Day Itinerary
10 Activities
Day 1
93 mi1 mi
Landscaped Gardens and Rugged White Cliffs
You'll begin day one passing through Surrey and enjoying some of the best views of the North Downs before arriving in Sevenoaks' Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Enjoy a two-wheeled tour of Bore Place organic retreat, visit the fun and educational Leeds Castle, before arriving at the port town of Dover to enjoy sunset views over its famous white cliffs.
Wray Lane Car Park
EV Charging Station
Open Details
Your first stop this morning will not only allow you to take in some of the region's best outdoor views, but will also give you the chance to charge your EV while you do so. Plug in before heading off to explore the area on foot.
Type: CCS 1 station, 1 plug Power: 50 kW
Type: CCS 1 station, 1 plug Power: 50 kW
0.1 mi
5 min
National Trust - Reigate Hill and Gatton Park
Park
Open Details
You don't need to be a National Trust member to enjoy free entry into this picturesque park overlooking the beautiful blossoming North Downs.
You've got an hour to soak it all in, and there are a ton of ways in which to do so. You can enjoy a meandering stroll through the park that was created in the 1970s by famed landscape gardner Capability Brown, or for more structure to your route, follow the Reigate Hill Trail, a three-mile moderate route popular with dog walkers.
Other attractions include Reigate Fort, a B-17 bomber crash site from World War II, and the Millennium Stones, a stone circle from sculptor Richard Kindersley to mark the year 2000.
Note that of the 600 total acres, 340 acres are managed by the National Trust and are open every day (find out more here). The remaining 260 acres overseen by the Gatton Trust (including the gardens) are open to the public only on select days of the year, for a small entrance fee. For more information, head to the Gatton Trust website.
You've got an hour to soak it all in, and there are a ton of ways in which to do so. You can enjoy a meandering stroll through the park that was created in the 1970s by famed landscape gardner Capability Brown, or for more structure to your route, follow the Reigate Hill Trail, a three-mile moderate route popular with dog walkers.
Other attractions include Reigate Fort, a B-17 bomber crash site from World War II, and the Millennium Stones, a stone circle from sculptor Richard Kindersley to mark the year 2000.
Note that of the 600 total acres, 340 acres are managed by the National Trust and are open every day (find out more here). The remaining 260 acres overseen by the Gatton Trust (including the gardens) are open to the public only on select days of the year, for a small entrance fee. For more information, head to the Gatton Trust website.
0.1 mi
5 min
Wray Lane Car Park
EV Charging Station
Open Details
Now that your vehicle is fully juiced, and you're suitably revitalized by the outdoors, return to your car. It's time to head for a spot of lunch less than half an hour's drive away.
20.1 mi
25 min
The Pheasant Plucker
Bar
Open Details
If the weather is behaving, then make sure to get a table outside at this pleasant and homely pub in Sevenoaks. The kids in particular will enjoy the small wooden play park on the lawn.
The menu is brimming with tasty choices, from the wide selection of finger foods that can be shared among friends - including wood-fired flatbreads, smoked haddock fish cakes, and crispy squid - to the daily curated chef specials. If you want to try a local favorite, try the game pie with venison, pigeon, and wild boar.
You can book ahead online on their website or call ahead on 01732 902300.
The pub is open Monday to Saturday between 11:30 am and 11:30 pm, and 12:00 pm until 10:30 pm on Sundays.
The menu is brimming with tasty choices, from the wide selection of finger foods that can be shared among friends - including wood-fired flatbreads, smoked haddock fish cakes, and crispy squid - to the daily curated chef specials. If you want to try a local favorite, try the game pie with venison, pigeon, and wild boar.
You can book ahead online on their website or call ahead on 01732 902300.
The pub is open Monday to Saturday between 11:30 am and 11:30 pm, and 12:00 pm until 10:30 pm on Sundays.
5 mi
15 min
Bore Place
Lodging
Open Details
Bore Place describes itself as a true model of regenerative farming and living, where people and nature work together. Located in Sevenoak's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, regular events and garden clubs (anyone for composting tips?) are hosted here so make sure to visit the website before any visit.
With an organic dairy farm, 500-acres of historic woodlands and walking routes, and bike hire available on site, there's always plenty to do even if there are no events scheduled.
Parking here is free, and there are also electric charging points (7kW Type 2 only) on site should your EV be in need of a small top-up. For bike hire you'll need to book in advance. To do so, or to download walking trail maps, head to the Bore Place website for more information.
With an organic dairy farm, 500-acres of historic woodlands and walking routes, and bike hire available on site, there's always plenty to do even if there are no events scheduled.
Parking here is free, and there are also electric charging points (7kW Type 2 only) on site should your EV be in need of a small top-up. For bike hire you'll need to book in advance. To do so, or to download walking trail maps, head to the Bore Place website for more information.
29.2 mi
1 hr
Leeds Castle
Landmark
Open Details
Don't be confused, you haven't suddenly arrived in Yorkshire! Leeds Castle is, in fact, located in the green heart of Kent, and impressively it's been here in some form since the 9th century. Previously a residence used by both King Edward I and then Henry VIII (whose first wife, Catherine of Aragon, lived here), this picturesque fortress has also been a firm favorite of TV and movie producers, with its credits including an appearance in Doctor Who.
Visitors here can enjoy 500 acres of meticulously manicured gardens and stunning landscapes. Make sure to head to the Oriental Garden, where you'll be fully immersed in the magnolia blooms inspired by Chinese and Japanese nature.
There's plenty of fun to be had for younger visitors too, with a castle-themed crazy golf course, adventure playground, and a twisting and winding natural maze made up of over 2,000 Yew trees.
Opening times differ throughout the year, with the grounds and gardens open until 6:00 pm in the summer. For up-to-date entry times and prices, head to the Leeds Castle website.
Visitors here can enjoy 500 acres of meticulously manicured gardens and stunning landscapes. Make sure to head to the Oriental Garden, where you'll be fully immersed in the magnolia blooms inspired by Chinese and Japanese nature.
There's plenty of fun to be had for younger visitors too, with a castle-themed crazy golf course, adventure playground, and a twisting and winding natural maze made up of over 2,000 Yew trees.
Opening times differ throughout the year, with the grounds and gardens open until 6:00 pm in the summer. For up-to-date entry times and prices, head to the Leeds Castle website.
38.5 mi
50 min
Castle House Guest House
Open Details
Now that you've made it to Dover, take advantage of the free parking on offer at your hotel and park your car for the night before checking in. You'll be able to enjoy the rest of your evening on foot.
0.3 mi
10 min
The Elephant and Hind
Bar
Open Details
Make sure to reserve a table at this popular Dover haunt, with the 'Ellie' known for its rocking live music nights on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
It also boasts centuries of history, with a pub on site here since the late 18th Century. The food here is proudly sourced from the area - including pizzas made from Kentish sourdough - and you'll note all local suppliers listed on their menus. There's also a healthy selection of vegetarian dishes, including the spicy oriental vegan burger.
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Friday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Call 01304 215 654 to make a booking or do so via their website.
It also boasts centuries of history, with a pub on site here since the late 18th Century. The food here is proudly sourced from the area - including pizzas made from Kentish sourdough - and you'll note all local suppliers listed on their menus. There's also a healthy selection of vegetarian dishes, including the spicy oriental vegan burger.
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Friday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Call 01304 215 654 to make a booking or do so via their website.
0.5 mi
10 min
Clock Tower Square & Marina Curve
Landmark
Open Details
After you've indulged in a hearty meal and a couple of drinks at the Ellie, why not take a short walk to Dover's Clock Tower Square.
There you can enjoy a serene sunset walk along Dover's waterfront. At around 1,000 square meters, the square is dotted with artifacts and plaques outlining the history of the harbor. You'll also enjoy a great nighttime view of Dover Castle, and the clock tower, originally built in the 1870s.
There you can enjoy a serene sunset walk along Dover's waterfront. At around 1,000 square meters, the square is dotted with artifacts and plaques outlining the history of the harbor. You'll also enjoy a great nighttime view of Dover Castle, and the clock tower, originally built in the 1870s.
0.8 mi
15 min
Castle House Guest House
Open Details
A short walk is all it takes to get back to your hotel in order to rest up and recharge your own batteries ahead of the return journey into London tomorrow. A trip that will take in another day of local nature, and the wildlife that lives amongst it.