Hever Castle & the Bluebell Railway

Enjoy a delightful short break combining historic charm, scenic countryside and a vibrant seaside atmosphere. We visit Hever Castle, one of England’s most romantic castles. With its grand stone towers, double moat and beautifully landscaped gardens, this 13th-century castle that was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, offers a rich and fascinating glimpse into England’s past. We will also step back in time on a nostalgic journey aboard the Bluebell Railway, one of Britain’s best-preserved heritage steam lines. Relax in vintage carriages as you enjoy the rolling Sussex countryside at a leisurely pace. Our base is in the lively coastal resort of Brighton, where there will be free time to soak up the atmosphere. Stroll along the famous promenade, explore the quirky boutiques of the Lanes, or simply unwind by the sea and enjoy all the charm Brighton has to offer.

DOUBLETREE HILTON BRIGHTON METROPOLE

Set on Brighton’s vibrant seafront, the recently refurbished DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole beautifully combines the charm of its Victorian heritage with contemporary comfort. Many rooms offer stunning sea views, and all feature satellite television, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, telephone, iron & ironing board, and tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel boasts a stylish restaurant and bar, as well as a health club complete with indoor swimming pool, fully equipped gym, sauna, and spa. Lift to all floors.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PACKAGE

Accommodation with breakfast
Admission to Hever Castle & Gardens
Single Journey on the Bluebell Railway
Return coach travel from your local pick up point

Day One

We depart from our local area and join the motorways for our journey south to Brighton, arriving in the late afternoon to commence our stay at the Doubletree by Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel.

Day Two

A day at leisure to relax and explore the attractions of this popular resort, or maybe just unwind on the famous seafront and beach. Stroll through the charming Lanes with their boutique shops and cafés, visit the iconic Royal Pavilion, or enjoy panoramic views from the Brighton i360. You might also choose to take a leisurely walk along the promenade, browse local galleries, or treat yourself to some traditional fish and chips by the sea. Perhaps make use of the complimentary access to the hotel’s LivingWell Health Club, home to Brighton’s largest indoor heated hotel swimming pool, along with a well-equipped gym, sauna and steam room.

Day Three

Today we visit Hever Castle and Gardens, where romantic charm meets beautifully preserved history. Wander through lavishly furnished rooms and admire one of the finest collections of Tudor portraits. As the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the castle is steeped in captivating tales of royalty and intrigue. The surrounding gardens, spanning 125 acres, are a masterpiece of horticultural design, featuring elegant Italianate terraces, fragrant rose gardens and a tranquil lake-perfect for a leisurely stroll. After our visit, we travel to East Grinstead to step back in time aboard the Bluebell Railway, for our single journey on one of the UK's best-preserved heritage lines. This scenic steam railway winds through the picturesque Sussex countryside, running between East Grinstead and Sheffield Park, offering a nostalgic journey into yesteryear.

Day Four

We check out this morning and commence our return journey home to North Wales.

B=Breakfast Included

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
Abergele	Abergele, Bowling Green Bus Stop
Bangor, Nelson Pub	Bangor, Bus Stop Opposite Nelson Pub
Bangor, Pontio Centre	Bangor, Pontio Centre Bus Stop
Bethel	Bethel, Primary School Bus Stop
Bontnewydd	Bontnewydd, Bus Stop Near Chip Shop
Bryngwran	Bryngwran, School Entrance
Caergeiliog	Caergeiliog, Outside Sportsmans Pub
Caernarfon, Campbell Road	Caernarfon, Bus Stop Bottom of Campbell Road
Caernarfon, Leisure Cent.	Caernarfon, Bus Stop opposite Leisure Centre
Caernarfon, Morrisons	Caernarfon, Morrisons Bus Stop
Caernarfon, Waterloo Port	Caernarfon, Waterloo Port Bus Stop
Caernarfon, Y Glyn	Caernarfon, Y Glyn Bethel Road
Chester	Chester, Holiday Inn South Hotel Bus Stop
Chirk	Chirk, Moreton Park Garden Centre
Colwyn Bay	Colwyn Bay, Railway Station Bus Stop
Criccieth, Medical Centre	Criccieth, Medical Centre Bus Stop
Ewloe	Ewloe, Outside St David's Park Hotel
Gaerwen	Gaerwen, Stermat Car Park
Gwalchmai	Gwalchmai, Opposite Clock
Holyhead	Holyhead, Bus Stop Outside Ferry Terminal Entrance
Llanberis, Maes Padarn	Llanberis, Bus Stop Opposite Maes Padarn
Llanberis, Spar	Llanberis, Outside Spar Shop
Llandudno	Llandudno, Mostyn Broadway Coach Park Bus Stop
Llandudno Jct. Station	Llandudno Junction, Station Hotel Bus Stop
Llandygai	Llandygai, Penrhyn Castle Entrance
Llanfairfechan	Llanfairfechan, Castle Bridge Bus Stop
Llanfairpwll	Llanfairpwll, Pringles Car Park (Parking not permitted at Pringles car park)
Llanfairpwll Park & Ride	Llanfairpwll, Park & Ride
Llangefni	Llangefni, Church Street Bus Stop
Llanrug	Llanrug, Arvonia Garage
Menai Bridge	Menai Bridge, Library Bus Stop
Northop	Northop, Red Lion Pub Bus Stop
Oswestry	Oswestry, Mile End Services Coach Park
Penrhyn Bay	Penrhyn Bay, Post Office
Penygroes	Penygroes, Bus Stop Opposite Co-op
Porthmadog	Porthmadog, Tesco Bus Stop
Pwllheli	Pwllheli, Bus Station
Rhos on Sea, Cayley Arms	Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Cayley Arms
Rhos on Sea, Hickorys	Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Hickorys Restaurant
St. Asaph	St. Asaph, Bus Stop Outside Petrol Station
Valley	Valley, Opposite Valley Hotel
Wrexham	Wrexham, Bus Stand Lord Street
Y Felinheli, St. Marys	Y Felinheli, St Mary's Church Bus Stop
Y Felinheli, Victoria	Y Felinheli, Victoria Hotel Bus Stop