Restored naval dockyards, tall ships and a spirited World War II history: Kent’s rich maritime and wartime heritage is the theme of this fascinating tour. After tracing 400 years of nautical history at The Historic Dockyard Chatham and seeing the magnificent Cutty Sark at Greenwich followed by a nostalgic cream tea, we visit Chartwell, Churchill’s family home and the RAF Biggin Hill Memorial Museum.
Chatham Dockyard HMS Cavalier Credit Robert Radford
Cutty Sark ©National Maritime Museum
Call the Midwife Official Location Tour
Biggin Hill Memorial Museum and Chapel
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Historic Dockyard Chatham
We visit The Historic Dockyard Chatham, one of Britain’s richest maritime history destinations. Covering 80 acres at Chatham’s former naval dockyard, the exhibits span 400 years of shipbuilding heritage, and include historic warships, interactive galleries and RNLI Lifeboats. Amongst other activities, we can explore a Cold War submarine, WWII destroyer and Victorian sloop; learn how ships are built and view incredible maritime artifacts. We also take a Victorian Ropery Tour to learn the art of ropemaking through exhibits and demonstrations.
How about offering a Call the Midwife Location Tour at the Dockyard? Tours let you go behind the scenes of one of TV’s most iconic series and discover how this 400-year-old site is transformed into 1950s East London. Ask your Account Manager for details.
Day 3 Greenwich
Today we have a full day in Greenwich where we have the chance to explore its famous attractions (such as the Royal Observatory, the Old Naval College, Greenwich Park or Greenwich markets, open Tue-Sun), before heading to the Cutty Sark for a late lunchtime entrance. During our self-guided tour, we learn about the life of this historic tea clipper in its heyday, enjoying a cream tea at the end – nothing could be more fitting!
Day 4 Chartwell & Biggin Hill Memorial Museum
This morning we visit Chartwell, the family home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1922 to 1965, and where he loved to paint, write and entertain. Home to the biggest single collection of his paintings and treasures from every aspect of his life, the house remains much as it was, so provides a unique insight into one of Britain’s greatest leaders. The hillside gardens reflect his love of landscapes and nature, and include the lakes, which he created, and the kitchen garden. This afternoon we continue to the Biggin Hill Memorial Museum, which incorporates St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance, built to preserve the legacy of those who served and died at the airbase during WWII. Our 1-hour guided tour traces the story of RAF Biggin Hill through the poignant stories and possessions of those based here. During our visit, we also enjoy a cream tea.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Hotel
Bridgewood Manor Hotel
Chatham, Kent
A warm welcome awaits at the charming Bridgewood Manor Hotel, situated near Maidstone, the county town of Kent. Each of the 100 spacious bedrooms is equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities, and guests also enjoy free use of the leisure facilities, which include an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. The restaurant offers a pleasant dining experience and there is plenty of comfortable seating in the bar for relaxing. Outside, there is also a pretty courtyard to enjoy.
BarGround Floor RoomsLeisure FacilitiesLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions
- Entrance to Historic Dockyard Chatham including Ropery Tour
- Entrance to Cutty Sark and cream tea
- Entrance to Chartwell
- Entrance to RAF Biggin Hill Memorial Museum including guided tour and tea and scones
See quote for hotel inclusions
Twin from £442pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £128
Based in Monday arrivals
