Places of Interest - Kent & South East England

KENT / Chartwell / Ightham Mote

Chartwell
Mapleton Road
Westerham
Kent TN16 1PS
Tel: 01732 866368

The family home of Sir Winston Churchill with an unrivalled collection of Churchill paintings, photographs and memorabilia. The beautiful rose and water gardens were commissioned by the Churchills, and a productive vegetable garden, restored using the original plans. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Ian Shaw).

Hever Hotel

.. surrounded by the historical houses and castles, this hotel exudes character and charm.
..just 15 minutes from the M25 and with easy access to local, renowned tourist attractions.

.. or ..

The Royal Oak Hotel

.. just a few minutes walk from Sevenoaks town centre.
..only 30 minutes by rail to London and minutes from the M25.

.. or ..

The Moorings Hotel

.. ..in this friendly, family-run hotel near Sevenoaks station.
. ..closeby are Knole House, Chartwell, Hever Castle, Leeds Castle and Penshurst.

Ightham Mote
Mote Road
Ivy Hatch
Sevenoaks
Kent TN15 0NT
Tel: 01732 811145

An outstanding 14th-century moated manor house, the results of the Trust's largest ever conservation project. The Tudor chapel has a hand-painted ceiling. Lovely gardens jhave water features, lakeside and woodland walks, in a secluded valley. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Andrew Butler).

KENT / Knole / Hever Castle

Knole
Sevenoaks
Kent TN15 0RP
Tel: 01732 450608

One of the most intriguing houses in England, Knole was the birthplace of novelist and poet Vita Sackville-West. The house includes a rare collection of Royal Stuart furniture, important portraits by Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Reynolds and many 17th century tapestries. Set in the heart of the only medieval deer park in Kent. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Rupert Truman).

The Moorings Hotel

.. ..in this friendly, family-run hotel near Sevenoaks station.
. ..closeby are Knole House, Chartwell, Hever Castle, Leeds Castle and Penshurst.

.. or ..

Hever Hotel

.. surrounded by the historical houses and castles, this hotel exudes character and charm.
..just 15 minutes from the M25 and with easy access to local, renowned tourist attractions.

Hever Castle
Hever
Nr Edenbridge
Kent TN8 7NG

Hever Castle is an attractive 13th century double moated castle with maze,water maze, topiary and Italian gardens. The original moated castle was built in 1270 and consisted of a massive gatehouse and a walled bailey, approached by a wooden drawbridge. In the late 15th century the castle became the home of the Bullen family who built a comfortable Tudor house within the walls. The castle was the childhood home of Anne Bullen (Boleyn), future wife of King Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I.
Tel: 01732 865224

www.hevercastle.co.uk

KENT / Deal Castle / Walmer Castle and Gardens

Deal Castle
Deal
Kent CT14 7BA

Deal Castle is one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England. It is among the earliest and most elaborate of a chain of coastal forts, which also includes Calshot, Camber,Walmer and Pendennis Castles. Most were built 'with all speed, and without sparing any cost' between 1539 and 1542 by order of King Henry VIII, who feared an invasion by European Catholic powers. Today you can explore the whole of the castle, from the storerooms to the first-floor captain's residence. English Heritage (Photo: Cannon on the outer bastions with the keep beyond (c) English Heritage)

Beachbrow Hotel, Deal

.... overlooking the pier in this family-run hotel.
...close to the town centre, the bus and train stations, golf, fishing, and is 8 miles from Dover ferry port

.. or ..

Royal Hotel

.... on the seafront in Deal, an early 18th century town hotel with beautiful rooms, steeped in history
...the Royal's warm hospitality and comfortable surroundings have been enjoyed by such famous people as Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton.

Walmer Castle and Gardens
Walmer
Kent CT14 7LJ

Walmer Castle was built during the reign of Henry VIII as part of a chain of coastal artillery defences against Catholic attack from Europe. It became the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in 1708. The beautiful gardens surrounding the house include a commemorative lawn, woodland walk, croquet lawn and a working kitchen garden. There is a pleasant cycle path along the beachfront between Deal and Walmer Castles. (Photo: Exterior (c) English Heritage Photo Library).

SUSSEX / The Royal Pavilion / Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

The Royal Pavilion
Brighton
UK
BN1 1EE

The outrageous summer palace was built in the1780's for the music-loving Prince Regent, (later King George IV). The Indian-inspired design was produced by John Nash. Lavish interiors combine Chinese-style decorations with magnificent furniture and furnishings. Adorned with gilded dragons, carved palm trees and imitation bamboo staircases, the Palace's unique style mixes Asian exoticism with English eccentricity.
Tel: 01273 290900

www.royalpavilion.org.uk

De Vere Grand Hotel Brighton

.. in grandiose Italian Renaissance style in a hotel commanding centre stage on the seafront.
....one of the most famous Victorian landmarks on the South Coast.

.. or ..

Old Ship Hotel

.. ..in this wonderful Georgian property occupying a privileged position on the seafront.
.. ..housing unique and elegant assembly rooms.

.. or ..

Abbey Hotel

..in 3-star rated budget guest accommodation, situated in the heart of the city centre, a few minutes walk from the beach.
....ideally located for city attractions such as the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Pier, The Lanes and the many restaurants.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Royal Pavilion Gardens
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 1EE
Tel: 01273 292882

Entrance to Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is free. Dynamic and innovative new galleries provide greatly improved access to the Museum's nationally and locally important collections. Objects are displayed in stimulating contexts with a wide range of interpretative techniques, including the latest interactive information technology.

KENT / Dover Castle

Dover Castle and the Secret Wartime Tunnels
Dover
Kent

Explore Dover Castle and revisit the turbulent war years, when the Dover Straits were packed with ships and the skies were filled with enemy planes! Make time to experience the complex defence systems employed during two World Wars at the fascinating Admiralty Lookout. Please be aware that access to the Secret Wartime Tunnels is by guided tour only. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
(Photo: Exterior (c) English Heritage).

Churchill Hotel

.. ..in a 3-star hotel, with the understated charm of a Regency setting and 81 en suite rooms on Dover Waterfront.
....nestling under the famous White Cliffs in the shadow of Dover Castle with uninterrupted views across the English Channel.

.. or ..

The West Bank Dover

.. ..in this family run guesthouse that rests at the edge of Dover.
.within walking distance of the town centre, train station, a 5 minute drive from the docks and 10 minutes from the Channel Tunnel.

KENT / Sissinghurst Castle Garden / Leeds Castle

Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Sissinghurst
nr Cranbrook
Kent TN17 2AB
Tel: 01580 710701

One of the world's most celebrated gardens, the creation of Vita Sackville-West and her husband Sir Harold Nicolson. The intimate setting is in the grounds of an Elizabethan mansion where romantic little compartments are filled with colourful floral displays. Lakeside and woodland walks are open all year. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / David Sellman).

The George Hotel Cranbrook

.. in a historic 14th century building, a beautiful boutique hotel housing 12 unique and individually designed rooms, offering a stunning blend of stylish contemporary design and beautiful original period features.
one of Cranbrook's most historic landmark buildings and originally dates back as far as the 1300s.

.. or ..

Best Western London Beach

.. at the Best Western London Beach Hotel & Golf Club with 24 bedrooms overlooking the beautiful Weald of Kent.
....within easy reach of many historic buildings including Leeds Castle.

.. or ..

Ramada Hotel & Resort Maidstone

.. .. at the Ramada Hotel and Resort Maidstone, a 3-star superior property with Sebastian Coe Health Club and Rick's Piano Bar & Grill,
..only minutes from junction 8 of the M20 and right next to beautiful Leeds Castle.

Leeds Castle
Maidstone
Kent ME17 1PL
Tel: 01622 765400

Leeds Castle, set on two islands on the River Len in the heart of Kent, has been home to royalty, lords and ladies for over 1000 years.
Visitors are transported through 900 years of the castle’s history; an eclectic mix of period architecture, sumptuous interiors and family treasures waiting to be discovered. Built on two small islands on a lake amid rolling parkland, considered one of the world's most beautiful castles, with moat, fine paintings, furnishings, gardens, a maze,and grotto, vineyard, aviary and restaurants.
www.leeds-castle.com

Tel: 01622 765400

KENT / Scotney Castle / Smallhythe Place

Scotney Castle
Lamberhurst
Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN3 8JN
Tel: 01892 893820

A Victorian country house set in one of England's most romantic gardens surrounded by a beautiful wooded estate.The ruined 14th-century castle is in a tranquil lakeside setting, with superb displays of rhododendrons and azaleas. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Stephen Robson).

Swan Hotel Tunbridge Wells

.. .. within the famous colonnaded Georgian Pantiles, the historic centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
...offering stylish, modern accommodation.

.. or ..

The Spa Hotel Tunbridge Wells

.. ..in an elegant country mansion, set in 14 acres of beautiful grounds, overlooking the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
....with attractively appointed bedrooms and a luxurious health and leisure centre.

.. or ..

Little Silver Country Hotel, Tenterden

.. in an environment that blends modern facilities with traditional comfort.
.. .. just 20 minutes away from the motorway and set in its own landscaped gardens.

Smallhythe Place
Smallhythe
Tenterden
Kent TN30 7NG
Tel: 01580 762334

This early 16th century half-timbered house was home to Shakespearean actress Ellen Terry from 1899 to 1928. The house contains a unique collection of theatrical costumes and personal mementoes. The grounds include cottage gardens and a thatched barn theatre. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Peter Craig).

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