Please critique my Kent itinerary
Apr 3rd, 2017, 12:51 PM
#1
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Please critique my Kent itinerary
I have 9 full days in Kent starting Wednesday August 23. Woo hoo! I've rented a lovely little one bedroom with garden just southwest of Sevenoaks. This portion of my 2.5 week trip is dedicated to historic houses, gardens, villages and castles. I enjoy photography and can spend lots of time wandering and taking pictures. On Sunday I will be attending service at the Selling village church where my immigrant ancestors attended church 4 centuries ago!
A Great British Heritage Pass is a must. Critiques and suggestions on my rough itinerary are greatly appreciated. Bare in mind I'm traveling solo this trip and don't want to drive too far. I'm 64 and in fairly good walking shape. My preference is to get an early start, return mid to late afternoon to read and relax. Day by day itinerary:
Knole, Igtham Mote (on Tuesday for Knole gardens)
Chartwell, Ide Hill, Toys Hill
Hever, Chiddingstone, Penshurst
Scotney Castle, Bodium
Rye, Great Dixter
Standen House & ???
Sissinghurst, Stoneacre (on Saturday)
Selling, Chilham, Faversham (on Sunday)
What am I missing? Additions? Deletions? Substitutions? Would you group any of them differently? I appreciate your input!
A Great British Heritage Pass is a must. Critiques and suggestions on my rough itinerary are greatly appreciated. Bare in mind I'm traveling solo this trip and don't want to drive too far. I'm 64 and in fairly good walking shape. My preference is to get an early start, return mid to late afternoon to read and relax. Day by day itinerary:
Knole, Igtham Mote (on Tuesday for Knole gardens)
Chartwell, Ide Hill, Toys Hill
Hever, Chiddingstone, Penshurst
Scotney Castle, Bodium
Rye, Great Dixter
Standen House & ???
Sissinghurst, Stoneacre (on Saturday)
Selling, Chilham, Faversham (on Sunday)
What am I missing? Additions? Deletions? Substitutions? Would you group any of them differently? I appreciate your input!
Apr 3rd, 2017, 12:58 PM
#2
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I thought the G B Heritage Pass was discontinued?
Not sure but this may be even better:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/v...seas-visitors/
What am I missing?>
How about Battle - the battlefield where the 1066 Invasion ended in victory for the Normans -nice small town and ruined abbey and of course the battlefield to tour.
Not sure but this may be even better:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/v...seas-visitors/
What am I missing?>
How about Battle - the battlefield where the 1066 Invasion ended in victory for the Normans -nice small town and ruined abbey and of course the battlefield to tour.
Apr 3rd, 2017, 01:05 PM
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I hope you are confident on very narrow roads with high hedges. My SIL lives along the road from Selling Church and the roads into Selling are narrow. It's also quite a confusing village.
The church is lovely though.
The church is lovely though.
Apr 3rd, 2017, 01:11 PM
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It's also worth checking the Church website that there is a service the day you will be there and at what time it's held.
https://www.stmaryselling.org.uk/
https://www.stmaryselling.org.uk/
Apr 3rd, 2017, 01:25 PM
#7
wow - what a great itinerary. I've rarely come across anyone who was planning to go for example to Ide Hill yet it has one of the best views across the Weald of Kent, so you have obviously done your homework. if the weather holds, you should have a lovely time.
You've covered most bases but there are a few options that you may be interested in - for example on the day you go to Standen, you might also got to Wakehurst which is the country branch of Kew Gardens and a bit further south is Sheffield Park; they are both wonderful places if you like trees especially.
Another option would be just a drive out through some Kentish villages - Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Benenden, BodiAm, and Northiam are all worth looking at [perhaps on the day you go to Bodiam?]
Good luck!
You've covered most bases but there are a few options that you may be interested in - for example on the day you go to Standen, you might also got to Wakehurst which is the country branch of Kew Gardens and a bit further south is Sheffield Park; they are both wonderful places if you like trees especially.
Another option would be just a drive out through some Kentish villages - Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Benenden, BodiAm, and Northiam are all worth looking at [perhaps on the day you go to Bodiam?]
Good luck!
Apr 3rd, 2017, 01:45 PM
#8
>>A Great British Heritage Pass is a must. <<
The GBHP was discontinued quite a few years ago.
If it was still in effect it would be a HUGE money saver for the places you want to visit.
The National Trust pass will help. The Treasure Houses pass not much since Leeds Castle is about the only one in your area.
Your list is great! Don't delete any of them
The GBHP was discontinued quite a few years ago.
If it was still in effect it would be a HUGE money saver for the places you want to visit.The National Trust pass will help. The Treasure Houses pass not much since Leeds Castle is about the only one in your area.
Your list is great! Don't delete any of them
Apr 3rd, 2017, 03:27 PM
#10
When you hit Dover -- Deal and Walmer are just up the road and both are really interesting.
Also you might want to consider Port Lympne. It is a wild animal park plus a pretty house/gardens/grounds.
https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/
Also you might want to consider Port Lympne. It is a wild animal park plus a pretty house/gardens/grounds.
https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/
Apr 4th, 2017, 03:26 AM
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LOL - I've been combing old trip reports and posts for information. Clearly I got the GB Heritage Pass idea from a VERY old post. National Trust Pass it is!
PalenQ, I had considered Battle but eliminated. I've read some who loved it and some... not so much. I can trace my ancestry back to William so I might just put it back on my itinerary. About how much time might be needed to properly view the sites? Thanks for the tip to skip Faversham. I only included it as my ancestors were from Faversham Hundred.
hetismij2 - NO! I'm not at all confident on small country roads! In fact, I'm quite nervous about driving. I'll be creeping along. LOL! I am so determined to get to that church for Sunday service! I did check their website and noted the service is at 9:30. That will be a early start for sure. Thank you for the alternate suggestions to Faversham. I like the looks of Rochester!
Nonconformist - I would really like to go to Dover Castle. I've read such wonderful things. But, it seems like such a hike from where I'm staying.
annig - thank you for the compliment. Actually, the compliment should go to you. I've noted your many contributions in posts I've read and included them in my itinerary! Thank you for the suggestions of Wakehurst and Sheffield! Also, thank you for the additional village suggestions! I'll google image those and then add them to the map I've created!
janisj - thanks. I read a lot of your contributions and suggestions on earlier posts. You've certainly helped me with my planning. I'd like to get to Dover and the coast. But, I'm just concerned it's too far a drive for me. It's been 40+ years since I've driven in the UK!
PalenQ, I had considered Battle but eliminated. I've read some who loved it and some... not so much. I can trace my ancestry back to William so I might just put it back on my itinerary. About how much time might be needed to properly view the sites? Thanks for the tip to skip Faversham. I only included it as my ancestors were from Faversham Hundred.
hetismij2 - NO! I'm not at all confident on small country roads! In fact, I'm quite nervous about driving. I'll be creeping along. LOL! I am so determined to get to that church for Sunday service! I did check their website and noted the service is at 9:30. That will be a early start for sure. Thank you for the alternate suggestions to Faversham. I like the looks of Rochester!
Nonconformist - I would really like to go to Dover Castle. I've read such wonderful things. But, it seems like such a hike from where I'm staying.
annig - thank you for the compliment. Actually, the compliment should go to you. I've noted your many contributions in posts I've read and included them in my itinerary! Thank you for the suggestions of Wakehurst and Sheffield! Also, thank you for the additional village suggestions! I'll google image those and then add them to the map I've created!
janisj - thanks. I read a lot of your contributions and suggestions on earlier posts. You've certainly helped me with my planning. I'd like to get to Dover and the coast. But, I'm just concerned it's too far a drive for me. It's been 40+ years since I've driven in the UK!
Apr 4th, 2017, 03:37 AM
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The one thing I know about Faversham is that the National Fruit Collections are just outside the town centre, at Brogdale Farm. FWIW they have a Cider Festival on while you're here (but if you're driving that might cramp your style):
http://www.brogdalecollections.org/festivals-events/
But what little I saw of Faversham from the railway station out to Brogdale didn't strike me as particularly worth going out of one's way to see. "Faversham Hundred" might well have included villages round about, by the way.
http://www.brogdalecollections.org/festivals-events/
But what little I saw of Faversham from the railway station out to Brogdale didn't strike me as particularly worth going out of one's way to see. "Faversham Hundred" might well have included villages round about, by the way.
Apr 4th, 2017, 07:53 AM
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If you don't want to drive, there is a frequent direct train service between Sevenoaks and Dover. It take about 100 minutes.
If you get to Hever, don't miss St Peter's Church where Anne Boleyn’s father and baby brother are buried.
Ide Hill and Toy's Hill are wonderful.
Also do go round the house at Knole as well as the gardens.
If time allows, Leeds Castle is well worth adding to the list too.
If you get to Hever, don't miss St Peter's Church where Anne Boleyn’s father and baby brother are buried.
Ide Hill and Toy's Hill are wonderful.
Also do go round the house at Knole as well as the gardens.
If time allows, Leeds Castle is well worth adding to the list too.
Apr 4th, 2017, 08:12 AM
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I am SO impressed with you, and so delighted at this plan, Dee_Dee.
I (we) did something similar a few years ago, but missed about a third of your planned sites. The ones we did accomplish were wonderful and we had a grand time. Loved Scotney Castle, Penshurst, Great Dixter, and of course, Sissinghurst.
I like annhig's suggestion about Kentish towns. We got lost, quite often..easy to do, I thought, in this area of England, but each time that happened, we enjoyed a break in one of the towns, talking to the kind people and enjoying the pace of life in this part of the world.
Good memories of Tenderden, where we intended to ask directions and move on, but were so pleased with the town, we spent the afternoon there.
Allow time to slow down and take "time to stand beneath the boughs And stare as long as sheep or cows."
I do so admire you doing this on your own. YOU GO, GIRL!! What wonderful memories you will have, I know.
I (we) did something similar a few years ago, but missed about a third of your planned sites. The ones we did accomplish were wonderful and we had a grand time. Loved Scotney Castle, Penshurst, Great Dixter, and of course, Sissinghurst.
I like annhig's suggestion about Kentish towns. We got lost, quite often..easy to do, I thought, in this area of England, but each time that happened, we enjoyed a break in one of the towns, talking to the kind people and enjoying the pace of life in this part of the world.
Good memories of Tenderden, where we intended to ask directions and move on, but were so pleased with the town, we spent the afternoon there.
Allow time to slow down and take "time to stand beneath the boughs And stare as long as sheep or cows."
I do so admire you doing this on your own. YOU GO, GIRL!! What wonderful memories you will have, I know.
Apr 4th, 2017, 12:27 PM
#15
Dee_Dee - I'm sure that once you've driven for a little while you'll get the hang of it; it usually takes us about 30 mins to get our bearings when we drive "on the continent" and of course the steering wheel will be on the "right" side for you which helps.
Happy to have helped you, but I have the benefit of having lived in Kent for about 20 years so thinking of places to visit isn't that hard. One that so far we have omitted is the town of Westerham, which is very close to Chartwell and might be interesting for an afternoon; it was the birthplace of Gen James Wolfe whose statue is on the green along with one of Churchill. Wolfe's house Quebec House is covered by your NT ticket, and the lovely house of Squerrys Court is nearby too. If you continue along that road you come to the village of Crockham Hill where Octavia Hill, one of the 3 founders of the National Trust is buried - her memorial is in the church.
Another garden we've missed is Emmetts - which is at Ide Hill and is NT, so you might like to have a look:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house
Happy to have helped you, but I have the benefit of having lived in Kent for about 20 years so thinking of places to visit isn't that hard. One that so far we have omitted is the town of Westerham, which is very close to Chartwell and might be interesting for an afternoon; it was the birthplace of Gen James Wolfe whose statue is on the green along with one of Churchill. Wolfe's house Quebec House is covered by your NT ticket, and the lovely house of Squerrys Court is nearby too. If you continue along that road you come to the village of Crockham Hill where Octavia Hill, one of the 3 founders of the National Trust is buried - her memorial is in the church.
Another garden we've missed is Emmetts - which is at Ide Hill and is NT, so you might like to have a look:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house
Apr 4th, 2017, 12:34 PM
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hetismij2 - NO! I'm not at all confident on small country roads! In fact, I'm quite nervous about driving. I'll be creeping along. LOL!>
Try Pilrim's Way that is in part a foot path but in part a very narrow one-land road with 'passing places' -sides hemmed in by tall hedges- I drove it many times near Faversham with a van and it was always a bit dicey- I found that on such roads at times I would revert to a drive on right mentality so pay attention and yes slow - especially when you can't see much of the road ahead but these back roads are so so delightful!
Try Pilrim's Way that is in part a foot path but in part a very narrow one-land road with 'passing places' -sides hemmed in by tall hedges- I drove it many times near Faversham with a van and it was always a bit dicey- I found that on such roads at times I would revert to a drive on right mentality so pay attention and yes slow - especially when you can't see much of the road ahead but these back roads are so so delightful!
Apr 4th, 2017, 12:53 PM
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PalenQ, I had considered Battle but eliminated. I've read some who loved it and some... not so much. I can trace my ancestry back to William so I might just put it back on my itinerary. About how much time might be needed to properly view the sites?>
Well the main Battle battle site is fairly small and all together in the small town of Battle - would not take long -especially if just want to see from a distance - you can walk around the main part on paths with interpretative signs.
Well the main Battle battle site is fairly small and all together in the small town of Battle - would not take long -especially if just want to see from a distance - you can walk around the main part on paths with interpretative signs.
Apr 4th, 2017, 01:27 PM
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https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/visitor-centre
Faversham does have a tour of Britain's oldest brewery however if that interests you - one reason IME of going there so so many times on business that there is oft a brewing of beer smell that dominates parts of the town. A nice old regional town-maybe stop for a cup of tea? But little to see and do touristy wise.
Faversham does have a tour of Britain's oldest brewery however if that interests you - one reason IME of going there so so many times on business that there is oft a brewing of beer smell that dominates parts of the town. A nice old regional town-maybe stop for a cup of tea? But little to see and do touristy wise.
Apr 4th, 2017, 02:31 PM
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