Folkestone, the White Cliffs and Kent Explorer

Local departure or Home Connect service, then journey to Folkestone and our hotel for four nights. Enjoy dinner tonight in the main restaurant.

The Clifton Hotel offers guests the opportunity to pay a supplement and enjoy dinner one evening during their stay at the Marco Pierre White restaurant in the hotel. This needs to be booked in advance with the reception.

Today we visit one of the jewels of Kent. Often described as “the loveliest castle in the world”, Leeds Castle is set on two islands in a picturesque lake and surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens in the Kent countryside. It offers a perfect mix of history, scenery and relaxed exploration.

Inside the castle, you can discover over 900 years of fascinating history, from Norman stronghold to royal residence, with elegant rooms furnished to reflect different periods of its past. Audio guides are available, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Outside, the estate offers plenty to enjoy, including the Lady Baillie Mediterranean-style terrace gardens, scenic woodland walks, and views across the lake. You can also visit the famous maze and grotto.

A cream tea voucher will also be included in your visit which you can redeem at any point at the café.

This morning, we take a short drive along the Kent coastline to visit the Battle of Britain Memorial. Located on the White Cliffs at Capel‑le‑Ferne, it is a moving tribute to the courage of “The Few” – the airmen who defended Britain during the Battle of Britain in 1940. With panoramic views across the English Channel, the site combines powerful history with a tranquil and reflective setting. At the heart of the memorial is the striking bronze sculpture of a Royal Air Force pilot, surrounded by engraved propellers bearing the names of those who flew in the battle. Entrance to the visitor centre is included and The Wing which houses the Scramble Experience, an exciting, hands-on attraction that uses audio-visual effects, a video wall and other special techniques to show something of what the Few experienced in the summer and early autumn of 1940.

We then visit the famous White Cliffs of Dover, one of the most iconic symbols of the British Isles. The visit starts at the White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre, where there are informative displays introducing the area’s geology, wildlife and historical significance. If you wish, you can enjoy a gentle stroll to the scenic viewpoints overlooking the sea and take some dramatic photos.

We return early afternoon to Folkestone to give you the opportunity to explore Folkestone Harbour and the Harbour Arm. The old town and creative quarter, centered around the historic Old High Street, are also worth a visit. This characterful area is home to independent shops, art studios and galleries.

One of England’s most historic cities, Canterbury has been welcoming pilgrims and visitors for centuries. At the heart of the city stands Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important religious buildings in Europe. With its stunning architecture, stained glass, and long association with Thomas Becket, it is a must see. You will be welcomed on arrival by one of the cathedral guides for a 15-minute talk and introduction to the site and then you will be free to explore at your own pace.

Beyond the cathedral, you can enjoy wandering through the historic city centre, with its cobbled streets, half‑timbered buildings, and vibrant mix of independent shops, cafés, and traditional pubs. The Westgate Towers, medieval city walls, and riverside paths along the River Stour are all great ways to enjoy your free time.

After breakfast, we journey home.