Leeds Castle, White Cliffs & Flavours of Kent
3 day tour
A magnificent exploration of the architecture, flavours, and history of the 'Garden of England'.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Places you explore
North Downs - This chalk ridge offers excellent views and splendid trails.
Leeds Castle - Sitting on an island in the centre of a lake, this impressive castle has played host to many important moments in history.
Canterbury Cathedral - Follow the footsteps of medieval pilgrims as you immerse yourself in the spiritual home of Christianity in England.
White Cliffs of Dover - Look out from the white chalk cliffs across the English Channel to continental France.
Whitstable Oysters - Enjoy one of the Roman Empire’s most decadent delicacies in a charming fishing town.
The Cinque Port of Rye - A town that bastioned against Napoleonic invasion and is full of old smuggling tales.
Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens - Known by horticulturalists for its magnificent gardens in the shadow of a Tudor Hunting Tower
Your journey
England is an expert in elegance.
The palaces have rooms larger than an entire house. The grand gardens have plants rarer than a blue moon. And the royal dinner menus have more courses than you would usually eat in a week.
So, on this tour, we let you discover exquisite England.
You survey the gorgeous grounds surrounding Kent's ancient castles, climb the internal heights of a spectacular cathedral, and look across to France from the White Cliffs of Dover.
What’s more, ’foodies’ can sample local English wines and fresh oysters, whilst history lovers can learn tales of treacherous kings and queens.
So, join this leisurely tour and discover the luxurious and beautiful attractions of South East England.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 23:45 (tour departs at ) - ,
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You're restricted to kg (0lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
- Tour accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1
- Marvel at the stunning Leeds Castle, known as “the loveliest castle in the world”
- Walk along the path of pilgrims past, as you explore the intricate beauty of the holy site of Canterbury Cathedral
- Sample a British delicacy in the small fishing town of Whitstable, the Whitstable oyster
Departing London, you head southeast close to the route of the ancient Roman Watling Street, the connecting route that ran from London to Dover and ultimately to Rome itself.
You head to the astonishing Leeds Castle in the region of Kent. Set in majestic parkland and built partially upon an island on the River Len, this is one of the most elegant castles and antiquated palaces in the world.
After taking in the beauty of this ancient structure, we spend time in the fishing port of Whitstable, one of the best places in England to sample locally-sourced Oysters. Try them and you’ll understand why the Romans used to import them back to the heart of their empire.
In the late afternoon, you take the short drive inland to the Cathedral town of Canterbury, our base for the next two days.
Day 2
- Stroll the superb chalk majesty of the White Cliffs of Dover and look out over the English Channel
- Discover Dover Castle, the impregnable fortress built atop the White Cliffs described as the key to England
- Wander the unique town of Sandwich, a settlement left high and dry by the strength of nature
Leaving Canterbury behind, you head towards the Kent coast. You drive the short distance to the port town of Dover, where you can marvel at the stunning Dover Castle and the labyrinth of tunnels carved into the soft chalk cliff face. These tunnels have been used as a safe haven during war and peace and realistically recreate the living and working conditions of the people who called them home.
Later you stop for scenic views before heading to the historical site where Louis Bleriot landed the first cross-Channel flight in 1909, then take a stroll along the world famous White Cliffs of Dover.
We continue towards Sandwich for a restorative lunch. Sandwich is a distinctive town that lay on the shores of the English Channel until the Great Stour river silted up the marshlands around it and stranded Sandwich inland.
Lastly, you head back to Canterbury, where you have time to explore the town a little further.
Day 3
- Take in the medieval town of Rye, a fascinating maze of narrow lanes and passages
- Explore Sissinghurst Castle, famed as a hunting tower in the 16th century
- Sample the finest English wines in Chapel Down, one of England’s best-known vineyards
Leaving Canterbury and heading south, you make for Rye. Now landlocked two miles from the English Channel, Rye was once home to a rogue’s gallery of smugglers, raconteurs, royalty, and writers. Getting lost in its winding lanes and narrow passages was the appeal for them, a charming sentiment that you can share.
Continuing on, you head to the beautiful 16th-century hunting tower of Sissinghurst Castle, known for its impressive grounds and formal gardens*. A former prison during the Seven Years’ War, you can feel the stories of years past within its powerful walls. Wander the vibrant gardens, designed by poet Vita Sackville-West and considered the finest in England, with views across the Weald of Kent to the North Downs.
From here, you begin your journey back to London via Chapel Down Vineyard to sample some delicious wine and Chartwell House** to explore Winston Churchill's former home. We arrive back at the Greenline Coach Station in the evening.
*Sissinghurst Gardens open April- October only. Castle open all year round.
** Chartwell House open April - October only. November - March (excluding January) Chartwell House visit is replaced with visit to Hever Castle the ancestral home of Queen Anne Boleyn.
Accommodation
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay two nights in Canterbury.
How does the accommodation work?
Your tour excludes accommodation; but when you book, you can ask us to reserve local accommodation for you, or you can choose to reserve your own accommodation in the overnight locations.
I want Rabbie’s to book my accommodation, what happens now?
Once you've booked your tour, we'll reserve all your accommodation, and your driver will drop you off with your hosts. You’ll pay your accommodation directly. Most don’t accept credit cards, so be prepared to pay cash.
What if I want to change my accommodation booking with Rabbie’s?
Plans can change, so we let you alter your accommodation choices for free within the first 48 hours of booking. After this time, amendments aren't guaranteed and carry a surcharge. Please contact rooms@rabbies.com if you have any questions.
I booked my own accommodation is there anything I need to do?
You’ll need to contact us with your accommodation details. Please only reserve accommodation within the overnight towns that your tour stops in. Your driver will drop you off at your chosen accommodation as long as it’s relatively central.
What if I cancel my tour at short notice?
If you cancel less than three days before departure, you may be liable for the cost of your first nights’ accommodation. And occasionally you may be liable for all your accommodation costs.
What are the accommodation types?
We try to reserve accommodation that’s no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation suppliers to ensure they reach a certain standard. The prices below are for guidance only.
B&B En suite
The showering and toilet facilities are private, and breakfast is included in the price. The cost is £45 - £60 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single en suite is £60 - £80 per night.
Hotels
Hotels have a bar or restaurant and provide evening meals. Breakfast is included in the price.
- Hotel 3 star - £70 - £85 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single is £85 - £130 per night.
- Hotel 4 star - £85 - £150 per person per night based on shared accommodation.
Hostels
A hostel consists of dormitory rooms with 4 to 16 bunk beds. The bathroom facilities are a short distance from the dorm room. Kitchen facilities are equipped so you can make your own meals. The cost based on dorm beds is £19 - £27 per person per night.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, you can read our FAQs, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, or email rooms@rabbies.com.
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view terms and conditions
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .
Restrictions
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.
If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
You're restricted to kg (0lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.