A Tour of Kent's Most Exclusive Castles, Houses & Gardens

Check in to the Delta by Marriott Tudor Park, Bearsted in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

Our exploration of Kent's finest houses and gardens begins at the world-famous Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Created by writer Vita Sackville-West and diplomat Harold Nicolson, this enchanting garden is regarded as one of the finest in England. With an exclusive out-of-hours tour before the gates open to the public, we can enjoy the famous White Garden, colourful borders and intimate garden rooms in peaceful surroundings.

Later, we continue to Provender House, home to Princess Olga Romanoff, a great-great-granddaughter of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. Dating back to the 13^th century, this remarkable house tells the story of seven centuries of English architecture and family life. During our guided tour, led by the owner where possible*, we uncover its fascinating history before enjoying tea and cake.

*Owner-led tours are subject to availability.

This morning we visit magnificent Leeds Castle, one of Britain's most beautiful historic buildings and once home to six medieval queens. Surrounded by a stunning moat and set within beautiful parkland, the castle has played many roles throughout its long history, from royal palace to private residence. We have time to explore before enjoying a traditional Ploughman's lunch.

Later, we continue to Knole, one of England's great country houses and home to the Sackville family for more than 400 years, who acquired the property in 1603 after it was built by Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury. Discover magnificent showrooms filled with Jacobean and Stuart furniture plus artwork by the likes of Van Dyck and Gainsborough, noting how its 365 rooms, 52 staircases and 12 entrances symbolise the days, weeks and months of the year, before exploring the beautiful grounds here.

We are joined by a guide at Lullingstone Castle, one of England's oldest family estates and recorded in the Domesday Book. The present manor house dates from 1497 and remains home to the same family today. Alongside the historic house lies the extraordinary World Garden, where rare plants from across the globe are arranged by continent. The garden was conceived by Tom Hart Dyke during his nine-month kidnap ordeal in the Colombian jungle and has become one of the country's most fascinating horticultural attractions.

Later, we visit elegant Belmont House, a Neo-classical country house is a completely unspoilt example of architect Samuel Wyatt’s work. Six generations of the Harris family have each left their mark on this treasure, which contains mementoes of the family’s history and travels, as well as the finest private collection of clocks and watches in Britain, created by the 5^th Lord Harris. There is also time to enjoy the lovely grounds, which encompass everything from beautiful gardens and magical woodlands to fruit-laden orchards and a cricket pitch.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.