hetismij2

Don't worry too much about the roads into Selling. At that time on a Sunday they will be quiet enough. It depends somewhat on your route into the village too. The hedges will be high, but there is enough room for two cars to pass. The locals drive like bats out of hell but most will still be waking up at that time.
You can see some hop gardens in the area still.

annhig

lol, hets, we went to visit a garden on the Roseland today, and on the way back the navi took us down this ridiculously narrow lane which was so tiny that we were convinced we'd gone the wrong way. There was grass up the middle and hedges so close to the car that you could touch then both sides as you passed. These locals were not driving like bats out of hell, I can tell you for nothing.

Dee_Dee

Thank you all for your additional replies!

Patricklondon - I believe I'll give Faversham AND the cider a pass and just head to Selling.

ESW - it didn't dawn on me there might be train service to Dover! I may go there after all. Thanks so much for letting me know!

ayemimi - Aw shucks...thanks for the compliment. I'm blushing. LOL. I've added Tenderden to my itinerary. Love your quote - "time to stand beneath the boughs And stare as long as sheep or cows." That's exactly how I like to travel anymore!

annig - I've added Westerham and Quebec House! Emmetts may get added too. I love your suggestions of places I haven't read about in the areas I've already planned! I'm going to have some very full (and glorious) days!

PalenQ - If I see a sign pointing toward Pilgrim's Way, I'll head in the opposite direction! LOL. I've rented the smallest car available to make it (hopefully) easier to navigate tiny roads with hedgerows. I'll have a death grip on the steering wheel!

Nonconformist - I actually did know that Faversham Hundred was large due to my genealogical research. I had thought Faversham might be good to visit but based on comments here, I'll just go to Selling.

Underhill - I love Winnie the Pooh! Ashdown Forest may be added for a walk down memory lane.

hetismij2 - I'd better get in and out of Selling before the locals wake! Hops gardens! Cool! I've never seen hops growing (and I'm a farmer's daughter). I'll be stopping to take lots of pictures to show my farmer family back home.

janisj

>>it didn't dawn on me there might be train service to Dover! I may go there after all. Thanks so much for letting me know!<<

If you do take the train to Dover -- consider taking a taxi up to the castle. It is a pretty steep slog. If you drive there is adequate parking up at the castle - especially if you go on a weekday.

AGM_Cape_Cod

Dee_Dee thanks for starting this thread. We will be visiting gardens in Wiltshire and Kent in May. The National Trust pass will save us a lot. Have a great trip.

Dee_Dee

janisj - thanks for the taxi tip!

AGM_Cape_Cod - I hope you have a great trip too!

europeannovice

Yes get a National Trust Pass--definitely worth it. We did that when exploring Kent and the surrounding area.

We spent most of a day at Dover Castle--don't forget to tour the underground tunnels--The Dunkirk story--fascinating. We also toured Canterbury Cathedral not too far from Dover Castle.

I also recommend Chatham Dockyards and don't miss a ropery tour there.

Chartwell is excellent--both the house and surrounding landscape. Ightham Mote was another favorite.

We were underwhelmed by Sissinghurst. It is more a spring garden. We also went in the summer and everything was dried up. The gardener even posted a sign apologizing for the conditions of the garden that day. Meanwhile the gardens around Hever were still spectacular. If you want a wonderful garden a little further afield closer to the airport is Wisley. They had a birds of prey demonstration the day we visited which enhanced the visit. We loved Wisley and was not impressed with Sissinghurst that time of year.

Enjoy your visit and please write a trip report when you return.