Stowaway – Tunbridge Wells
6th - 10th July 2025 - five days, four nights.
6th - 10th July 2025
High Weald of Kent and Sussex Tour
High Weald of Kent and Sussex Tour
A paradise for history, especially garden lovers, this corner of Kent has more castles, stately homes and gardens open to the public concentrated in it than any other area of the UK.
Following our east sussex stowaway were we took you to areas that are not well known but scenic, we are extending this theme now to kent. This an area we both know very well having lived and worked there for many years before our move to the south coast.
It’s rich in historic places and gardens. We have arranged a private tour for Winstons Churchill’s home Chartwell before the public are admitted.
Our suggested drives link up a nationally acclaimed gardens and historic places. ‘the merry opera company’ are proving are are providing cabaret entertainment at a dinner on the last evening.
And its with this knowledge we invite you to explore the ‘garden of england’.
This location is ideal for members National Trust members.
Tunbridge Wells:
A magnet for royalty and the gentry, Tunbridge Wells in Kent was one of the most fashionable destinations of the Georgian England ever since the discovery of the Chalybeate Spring over 400 years ago.
The elegance and atmosphere of this bygone era still remain today in this, the only spa town in Southeast England. The Pantiles, the famous colonnaded walkway where the aristocracy once promenaded, is now home to a wonderful selection of high-quality boutiques, specialist independent shops, bars and cafés.
Royal Tunbridge Wells itself lies in beautiful, picturesque countryside where oast houses, rolling green hills and orchards all feature prominently.
Chartwell House : For over forty years it was the home of Sir Winston Churchill. In the 1930s, Chartwell became the centre of his world. he gathered those who could assist his campaign against German re-armament, he composed speeches and wrote books, in his garden he built walls, constructed lakes and painted his watercolours.
Wakefield Place : House and botanic gardens, under the NT but managed by Kew.
Hever Castle and Gardens: Hever Castle was once the home of Anne Boleyn. During your visit you will discover gardens and a rich and history.
Penshurst Place: Once the property of King Henry VIII, was left to his son King Edward VI and granted Sir William Sidney in 1552. The Sidney family have been in continuous occupation for more than 470 years since, still a family home, discover the charm of Penshurst in the State Rooms and gardens
Scotney Castle: NT Country house with formal gardens in the valley of the River Bewl in Kent and are a designated site of special scientific Interest.
Highlights so far:
Accommodation, dinners and breakfast included.
Chartwell House, private tour before its open to the public.
Hever Castle and gardens.
Salomons House.
Scotney Castle.
Tunbridge Well, Pantiles.
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest.
Wakehurst Place, (extension of Kew Gardens).
The Merry Opera Company, comedy performance.
Chiddstone NT Village.
Penshurst Place and Gardens.
Dryhill Local Nature Reserve.
NT Walks.
Three suggested drives.
GPX files available to download.
Download brochure link below.