The Premium Tours luxury coach will collect you directly from, or close to your hotel, by prior arrangement.
Drive directly to Leeds Castle in Kent for a unique private viewing before the castle opens to the public.
Described as the "loveliest castle in the world", Leeds Castle was once a Royal residence for six of England’s medieval queens, a palace of Henry VIII, and a retreat for the rich and powerful. The setting is simply idyllic. The Norman castle was built on two small islands, in the middle of a lake, and is surrounded by a vast estate. Our day begins with a private viewing prior to the castle opening to the public. We will explore the chapel, galleries, courtyards and banqueting hall before taking time to enjoy the setting and wildlife, which includes wildfowl, black swans and the birds of the aviary.
From Leeds Castle, the tour confinues to the Kent coast for lunch in a charming inn overlooking the White Cliffs of Dover and with breathtaking views of the English Channel. You’ve heard of the famous white cliffs of Dover? This is your chance to see them. Following our scenic drive along the old coastal road, we take lunch in the Lighthouse Inn, dramatically positioned overlooking the cliffs. On a clear day you can even see France. The Inn has provided hospitality for a vast collection of people from bootleggers and smugglers, to Second World War soldiers. The fabulous home cooking here includes traditional British fare, such as fish and chips, and bread and butter pudding. Dover itself is an historic port with a magnificent 12th century castle.
Your afternoon is spent enjoying the delights of Canterbury. The ancient city of Canterbury has been the centre of Christian worship for almost 1,700 years. Its greatest treasure is the cathedral, infamous as the setting for the brutal murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170. When Henry II snapped "Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?", four of his knights rode to the Cathedral and sliced Becket’s head off. Canterbury became the centre of one of the most important medieval pilgrimages in Europe, immortalised by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales. Your ticket includes entrance to the Cathedral and also allows some free time to explore the atmospheric old town.
From Canterbury, travel back in the direction of London to historic Greenwich for some free time to enjoy the markets, or an optional walking tour of this historic town. Packed with exquisite parks, gardens, and architecture, Greenwich has strong connections with the sea, science, sovereigns and time. As the sun begins to set, board a luxury boat for a Champagne cruise along the river Thames taking you all the way back to central London past historic sights such as the Tower of London, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, before arriving at Westminster where the tour ends.
- All entrance charges included. Food and drinks not included.
- Tour starts at Victoria Bus Station at 08.15 and finishes at Westminster Pier at approximately 18.45pm.