Great Castles of South-East England Tour
3 Days Starting and ending in Maidstone, England
Visiting: Maidstone, Rochester, Bodiam
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 40
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the Great Castles of South-East England Tour, where history and grandeur await. This cultural adventure takes you to some of the most iconic castles in the United Kingdom, including Henry II’s majestic Dover Castle, the towering Rochester Castle, and the picturesque Bodiam Castle. Enjoy guided tours and expert talks by renowned historian Dr. Marc Morris, as you explore the medieval architecture and rich heritage of these historic sites. Stay at the contemporary four-star Orida Hotel in Maidstone, complete with modern amenities and delightful dining experiences. With comfortable coach transfers and all admissions included, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of England's storied past.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1:
Location: Maidstone
Accommodation Name: Orida Hotel, Maidstone
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive independently at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and an introductory talk by Dr Marc Morris - ‘ An introduction to castles’ .
Day 2: Rochester And Dover
Location: Rochester
Accommodation Name: Orida Hotel, Maidstone
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We begin at Rochester, the tallest great tower (or keep) of its type in Europe, soaring to 125 feet tall. Built for the archbishop of Canterbury from 1127, it was attacked and partially destroyed in 1215 by King John in one of the most spectacular sieges of the entire Middle Ages. There will also be time to explore Rochester’s adjacent cathedral, also built in the twelfth century in the same Romanesque style. From Rochester we head to Dover, arguably the greatest castle complex in Britain. Perched high on the famous White Cliffs, Dover’s great tower has been lavishly refitted by English Heritage to appear as it did in the time of its builder, Henry II. After exploring the interior we will investigate the great siege that took place here in 1216, as well as the castle’s Roman lighthouse, Anglo-Saxon church and later medieval defences. Tonight there will be dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 3: Eynsford Castle, Tonbridge Castle And Bodiam Castle
Location: Bodiam
Meals Included: Breakfast
We first head to Eynsford, a pretty village with a small, ruinous castle built very soon after the Norman Conquest. From there we move to Tonbridge, which boasts one of the largest mottes in England, as well as a splendid thirteenth-century gatehouse, the model for similar examples built by the English during the conquest of Wales. Finally, we cross into Sussex to arrive at Bodiam. One of the most photogenic castles in Britain, Bodiam is deliberately contrived for dramatic effect. Built in the late fourteenth century by an ambitious local knight, anxious to advertise his new-found wealth and power. Situated in the middle of a mirror-like moat, its walls punctuated with towers, turrets, gatehouses and battlements, Bodiam is in fact a comfortable home, its interior more akin to a courtyard house or Oxbridge college. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.
What's Included
What's Not Included
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Transport to the hotel is not included
You will need to arrange your own transport to the hotel.
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Double for sole use supplement
An additional charge applies if you require a double room for sole use.
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Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis
Extra nights at the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis are not included.
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Holiday insurance
Holiday insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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Meals other than those stated
Meals not mentioned in the inclusions are not provided.
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Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and telephone calls are not included.
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Porterage and gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Coach transfers throughout the tour are provided, ensuring comfortable and convenient travel between the various historic sites and castles included in the itinerary.
Accommodation
Mercure Great Danes Hotel, Maidstone
Contemporary four star hotel located on the outskirts of Maidstone. Facilities here include leisure centre with indoor pool, bar and restaurant. Bedrooms are comfortable with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, free wifi and hairdryer.
Car parking: Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel.
MORE INFO
Your Tour Expert - Dr Marc Morris
Your host Dr Marc Morris. Marc is a medieval historian and broadcaster best known for his TV series on British castles. In 2008 he published a bestselling biography of Edward I, "A Great and Terrible King", to widespread critical acclaim and his new book "The Norman Conquest" is every bit as engagingly written.Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel. You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The accommodation is provided at the Orida Hotel, Maidstone, a contemporary four-star hotel with facilities including a leisure centre with an indoor pool, bar, and restaurant. Bedrooms come with modern amenities such as an en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, free Wi-Fi, and hairdryer. Car parking is available at the hotel at £5 per day, payable directly at the hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes two nights’ bed and breakfast, a welcome reception and private three-course dinner with wine on the first night, and dinner in the hotel restaurant on the second night. Meals other than those stated are not included.
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Who will be guiding the tour?
The tour will be guided by expert Marc Morris and tour manager Mike Stone throughout the tour.
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What is the mode of transport during the tour?
Coach transfers are provided throughout the tour, ensuring comfortable and convenient travel between the various historic sites and castles included in the itinerary.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include visits to Henry II’s Dover Castle, Rochester Castle and Cathedral, 14th century Bodiam Castle, Tonbridge Castle, and Eynsford Castle.
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Is transport to the hotel included in the tour package?
No, transport to the hotel is not included. You will need to arrange your own transport to the hotel.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour package are transport to the hotel, double for sole use supplement, extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis, holiday insurance, meals other than those stated, personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and telephone calls, and porterage and gratuities.
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What time does the tour start and end each day?
The tour starts with check-in at the Orida Hotel, Maidstone from 15:00 on the first day. The welcome reception and first evening dinner/talk will commence at about 18:00. The tour ends at approximately 17:30 on the last day.
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Will there be any expert talks during the tour?
Yes, there will be an introductory talk by Dr. Marc Morris on the first evening titled 'An introduction to castles'.
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Are admissions to the castles and sites included in the tour package?
Yes, all talks, guided tours, and admissions to the castles and sites are included in the tour package.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
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Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Friday - Sunday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Travel Editions requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel editions charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 45% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.