There are trips and travels full of good energy and surprises. Such was our Kent and East Sussex trip. Planned in spring, marked an end of exhausting winter as it happens often with young children. When there was time for packing, we were literally sick and – what is very unusual for us – seriously considering cancelling the trip. But everything was booked, and the view of fresh spring green meadows expecting us was so tempting! So we left. We were lucky. The weather was marvelous and fresh breeze from the sea was like a balm for our sore throats. The stops planned during this trip soon turned out to be true highlights, places like Bodiam Castle, Knole, Chartwell or Ightham Mote we would never forget. Green Kent is packed with amazing places to see, great residences hidden in vast gardens, and yet it is so close to the Continent. Let’s go!
Everberg (Google Map)
5-8 May 2016
Thu 5.05 (395 km): We leave Everberg and drive towards Calais, where we take a ferry to Dover. In Dover we drive towards White Cliffs in order to collect our National Heritage Pass. Then we drive through Ashford and reach Rye, know as one of the most picturesque places at the East Sussex seaside. Not far from Rye there is the Great Dixter, a 15. century Sir Edwin Luytens house, surrounded by a beautiful garden and nurseries. Our last stop today is a famous Bodiam Castle – an iconic medieval moated castle with towers and crenellation. In the evening we drive to Tonbridge where we stay at the Premier Inn Hotel throughout our whole trip.
Fri 6.05 (165 km): After breakfast we drive to Lewes, the capital of East Sussex. We can see the gregorian houses along the High Street, as well as the monastery and the castle built by Wilhelm the Conqueror. Here’s where Anne von Cleves after her divorce with Henry VIII used to live. Then we drive towards Brighton, to spend some time there at the seaside, visit the pier, and have a look at the famous Royal Pavilion. Most of time, however, we spend at the Drusillas Park, where kids can have fun having a ride with Thomas (from Thomas and Friends) and watching penguins and other animals. There’s playground, too. Then we go back to Tonbridge to spend the night in our hotel.
Sat 7.05 (65 km): The first place we visit today is Knole, the archbishop of Canterbury’s residence. It was bought by Henry VIII who was keen on hunting here. It belonged briefly to Elizabeth I, then it was acquired by Thomas Sackville, who transformed it in Renaissance style. Later today we visit Chartwell House, Sir Winston Churchill’s beloved family house and garden. Before returning to our hotel we have a short stroll along charming The Pantiles walkway in Royal Tunbridge Wells, famous for its elegant shops and cafes.
Sun 8.05 (450 km): After checking out from the hotel, we drive to Ightham Mote – one of the most picturesque estates belonging to the National Trust. Then we have a quick stop in Rochester, where we can have a look at the norman castle ruins and the cathedral. Next we drive across Sheerness on the Sheppey Island in order to see the only piece of Great Britain’s land who was ruled by the foreign monarch since Wilhelm the Conqueror. Then we will have a quick stop at Deal and Walmer – two lovely seaside resorts; then straight to nearby Dover. We take the ferry to Calais and drive back to Belgium.
