Canterbury & Hever Castle Festive

Canterbury & Hever Castle

Canterbury is magical at any time of year, but especially Christmas. Immerse yourself into the festive season against the picture-postcard backdrop of historic buildings and cobbled streets. 70 wooden cabins line St George’s Street and Whitefriars shopping centre. Enjoy browsing hand-made unique gifts, local food and drink, stocking fillers, jewellery and items from around the world. Canterbury’s  ice skating rink is in the pretty backdrop of Dane John Gardens. Expect music, festive food and twinkling lights to complement the Christmas ambience.

 

The city’s retail offers a great mix of unique independent shops with luxury high street brands. Shoppers can find that perfect gift in a side street boutique or keep their wardrobe fresh with top high street brands. For shoppers looking for a boutique experience, the city centre boasts 48% independent retailers.

 

Hever Castle at Christmas

In the 15^th and 16^th centuries it was the home of one of the most powerful families in the country, the Boleyns. The Castle was to become the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII’s second wife, who became Queen of England for just 1,000 days. It was Henry’s love for Anne and her insistence that she became his wife rather than his mistress that led to the King renouncing Catholicism and creating the Church of England.

 

Hever later passed into the ownership of another of Henry VIII’s wives, Anne of Cleves, and from 1557 onwards it was owned by a number of families including the Waldegraves, the Humphreys and the Meade Waldos.

 

Gradually it fell into decline before William Waldorf Astor invested time, money and imagination in restoring the Castle. He commissioned the ’Tudor Village’, now called the ‘Astor Wing’ and the construction of the magnificent gardens and lake. At Hever, his wealth and vision enabled him to create a lavish family home that also indulged his passion for history.

 

In the Castle you will be met with beautifully traditionally decorated rooms, welcoming log fires and twinkling Christmas trees. A 3 Course Festive Carvery Lunch is included in the Pavilion Restaurant, before the magical Christmas Lights experience starts from 16:00 when you can wrap up warm and enjoy a walk under the stars to explore the grounds. Witness the enchantment of the Castle, gardens and lake festooned with fabulous colours and twinkling lights, capturing the spirit of Christmas.

 

In front of the Castle, ride the gallopers then head to the big wheel and have a go at hook a duck (additional charges apply). Appreciate relaxed Christmas shopping in the Gift Shops, meet the huskies in the Husky Hideout and take your photo as a memento – See some of the owls from Willow’s Birds of Prey centre in their aviary and learn a little about these magnificent birds.

 

Your Short Break Includes:

1 Night - Hampton by Hilton Canterbury

Full Breakfast

3 Course Lunch - Hever Castle

 

Included Highlights:

• Visit to Canterbury Christmas Market

• Admission to Hever Castle

 

Notification Of Boarding Times:

Departure Times/Itinerary/Luggage Labels will be forwarded approximately 10 days prior to departure.

Your Hotel

 

Hampton by Hilton Canterbury

The Hampton by Hilton Canterbury is nestled among shops and cafes, just a five-minute walk from the iconic Canterbury Cathedral. Built on the site which once stood the Canterbury Roman Theatre, the building itself includes parts from the Georgian and Victorian era. In the hotel lobby you can view from a glass panel in the floor the remains of the theatre which once stood on the site and see the Victorian fireplace which has been restored.

 

All Rooms are equipped with an TV, Hairdryer, WiFi, Iron/Ironing Board and Tea/Coffee Facilities.

 

Socialite Canterbury offers a dining and drinking experience like no other in the city, perched atop the five story Hampton by Hilton hotel on St Margaret’s Street.

From here, patrons are able to witness a truly jaw dropping view of the city as you enjoy a varied menu of drinks and food.

 

Visit Hilton by Hampton Canterbury website > Click here