Escapades in Kent (27th June - 1st July 2022)

 

We had reservations at the Parkdean Holiday Park at Romney Sands, Kent from the 27th of June till the 1st of July. On our way to the Holiday Park, on Monday, we decided to spend some time in Rochester, Kent. What a lovely place to visit, full of cobbled streets and interesting shops not to mention a cathedral and castle, what's not to like?! We then drove to Romney Sands and our base, which was a caravan, for the next 5 days. The Parkdean Holiday site had nice and friendly staff and also the Dymchurch to Hythe model Railway running through it, which was cool and which we rode on the last day. This was the only positive we could see as the evening entertainment left a lot to be desired and also the lack of wi-fi was a problem in contacting our children whilst we were away.

Tuesday

The weather was bright and cloudy and we went to Battle for breakfast and the abbey which in 1066, was the place, William, the Conqueror beat Harald Hardrada, who ended up with an arrow in his eye, maybe. The high street is quite pleasant. We then drove to Hastings, which is larger and more touristy than Battle where we went up in a cablecar, and visited a true crime museum

Wednesday

Another lovely day and we drove to the beautiful picturesque town of Rye with its charming cobbled streets and artisan shops. We then went to Dungeness, which although quite barren had a fish stall that had fresh crab, which lived up to its reputation then off to Hythe, which we found disappointing compared to Rye.

Thursday

We went to Canterbury, and spent 3 hours, visiting the cathedral where Thomas Becket was murdered. The guides around the Cathedral were polite and very informative. There was lots of history, for example, the ducking chair, and many old pubs but also there were many new shops and outlets nestled amongst them. We bought some cherries from a stall on the side of the road, and they were juicy and sweet. We headed for Broadstairs, which is a classic English seaside town, and had a posh if quite expensive ice cream from the famous Morellis. We did see a blue plaque outside a house for the animator and author of the Clangers, which made both of us smile. We then headed to Sandwich, which was a quaint town that was holding a Folk Festival in quite a few of the pubs, which was a lovely way to spend the evening.

Friday

On our last day, we started off by taking the train from Romney Sands, which had a station on the Parkdean resort to Hythe on the Romney, Hythe, and Dymchurch railway. It was a charming way to travel, especially in an open carriage, which was very exciting even though Jayne's hat decided to blow off. We then made our way home, buying some more cherries on our way, but stopped off at Leeds Castle. This was probably the most beautiful castle and grounds we have ever seen. We tried to complete the maze, but due to frustration, heat, and foreign school students we cheated.

 

I loved visiting Kent, which was the first time we had both spent some time there, and with the nice weather was blessed to see Kent in its best light. Rochester and Leeds Castle were amazing as was Sandwich Folk Festival. We tried to cram as much as we could into our vacation but there are still lots that we can visit and explore. Canterbury was very historic but didn't really like the clash of new and old. The caravan on the Parkdean resort was clean and the staff were helpful but the lack of wifi, even making phone calls, caused issues sometimes. As for the entertainment, well, words can not really explain this, it has to be seen to be believed but I would give them 5 out of 10 for carrying on when they had technical issues and vocal ones as well. The train was fabulous and would definitely recommend a visit.

I had only been to a couple of Kent beaches before this trip. I must say that I fell in love with Rochester to start with! It had bunting which coupled with the array of boutique shops and cobbled streets made it look very English.  Romney Sands was disappointing for me personally but I can see that it would be a great place for younger children who love a beach but aren`t yet fixated on any social media!  A favourite of mine was The Dymchurch railway which I found to be immense fun and exhilarating even for a 54 year such as myself-shame about the hat. I loved the Cathedral at Canterbury as well as the shops but my all-time surprising favorite was Leeds Castle (Not in Leeds) which was stunning as well as interesting- although I would have called it more of a stately home than a castle, myself. Well worth a visit.

Hampton Court (22nd June 2022)

 We stayed over at an Airbnb the night before so we were closer to travel to Hampton Court. It was a beautifully hot day and we arrived before the palace opened at 10.00am, although the car park was open. We parked and went and had breakfast and had a stroll around East Molesey shops which was nice. 

       Hampton Court Palace and its gardens are steeped in English History from Henry the eighth to William the third and the day we visited they were getting geared up for a music festival in the evening. From the Tudor kitchens to the ornate and still functioning chapel, the clock in the courtyard, and watching two people playing Real Tennis and the great Hall it was a feast for the eyes and the imagination and a chance to walk back in time. Although the maze was disappointing, the gardens were ok. We spent a good 4-5 hours exploring, and talking to the staff who were very knowledgeable. Well worth a visit.

I love a bit of Henry the Eighth and the opulence and history that is Hampton Court. Yet again far too many schoolchildren around for my liking and the cafe and eatery were so expensive they should have been sent to the tower. Great day, for those that like to be surrounded by the opulence of royalty, architecture, and English History. Would definitely recommend it, the guides that are dotted around in most rooms are very informative and are a font of knowledge.

I enjoyed the day at Hampton Court. As you enter the golden gates you will pass a beautiful garden of wildflowers of all colours on the right-hand side. Walking through the various rooms of the Palace and reading about the often opulent living of King Henry the Eighth was very interesting. There is said that a particular corridor where Catherine Howard was apprehended and taken to the Tower of London before she managed to reach King Henry is haunted. The staff who do not deny or agree with this statement say that the emergency services are called to that area more than any other in the Palace. Strange that. Lots to see, read and enjoy here but I found the canteen facilities pricey, especially for a family. I can imagine a concert here would be a great experience but we didn`t stay for that ourselves as we didn't have tickets.

  

Kew gardens (21st June 2022)

We arrived at Kew Gardens on Tuesday morning on a hot and sunny day. We were given a map and entered via Elizabeth Gate. We started at the Orangery for a coffee and then took a slow amble and eventually ended up at Kew Palace and its associated gardens, and kitchens. This was one of the homes of King George the third, his wife Katherine, and his fifteen children. There were women dressed in Georgian period attire who were knowledgeable guides on King George and this era. He is remembered as the Mad King, but we found out that between his bouts of illness ( probably bipolar disorder) he was a loving husband to his wife and children, very caring, and had a very enquiring mind. We then strolled along the Riverside Walk, which was treelined and very beautiful,  strolled around Queen Charlotte's house, and then went on the Treetop Walkway where we had amazing views of the Pagoda, the Temperate House, and stunning views of Richmond. We had a picnic and then went on to visit the Temperate House and the Palm House which were very humid and the Waterlily House and the Princess Of Wales Conservatory. We then went on to the Hive which was amazing and then went along the Great Broad Walk Borders. There is a land train available which has various stops along each route. There are several gift shops selling all manner of flower and garden-related things- soap, cups, clothes, seeds, and the ubiquitous fridge magnet.

 

Kew Gardens was a great day out, very informative and I was surprised at how many different varieties of plants, like oak trees there were. The Hive was a very magical place and the treetop walkway was surprisingly high. All in all a great day except for the cost of food and refreshments and the myriad amount of schoolchildren milling about. Definitely recommend.

I really enjoyed Kew gardens. I found it very peaceful walking amongst the trees and each building housed a different array of plants - some even carnivorous! I particularly liked the Hive as I had never seen anything like it. Being slightly green-fingered I took some ideas back home about the type of plants used in the Great Broadwalk borders. There is a lot of walking available and my one sadness was that we didn`t take the Kew Train. Lots to learn and read about as you meander along. Allow for a good 4-6 hours to fully appreciate what this place has to offer. It has a thumbs up from me.