Kent's High Society new itinerary
Monday 30 June 2025 to Friday 04 July 2025
£725pp Single supplement £117
- Destination
- Itinerary
- Full inclusions
- Hotel
- Booking request
Why visit Kent? Kent is known as the 'Garden of England' for a reason. With rolling hills, picturesque villages, and beautiful gardens, it's a paradise for nature lovers. Kent boasts a fascinating history - from the historic town of Rochester, with its Charles Dickens connections to the iconic Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells - a Georgian colonnade now lined with enticing shops, cafés and restaurants. Discover unique sites like Leeds Castle, “the most beautiful castle in the world”, the pristine gardens at Penshurst Place and the picturesque landscape along the River Medway – the perfect backdrop for photography fans. The charm of this delightful region surpasses itself in summer, its blend of natural beauty and rich history awaits.
Why visit with us? In 2024 99% of our holiday customers said they would book again and 99% also said they would recommend us to a friend. Shaws Coaches has a strong reputation for a dependable service, with a proven track record for punctuality and professionalism. Our friendly booking team and highly-rated tour drivers are ready to welcome you.
What do our customers say? “Leeds Castle & Garden were very attractive” • “Excellent safe driver, very patient and knowledgeable” • “Holiday was excellent, up to your usual standards” • In 2024 our customers rated Bridgewood Manor Hotel 4.7/5 based on its food & drink, staff & service and bedroom comfort.
Holiday Insurance. We always recommend taking out adequate holiday insurance, that's why we’ve partnered with SunWorld holiday insurance who can offer single or annual multi-trip cover. Get your free custom quote.
Tour code: A3479
Monday
After being collected from home, get comfy in your reserved, executive class seat as you make your way to the historic city of Rochester. Explore the town at your leisure – it’s donation entry to Rochester Cathedral & Gardens - perhaps treat yourself to something sweet in the unique Crypt café? Check in to your 4* hotel with tea/coffee awaiting on arrival, before dinner this evening.
Tuesday
Glide into the glamourous and aristocratic world of Leeds Castle as you uncover the secrets and scandals of high society during a tell-tale talk from an enthusiastic expert. Make the most of all the attractions at this 900-year-old moated fortress including the immersive Queens with Means exhibition, Dog Collar Museum, Maze and Grotto, Falconry Display (2pm), Birds of Prey Centre, the fragrant Culpeper Garden and the unique Mediterranean Garden Terraces. A refreshing cream tea in the Castle View Restaurant is included.
Wednesday
Spend the morning in Maidstone, the county town of Kent, established by the Romans and famous for its waterway connections. High street shops line Week Street but take a turn down St Faith’s Street to enjoy free entry to Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery. Board the Kentish Lady for a calming three-hour cruise along the historic River Medway. Navigate locks, pass peaceful meadows and marvel at medieval castles whilst keeping an eye out for the thriving wildlife and tucking into an included fish & chip lunch.
Thursday
Visit one of the finest homes in England. Penshurst is a 14th century Manor House, once the property of King Henry VIII, and now the Sidney family home for more than 470 years. Don’t miss an astonishing 60ft high chestnut beamed ceiling in the Baron’s Hall, the recently restored Victorian Kitchen and new planting in the gardens, including speciality roses and Sakura cherry trees. Continue to Tunbridge Wells and feel rather regal as you promenade along the charming 17th century Pantiles. This elegant, covered and colonnaded walkway is now home to enticing independent shops, galleries and open-air cafés.
Friday
After breakfast we’ll head to The Historic Dockyard Chatham to discover stories from this 400-year-old, beautifully preserved dockyard with a guided coach tour. You’ll then be transported back in time with an ancient ropemaking demonstration with time to explore at leisure before we head home. Dare to delve inside a submarine, marvel at the colossal Victorian sails on HMS Gannet, feel the power of the sea on HMS Cavalier and so much more.
- 4 night stay with breakfast
- 3 course dinner with tea/coffee every evening (min 3 choices plus vegetarian)
- Entry to Leeds Castle with cream tea & a talk
- Three hour Medway cruise with fish & chips
- Entry to Penshurst Place
- Entry to The Historic Dockyard Chatham with a guided tour
- Free time in Rochester, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells
- Welcome tea/coffee at the hotel
- Use of the hotel leisure facilities
- Porterage
- All travel including home collection*
- International Passenger Protection
- Reserved coach seat
- 18kg suitcase pp
- Executive touring coach featuring a refreshment station, reclining seats, reading lights, curtains, foot and arm rests, toilet, safety belts, air suspension and individual air-flow controls
- An experienced, friendly, highly-rated and professional tour driver
- Friendly booking team on hand to answer any questions you might have in the run up to your holiday
- DEPOSIT OFFER! Book before 31 July 2025 and pay just £25pp with the balance due 8 weeks prior to departure (deposit rises to £50pp thereafter)
- LOYALTY DISCOUNT! Book 3 holidays (in any calendar year) and save £15pp, book 4+ and save £20pp, just let us know in special requests that you'd like to redeem your discount
- SAVE £10PP by meeting the coach at Maxey, Stamford Bus Station or Peterborough Extra Services
- Book early to take advantage of this reduced single supplement, available on a limited number of rooms
- *Providing you live in Bourne, Stamford, Peterborough, Uppingham, The Deepings, Spalding, Whittlesey, Oakham and most of the villages between them and Maxey (we're happy to collect from outside of our free pick-up area with a small additional charge)
Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa, Chatham 
- Situated between the Downs and the coast, it’s a great location for exploring Kent
- Well furnished and smartly styled
- Rated 4.7/5 by Shaws customers in 2024
- Ensuite bedrooms with TV hairdryer, phone, desk, trouser press or ironing facilities, complimentary tea/coffee tray & free WiFi
- Restaurant, bar, patio and inner courtyard
- Includes access to the indoor pool, sauna and steam room
- Beauty treatments available (extra charge)
- Lift to all floors
ACCESS: Limited ground floor rooms available, lift to all floors, all bedrooms are in the main building, walk-in showers available on request
Ask us about upgrades which may be available at a supplement