For the fourth time, Miles Preston organised a tour of Kent, this time focused on three further outstanding historic properties: Ightham Mote, Leeds Castle and Knole House.
This was a two-day, two-night tour starting at lunchtime on 1st June and ending at lunchtime on 3rd June. Eleven members in seven cars took part, starting with a visit to Ightham Mote during the afternoon of 1st June.
Ightham Mote was extended over hundreds of years. From there we drove to our accommodation for the two nights at a fourteenth-century pub, The Chequers in Smarden.
Although the pub is very old (reputedly going back to the 14th Century), it has had plenty of work done on it in the last couple of years, so its rooms and restaurant are very clean and up to date. A special mention should be made to Agata, the manager of the pub, who worked exceptionally hard to ensure our stay was enjoyed as much as possible.
On the first full day of the tour, we visited Leeds Castle before driving to a pub in the middle of Romney Marsh. After lunch at The Ferry, near Appledore, we returned to Smarden, calling in at Chapel Down Winery, Tenterden and Biddenden. Some of the group also found time to visit Sissinghurst Castle on their way back to Smarden.
Following another excellent dinner at the pub, on the final day, we drove to the spectacular Knole House at Sevenoaks, where we went around the house.
Underneath the antlers at Knole.
Those who wanted to had lunch together in the cafe before setting off for home, while others, with longer journeys home, left after the tour of the house.
Miles Preston
Chairman, Salopian Drivers Club