Tours to the South

TOUR 17: Chartwell, Hever Castle & Kent Villages (9 hours)

Churchill statue on the green Hever castle drawbridge

We first visit Chartwell, the country home of Sir Winston Churchill from the 1920's until his death in 1965. The house and gardens are wonderful reminders of the great man - he put so much of himself into the place. It's an absolute 'must-see' for his admirers from all corners of the globe. A pretty village provides an atmospheric old pub where a good lunch can be enjoyed, before we travel the short distance to spend the remainder of the day at Hever Castle and gardens. Lord Astor acquired the former home of two Queens of England in the late 1800's and spent a literal fortune restoring it. You can admire the result.

IMPORTANT! Before trying to book an AWAY tour with me please first check availability with my online diary, then email me to have your tour dates/details/prices confirmed.

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TOUR 18: Scotney Castle Garden, Bodiam Castle & Rye (9 hours)

Scotney Castle lake Azaleas at Scotney gardens

First we visit Scotney Castle Garden in its' charming valley setting. You'll surely fall for this lovely place, it's a kaleidoscope of colours, a truly romantic place. If the weather is fine why not enjoy a picnic here? Ask me how. Leaving Scotney, it's only a 15 minute or so drive to the impressive 14th century castle at Bodiam. You'll have an opportunity to thoroughly explore the moated medieval building and to climb its' towers if you're feeling fit. There are very good audio-visual displays which enhance the experience and help to give a realistic insight into the daily life of the castle's 100+ 14th and 15th century occupants.

Bodiam: across the moat Wow! It's a great view from up here ..

We end our day at the historic little town of Rye. (Paul McCartney obviously likes it - he has a home nearby. The writer Henry James lived here, too). This charming place is an absolute delight, and begs to be strolled. Afternoon tea here is a possibility, especially if we didn't picnic at Bodiam? An easy two hour drive brings us home to London.

IMPORTANT! Before trying to book an AWAY tour with me please first check availability with my online diary, then email me to have your tour dates/details/prices confirmed.

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TOUR 19: Petworth House, Arundel and Brighton (9/10 hours)

We begin with a drive through the pleasant countryside of Surrey to our first destination, Petworth House, which stands in a magnificent Capability Brown landscape. Petworth's past owners amassed an art collection to rival anything you'll see in many National collections, and the great London-born artist JMW Turner spent much time here, immortalising Petworth in some of his paintings.

Add to that a fascinating house with some very grand rooms, plus interesting original Victorian kitchens and you'll see why we'll be happily occupied for an hour or two.

Arundel castle The Royal Pavilion, Brighton

Lunch follows, at Petworth or down the road at Arundel with a chance to either visit the castle or stroll the pretty little town, before we drive to our final destination, Brighton.

The Lanes, an antiques/collectables shopping area with much character, a remarkable folly - the Royal Pavilion, not to mention the delights of a popular traditional seaside town complete with Victorian pier; all will no doubt work their charm so that we'll probably have to drag some of our group back to the van for our two hour ride home!

IMPORTANT! Before trying to book an AWAY tour with me please first check availability with my online diary, then email me to have your tour dates/details/prices confirmed.