Day Trip to Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral

At 8:15 on a Saturday morning, I found myself walking at London’s Victoria Bus Station. Even after three cups of coffee, I was still half-asleep. The reason to be up so early on a Saturday morning is that I had a day trip from London to Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral, with a side visit to Dover. Well worth the short sleep, I would say.

Day Trip From London to Leeds Castle, Canterbury & Dover

We left Victoria Bus Station at 9am sharp, and our guide, Kelvin, explained details about the tour and some places of interest we saw on the way.

Leeds Castle

After a nice kip during part of the journey, I woke up on the grounds of Leeds Castle, considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in England.

Some passengers on this day trip from London to Leeds Castle chose to first visit the beautiful gardens and grounds, which are an attraction in their own right. Wary about the weather, I opted to explore the castle interiors, and discover what life was like for the aristocrats, royalty and even an American heiress, who used to call this castle home.

This 900-year old castle/palace, built on the islands of a lake formed by River Len, was originally a Norman stronghold. Over the centuries, it also became the palace of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, his wife, and the private property of six medieval queens.

As I started my self-guided tour of Leeds Castle, walking past armours and old barrels of wine, I felt like I had gone back to medieval times. But sooner than expected, I was entering Tudor rooms and more modern apartments – time travel at its best! There were few people visiting, so I could really take my time, as I learned more about the place’s history.

Despite the castle’s almost 1000-year history, the rooms that impressed me most, were those renovated by its last owner, American Lady Baillie.

She lived in the castle until her death in 1974, and during World War II, she hosted injured airmen on the premises. Many of the rooms, like her own bedroom (photo below), were decorated in the French style, with a very delicate feel.

Sadly, I noticed it started raining. So instead of going to the gardens and maze, I concentrated on exploring as much as I could of the castle interiors.

Dover

We then drove off to Dover, the main port for ferries leaving for Calais, and stopped by the pebble beach. It’s certainly not Ipanema, but the typical English weather, together with the view of Dover Castle atop the famous white cliffs, which acted as a barrier to invaders in the past, made for a pleasant visit. On a clear day, you can see France across the English Channel.

Book Your Tour To Leeds Castle & Canterbury Cathedral Here.

Canterbury

After our visit to Dover, the last stop on the day trip to Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral was, as you’d expect, the city of Canterbury. Here part of the group went first for lunch, while others, including myself, headed straight to the Cathedral, escorted by our guide Kelvin. The £10.50 entry fee was included in our tickets, so we were quickly let in through the imposing gates.

Canterbury Cathedral was founded in the 6th century, and is the seat for the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Anglican Church (the Head of the Church is the Queen).

Our guide took us straight to the very spot where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered by King Henry II’s knights. After he explained the story surrounding the 1170 murder, I walked through the stunning Trinity Chapel, visited the crypt, and wandered around the back garden, where they cultivate medicinal herbs.

I still had plenty of time to stroll around the charming streets of Canterbury, which were busy with locals and tourists alike.

At the time agreed, we met to take our bus back to London, arriving at 6pm. I have always convinced myself that independent travel is the best way to see places.

However, after this tour, where everything went on smoothly, and the convenience of not having to worry about logistics, I can definitely see myself taking more day tours in the future.

What about you, have you been to any of these places? What are your thoughts?

Pin It For Later!