A Castle, a Garden and a Cathedral: Three of Kent’s Most Evocative Sights

From its expertly manicured estates to its rolling vineyards and hedgerow-lined country lanes, it’s easy to see why leafy Kent has earned the nickname ‘garden of England’. But it’s not just a holiday destination for lovers of all things blossoming and beautiful; this historic corner of Southeast England is also home to plentiful cultural delights.

Creative Copywriter Jessica Morris took a tour of some of the county’s most significant locations to find out more about what they have to offer our guests.

Canterbury Cathedral

Despite currently being under restoration works, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canterbury Cathedral still has the power to captivate, with its brilliant stained-glass windows, its blend of breathtaking Romanesque and Gothic architecture and its famously chilly cloisters (they’re north-facing, I’m told). Add to that the fact that it’s one of British history’s most famous murder scenes, and you’ve got a must-see Kentish landmark on your hands.

As we wandered through the echoing Nave, into the Chapter House and past the Quire, our knowledgeable guide regaled us with stories of King Ethelbert, Henry II and Thomas Becket, piquing our interest for the tour’s grand finale: the Martyrdom, the very spot where Becket was killed by four of King Henry’s knights. A haunting sculpture of two swords casting their shadows onto the wall commemorates the brutality of the slaughter; and the eroded steps of Trinity Chapel serve as a lasting reminder of the thousands of pilgrims that flocked to see Becket’s shrine.

Interestingly enough, the year 2020 will mark the 850^th anniversary of Thomas Becket’s death – and those visiting Canterbury Cathedral towards the end of the year will have the opportunity to explore the saint’s legacy at the Chapter House’s ‘Becket2020 Exhibition’.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

The first thing you’ll learn about Sissinghurst Castle? It’s not technically a castle. The name was adopted back in the 18^th century, when the site was used as a prison for French Soldiers during the Seven Years War. The inmates referred to Sissinghurst as ‘le château’ – and the name has stuck ever since.

Today, Sissinghurst is renowned the world over for its beautiful gardens – and one cannot hear its name spoken without being reminded of the famous faces behind its renovation. Harold Nicolson and Vita Sackville-West may not have been a conventional couple, but they were united in their determination to create a magical English garden that combined clean lines with a romantic, abundant, more-is-more approach to planting.

As we were led around the expansive, fragrant gardens, our passionate guide excitedly related stories about Vita and Harold’s fascinating lives – going into intricate detail about each unique section of the estate. One part of the tour that drew the most interest from the group was our sneak-peek into the all-new Delos Garden, a Mediterranean-inspired plot that was planned (but never successfully executed) by Nicolson and Sackville-West back in the 1930s. Still in its very early stages, this singular area of the garden was filled with large blocks of Kentish ragstone, and innumerable hardy Grecian shrubs and herbs, all on the verge of taking root and thriving in their specially-designed landscaped terraces.

The new Delos Garden will be completed in spring 2020 – just in time for our guests to enjoy its aromas and ambience on our summer Kent: The Garden of England tours.

Hever Castle

The famous childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Kent’s remarkable history. Upon entering the vast estate, I must say I had high hopes that this particular stop on our itinerary would be one to remember – and with an enthusiastic, personable member of the gardening team on hand to explain all (plus a wonderful museum to delve into within the castle itself), it’s safe to say I wasn’t disappointed!

After being greeted by a bevy of inquisitive swans and a slew of characterful topiary creations, we were led through the castle gardens and onwards to the lake – adjacent to the Italian Loggia terrace and the famous Nymph’s Fountain – where we stopped to take in the spectacular views. Despite the fact that summer was wearing into autumn, we even managed to catch a glimpse of several of the eponymous ‘Hever roses’.

After an hour or so spent enjoying the dwindling sun in the grounds, we moved onto the castle itself, with its impressive moat, gatehouse, portcullis and battlements. We were allowed to take in the artefacts inside at our leisure; moving from room to room as we pored over portraits, panelling, suits of armour, and the very chambers where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once slept.

Our guide informed us that each season brings its own beauty to Hever Castle – though I can’t imagine it looking any more striking than it did in the October light, covered in a royal hue of red Boston Ivy.

Feeling inspired to embark on your own journey through Kent? Our 7-day Kent: The Garden of England tour could be just what you’re looking for…