English friends e-mailed me the following URL . www.kentattractions.co.uk/welcome.html
If you're looking for ideas for day trips out of London, you will find that Kent is a wonderful place to explore... gardens, cathedrals, and historical sites galore...big castles and more modest sized manors.
Some of the attractions can be gotten to by train, others would require a car ( or a taxi from the nearest train station).
I can recommend Ightham Mote, ( especially if you have read the book " Green Darkness&quot Hever Castle ( Anne Bolyn's childhood home), Canturbury Catherdral , Chartwell, Dover Castle, Leeds Castle, and Rochester.

You are so right. One of my best memories of southern Englad was several days staying in Seven Oaks. (Loved Ightham Mote). Our bed and breakfast was called FigTree Farm, and I'm wondering if anyone knows if it is still in business? It was the loveliest old farm house at the end of a private lane. J.

Fully agree! Have lived in Kent all my life, now living in Maidstone a few miles from Leeds Castle, very central in getting to all places around here. Please feel free to ask any questions about any sights or directions on how to get there.

Hi, Englishone, then maybe you can check on FigTree Farm for me? It was such a wonderful B&B experience. J.

Hi jmw, I havent heard of Fig Tree Farm guesthouse in S/oaks, even though I used to work there as a district nurse. I did a search through yellow pages, but nothing .. maybe its private accommodation now? I have found a great site though, which lists local farm cottages/ country B&B in the Kent area.

http://www.farm-stay-kent.co.uk/accommodation.htm

I noticed there are a few farm accommodations in the Faversham area. This is a lovely old market town, just 7 miles from Canterbury. Also, there is one in Sevenoaks - but not your fig tree farm.

Thanks for trying, Englishone. We had obtained the room through the tourist office. A family letting out two rooms to tourists -- maybe they don't anymore. Alas. J.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden is a definite must see for anyone with a passing interest in gardens. A couple of weeks ago the roses were looking fabulous - with the central rambling rose in the White Garden in full bloom. Marle Place and Iden Croft Herb Gardens are two lesser known gardens that are nearby and definitely aslo
worth visiting. Also check out Pashley manor - have lunch alfresco on the terrace. We can recommend Church Gates in Cranbrook as a superb Bed and Breakfast place with excellent hosts (www.churchgates.com)