manor belonging the Saxon royal family. Listed in the Domesday Book, this castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal residence to six of England’s medieval queens, a playground and palace to Henry VIII, and a private home. Today, lovingly restored, it is the seat of a magnificent collection of medieval furnishings, paintings, tapestries and treasures, and visitors of the present mingle with the ghosts of lives past. You sense a magnificent epic as you walk the grounds where everything exudes history. The crowning glory of this "most English of castles" is its setting. Situated on two small islands in the middle of an encircling lake, it is surrounded by a green arc of parkland, thick with trees and hills that tumble gently down to the water’s edge. You’ll see the many glorious views. Monarchs and seasons may change, but Leeds Castle’s enchanting and very English beauty is everlasting. You’ll take a delightful walk along a flat path, which follows a meandering stream through a belt of stately trees. A series of small lakes are the natural habitat for a fine collection of unusual and exotic waterfowl. You will pass through the 13th-century Gate Tower, which stolidly guards the only access to the castle’s interior. As you pass from room to room, well-informed castle guides are stationed to answer your questions. As your visit comes to an end re-board your coach to transfer to London Heathrow Airport. (hide details)

Your tour starts with a drive directly to Leeds Castle—one of the most romantic and ancient castles in the United Kingdom. In the 9th century, Leeds was the site of a manor belonging the Saxon royal family. Listed in the Domesday Book, this castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal residence to six of England’s medieval queens, a playground and palace to Henry VIII, and a private home. Today, lovingly restored, it is the seat of a magnificent collection of medieval furnishings, paintings, tapestries and treasures, and v ... more

Your tour starts with a drive directly to Leeds Castle—one of the most romantic and ancient castles in the United Kingdom. In the 9th century, Leeds was the site of a manor belonging the Saxon royal family. Listed in the Domesday Book, this castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal residence to six of England’s medieval queens, a playground and palace to Henry VIII, and a private home. Today, lovingly restored, it is the seat of a magnificent collection of medieval furnishings, paintings, tapestries and treasures, and visitors of the present mingle with the ghosts of lives past. You sense a magnificent epic as you walk the grounds where everything exudes history. The crowning glory of this "most English of castles" is its setting. Situated on two small islands in the middle of an encircling lake, it is surrounded by a green arc of parkland, thick with trees and hills that tumble gently down to the water’s edge. You’ll see the many glorious views. Monarchs and seasons may change, but Leeds Castle’s enchanting and very English beauty is everlasting. You’ll take a delightful walk along a flat path, which follows a meandering stream through a belt of stately trees. A series of small lakes are the natural habitat for a fine collection of unusual and exotic waterfowl. You will pass through the 13th-century Gate Tower, which stolidly guards the only access to the castle’s interior. As you pass from room to room, well-informed castle guides are stationed to answer your questions. As your visit comes to an end re-board your coach to transfer to your hotel. (hide details)

Set out on a scenic drive by motor coach from Dover, where the formidable white cliffs overlook the most crowded shipping lanes in the world. Your destination is Sandwich—once the greatest port of England with a flourishing maritime trade. With its medieval winding streets, gateways, churches and houses, the town has many famous associations, including that with John Montagu, Fourth Earl of Sandwich, who invented the sandwich in 1762. On arrival, your guide points out the principal buildings and areas of interest; then you’ ... more

Set out on a scenic drive by motor coach from Dover, where the formidable white cliffs overlook the most crowded shipping lanes in the world. Your destination is Sandwich—once the greatest port of England with a flourishing maritime trade. With its medieval winding streets, gateways, churches and houses, the town has many famous associations, including that with John Montagu, Fourth Earl of Sandwich, who invented the sandwich in 1762. On arrival, your guide points out the principal buildings and areas of interest; then you’ll have approximately 45 minutes of free time to explore the Old Town, browse in the lovely shops or visit the ramparts. Continue to stately Walmer Castle, with its dramatic location beside a beautiful beach, lovely gardens and comfortable interiors. The late Queen Mother was the Lord Warden of Walmer Castle and made regular use of the castle until her death in 2002. Your guided tour takes you through a succession of elegant rooms used by the Queen Mother during her visits, including her drawing room and dining room, all containing fine furniture, paintings and memorabilia. Visit the New Garden, designed in 1997 to mark the Queen Mother's 95th birthday, before returning to Dover. (hide details)