A Sample Daily Itinerary
The itinerary can be amended to suit you and your members desires, as can the number of days.
Day 1
Following our final pick-up, we enjoy our outward journey making suitable stops en-route to Eastbourne, and on to the Hydro Hotel. Your accommodation at the hotel has Evening Meals & Breakfasts included.
Day 2
Following breakfast this morning, we have the morning at leisure in Eastbourne – the UK’s sunniest place! Stroll along three miles of pristine, palm-lined promenade, admire the views from the iconic Victorian Pier or simply relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel.
After time for lunch, we make our way to Herstmonceux Castle for our included visit of the Grounds & Gardens. Explore 300 acres of carefully managed woodland with beautiful themed and formal gardens. Visit the Elizabethan Garden, the largest and most prestigious of the Gardens, or the Sundial & Rose Garden, an imposing central sundial amidst a multitude of roses. Other highlights include the Shakespeare Garden, a garden evoking the works of William Shakespeare, the Lower Garden, all the planting in this garden is butterfly friendly, Apothecary Garden, a collection of herbs for medicinal and culinary use, and the Magic Garden, an enchanting natural space.
We return to the hotel in the afternoon where dinner will be served this evening.
Day 3
This morning, we travel to Sheffield Park & Garden – National Trust Members don’t forget your membership cards! Explore acres of landscape garden, bordered by historic parkland and woodland. The garden is a horticultural work of art formed through centuries of landscape design, with influences of ‘Capability’ Brown and Humphrey Repton. Four lakes form the heart of the garden with plants circulating through the glades and wooded areas surrounding them.
After a little free time here, we re-join our coach for the short journey to Sheffield Park Station with time to visit the Museum, Engine Shed Steamworks!, Gift Shop and catering facilities, before our journey on the Bluebell Railway to East Grinstead. We travel through 11 miles of glorious Sussex scenery behind a steam engine, passing stations preserved in different periods of history, including Victorian, 1930sand 1950s.
On arrival at East Grinstead, we re-join our coach for the journey to Lewes, a small town with a big heart. Most historians agree that Lewes’ name derives from the Old English ‘hlaews’ (‘hills’ or ‘mounds’) as Lewes is built into the slopes either side of the Ouse Valley. Lewes is a great place to shop with many independent, antique and quirky shops. It’s also the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat in one of the historic pubs.
On our return to the hotel, we make a stop at Beachy Head, the dramatic 530 feet high cliffs offering stunning views over Eastbourne, and the Birling Gap Visitor Centre.
Dinner will be served in the hotel this evening.
Day 4
After breakfast, this morning, we make our way to Leeds Castle – the loveliest castle in the world! Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold, the private property of six of England’s medieval queens, a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon, a Jacobean country house, a Georgian mansion, an elegant early 20th Century retreat for the influential and famous, and in the 21st Century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain. We have time to explore the Castle and over 500 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland.
Following our visit, we make our way to Hush Heath Estate & Winery for our included Tour & Tasting. Set within the rolling hills of Kent, Hush Heath Estate began with a simple love of wine, a handful of vineyards and the will to push boundaries. Today, the wines are enjoyed across the globe in some of the world’s finest restaurants and bars.
We return to the hotel in time to relax before dinner.
Day 5
Our first visit today is Battle – named after the Battle of Hastings, the most famous conflict on English soil. This compact market town grew up alongside the battleground, tranquil medieval abbey and surrounding ancient woodlands, largely unchanged to this day.
From here, we continue to Bodiam Castle – another National Trust property, so members, please don’t forget your membership cards. Bodiam Castle is an archetypal 14th Century moated castle with ruined interior – a glimpse of medieval splendour. Set in the heart of an historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, Bodiam Castle is one of Britain’s most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments. Windows where arrows once were once loosed, a tower that was once a look-out and ruins that were once walked upon by knights; this is a place where you can relive your childhood memories and let your imagination run riot.
Our last stop of the day is the Cinque Port of Rye – a medieval citadel huddled against invaders and the sea; Rye reveals its history gently. Today it’s a myriad of art, curiosities and cosy pubs.
We return to the hotel in the late afternoon where dinner will be served this evening.
Day 6
Your driver will advise you of what time your case needs to be outside your room, ready for collection to be put on the coach.
Following breakfast, we leave The Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne, and commence our journey home, again making suitable stops on our return.