Great Castles of South-East England Tour

The invading Normans brought the concept of the castle to England in 1066, and it was following the conquest that much castle construction began. Being on the front lines of England against attack from Europe, both Kent and Sussex have many spectacular castles built throughout the ages, to both defend and display power. Our tour explores five of these, each demonstrating different characteristics and styles, whilst putting them into the historical and social context of when they were built.  Join author, TV presenter and historian Dr Marc Morris to explore some of the finest examples throughout Kent and into neighbouring Sussex.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and an introductory talk by Dr Marc Morris - ‘An introduction to castles’.

Day 2: Rochester and Dover
We begin at Rochester, the tallest great tower (or keep) of its type in Europe, soaring to 125 feet tall. Built for the archbishop of Canterbury from 1127, it was attacked and partially destroyed in 1215 by King John in one of the most spectacular sieges of the entire Middle Ages. There will also be time to explore Rochester’s adjacent cathedral, also built in the twelfth century in the same Romanesque style. From Rochester we head to Dover, arguably the greatest castle complex in Britain. Perched high on the famous White Cliffs, Dover’s great tower has been lavishly refitted by English Heritage to appear as it did in the time of its builder, Henry II. After exploring the interior we will investigate the great siege that took place here in 1216, as well as the castle’s Roman lighthouse, Anglo-Saxon church and later medieval defences. (NB Due to limitations of time, this tour does not include Dover’s WWII tunnels.) Tonight there will be dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 3: Eynsford Castle, Tonbridge Castle and Bodiam Castle
We first head to Eynsford, a pretty village with a small, ruinous castle built very soon after the Norman Conquest. From there we move to Tonbridge, which boasts one of the largest mottes in England, as well as a splendid thirteenth-century gatehouse, the model for similar examples built by the English during the conquest of Wales. Finally, we cross into Sussex to arrive at Bodiam. One of the most photogenic castles in Britain, Bodiam is deliberately contrived for dramatic effect. Built in the late fourteenth century by an ambitious local knight, anxious to advertise his new-found wealth and power. Situated in the middle of a mirror-like moat, its walls punctuated with towers, turrets, gatehouses and battlements, Bodiam is in fact a comfortable home, its interior more akin to a courtyard house or Oxbridge college.  Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 40 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded at demanding due to the amount of time walking at attractions, with lots of standing for viewing. The castles all have uneven flooring and many steps, some poorly lit, and there are limited places to sit during each tour. Most of the castles are a long walk from the coach parking area - about a quarter of a mile at both Dover and Tonbridge. The main attractions at Dover and Rochester are their great towers which involve lots of spiral staircases. For further information please visit the mobility page of our website, or call our team prior to booking.

INCLUDED

• Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Mercure Great Danes Hotel, Maidstone, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• First night welcome reception and private three-course dinner with wine
• Second night dinner in the hotel restaurant
• All talks, guided tours and admissions
• Coach transfers throughout the tour
• Expert Marc Morris and tour manager, Mike Stone, throughout the tour

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis 
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Mercure Great Danes Hotel, Maidstone

Contemporary four star hotel located on the outskirts of Maidstone.  Facilities here include leisure centre with indoor pool, bar and restaurant. Bedrooms are comfortable with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, free wifi and hairdryer.

Car parking: Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel.

Hotel Website