mclaurie, you wrote: "To answer your questions about Rye, I suggested it because it sounded like you were interested in gardens & stately homes. Kent has both of these in quantity and is considered the Garden of England."

In fact, Kent sounds perfect. Do you know whether or not the major attractions are accessible by train and/or bus, or is a car necessary to see such things as Leeds Castle, Penshurst Place, and Sissinghurst Castle Garden?