Garden trip Kent/England

Kent, the traditional county in Southeast England, is also known as the "Garden of England" due to its multitude of orchards and hop fields. Even during the ferry crossing to Dover, the steep chalk cliffs of Kent will leave you with unforgettable impressions. In the hinterland, you will find a landscape of gentle hills and an endless number of parks and gardens. Often, these also enclose a castle or a manor house, allowing you to combine nature with a cultural visit. The capital of the county is Maidstone. From here, your excursion program begins.

Day 1 | Arrival in Kent – Leeds Castle & Park

Arrival in Calais, France, and ferry crossing to Dover, England. After disembarking, you will be greeted by the “most romantic castle in England”: Leeds Castle. Idyllically situated on two islands in a lake and amidst 200 acres of beautiful parkland. Even a vineyard and a garden maze can be found on the estate, which was one of Henry VIII's favorite residences. Afterwards, drive to Maidstone to your hotel for the next few days.

Day 2 | Hever Castle & Gardens – Sissinghurst Gardens

Today you will visit two significant estates. First, you will head to Hever Castle & Gardens, a picturesque water castle from the 13th century, where Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I, spent her childhood. You will be enchanted by this romantic Tudor castle and the extraordinary gardens. Another highlight on your itinerary is Sissinghurst Castle Gardens. The history of the Sissinghurst garden is inextricably linked to the life of the writer Vita Sackville-West. The beautiful rose displays and the world-famous “white garden” create a unique atmosphere. You will be thrilled! In the evening, you will return to your hotel for dinner.

Day 3 | Canterbury – Mount Ephraim Garden

At the beginning of the day, you will visit the beautiful medieval cathedral city of Canterbury. It is picturesque along the River Stour and is considered the cradle of Christianity in England. The main attraction of the city is undoubtedly the significant cathedral. It has been expanded several times and therefore includes parts in almost all styles of medieval architecture. Afterwards, stroll through the picturesque old town with its magnificent half-timbered houses, past the sturdy city wall through winding alleys. Close by is Mount Ephraim Garden, a garden complex with a magnificent view of the Swale estuary. The gardens were restored in the early 1900s. Discover the maze, the stone garden in Japanese style, the water garden, the Millennium Rose Garden, and much more. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4 | Brighton – Sheffield Park & Garden

A delightful mix of chic, vibrant beach life, and fascinating history awaits you in the morning at the most famous seaside resort in England, Brighton. Admire the Royal Pavilion, the palace of King George IV, or stroll through the historic streets of the city. In the afternoon, experience magnificent garden architecture at Sheffield Park & Garden. This beautiful landscape garden evolved from a former medieval deer park and was transformed in the 18th century into an artificial landscape with groups of trees and avenues. With its astonishing variety of trees and shrubs, the garden today resembles a collection of diverse, often exotic woody plants in the form of an arboretum and enchants with a lake landscape and skillfully laid paths. The garden still possesses that mysterious, dreamlike appearance.

Day 5 | Dover – Calais – Return Journey

After a final English breakfast, you will set off on your journey home. In Dover, you will board the ferry again and begin your return journey through France to Germany.

• Travel in a modern coach with 5-star comfort and leg rests
• 4x overnight stays including half board at the 4-star Orida Hotel in Maidstone
  (local category)
• Ferry passage Calais – Dover – Calais
• Entry: Leeds Castle & Park, Hever Castle & Gardens, Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, Canterbury Cathedral, Mount Ephraim Garden, Sheffield Park & Garden
• Full-day guided tours on days 2, 3, and 4
• 1 complimentary drink per travel day
• Audio guides for the entire duration of the trip
• Continuous BOHR travel accompaniment

Please note that you will need a valid passport and an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. An ETA costs approximately £16 (about €19) per application and can be applied for through the 'UK ETA App'. We are happy to assist you and can handle the application for the Electronic Travel Authorization on your behalf. A service fee of €30 per applicant will be charged for the application process.

The 4-star hotel (national category) is located in the business district of Maidstone. The city center can be reached in about 10 minutes by car. The rooms feature a bathtub or shower, toilet, TV, and tea and coffee making facilities. In the hotel restaurant, you can enjoy modern and traditional dishes.