Thursday 5th: We travel south with suitable stops en-route.
Friday 6th: For our first visit today we head for Staplehurst and Hush Heath Estate and
vineyards. Here we enjoy a guided tour and can learn all aspects of grape-growing before
visitng the winery where the production process of still and sparkling wine is explained.
Leaving the vineyard we have a short drive to the Goudhurst Inn, part of the Hush Heath
Estate, for Ploughmans Platter lunch. From here we visit the Winterdale Cheese Farm for
a guided tour of the dairy and cave, followed by cheese tasting and cream tea.
Saturday 7th: We begin with a ride to historic Faversham, one of southern England’s most
charming towns. It has over 475 listed buildings and a good selection of independent
shops. We have time for lunch here before we leave for our afternoon visit to the Shepherd
Neame Brewery for a guided ‘behind the scenes’ tour. Afterwards we round off the visit with
a Hop Pickers afternoon tea.
Sunday 8th: This morning we head for the land of mysterious marshes and smugglers.
First we come to New Romney. A Cinque Port since 1155, the Great Storm of 1287
changed the course of the River Rother and made New Romney an inland town. Next we
arrive at Lydd. The town was notorious for the activities of ‘owlers’ (Local smugglers
hooting to each other at dead of night). Have a look at All Saints Church – The Cathedral
of the Marsh, which has a soaring 132ft tower, and at 199ft is Kent’s longest church, parts
of it date back to Roman times.
Monday 9th: After a leisurely breakfast we begin our journey homeward.