Highlights of this walk include sweeping views across the hills of the North Downs, two charming old pubs, and a tour of the fairytale moated palace of Leeds Castle. Originally built in the 12th century, Leeds (not to be confused with the northern city of the same name) was lavishly renovated by Henry VIII for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.
The palace is known for its bevy of rare black swans, a postwar present to Sir Winston Churchill from the Australian government. Not having anywhere to keep the birds, Churchill had them forwarded on to Leeds Castle, where their descendants now provide an exotic addition to the grounds.
This walk starts in London. We meet at 9:00am by the meeting point in front of the main ticket office at London Victoria rail station on the following dates in 2008:
Saturday March 8th
Friday May 9th
Saturday May 31st
Sunday June 8th
Friday July 18th
Saturday August 16th
Friday August 22nd
Saturday September 13th
Sunday October 12th
Sunday November 2nd
Friday November 14th
Sunday December 7th
We return to London later the same evening.
To view the complete walk schedule for 2008, check the calendar.
This full day out includes all roundtrip transportation from the starting point in London, a guided walk from Harrietsham to Hollingbourne, and admission to Leeds Castle. It also includes your choice of either (a) a picnic lunch or (b) a two-course traditional pub lunch with a drink, at The Pepper Box Inn in Ulcombe.
(a) walk with picnic lunch option
individuals: £50 per person
groups of 2-3 booking together: £45 per person
groups of 4+ booking together: £40 per person
(b) walk with pub lunch option
individuals: £60 per person
groups of 2-3 booking together: £55 per person
groups of 4+ booking together: £49 per person
Payable in advance at the start of the walk. Options can be upgraded at any time.
For reservations and information call 07932 953 174 or email david@englishcountrywalks.com
Please be sure to mention:
(a) which walk you're interested in
(b) your desired dates and options
(c) the number of people in your party, and
(d) the best way to contact you
