Set within 120 acres of beautiful Kent countryside, Lullingstone Castle is one of England’s oldest family estates, dating back to the time of Domesday. The present Manor House and Gatehouse, which overlook an expansive 15 acre lake, were built in 1497 and have been home to the same family ever since. Both Henry VIII and Queen Anne are known to have been regular visitors. Also in the grounds is the Parish Church of St Botolph, which is of Norman origin and contains some of the oldest stained glass windows in the country. Lullingstone was also home to the famous Silk Farm, established in the 1930’s, which was commissioned to produce silk for the last two Coronations and other royal occasions. The Castle is now famous for Tom Hart Dyke’s ‘World Garden of Plants’. He is the twentieth generation of his family to live on the Estate.
Coffee and biscuits will be provided on arrival and we will enjoy a ploughman’s lunch in the Castle Marquee after our tour, all of which is included in the price.
Lullingstone Roman Villa, built during the Roman occupation of Britain, was constructed in the 1st century, perhaps around AD80-90. The house was repeatedly expanded and occupied by wealthy owners (possibly Romans or native Britons who had adopted Roman customs) until it was destroyed by fire in the 5th century. This villa is among the most outstanding of Roman villas to survive in Britain. Visitors today can still view the spectacular mosaics and prints of the rare wall paintings, a heated bath-suite and a ‘house-church’. A specially commissioned light show brings the villa to life, and galleries display Lullingstone’s fascinating collection of Roman artefacts.
We expect to leave about 4pm.
Leaders: Sue Willis (07973 507338) and Sheila Knight (07811 085917)
Please use these numbers only in an emergency on the day of the trip.
Cost: £44