A CITY & VILLAGE TOURS SLEEPOVER PACKAGE

The Friars Pilgrimage Adventure

2 days

The theme of this two day break combining two popular day trips - A Medway Mosaic and Faversham & Canterbury is the mediaeval industry of pilgrimage. To enter into the spirit we stay at Aylesford Priory Guesthouse in 13th century monks cells updated with all the mod cons of the 1950s. Not for everyone then but absolutely marvellous for groups with a sense of adventure who would enjoy something a bit different to the usual hotel experience.

Aylesford Priory was built on the banks of the River Medway in the 1200s by a returning Crusader. The Carmelites were thrown out by Henry VIII but came back in the 1950s and built new chapels onto the surviving mediaeval buildings. Arrive for a 3-course lunch at midday served in the 13th century Pilgrims Hall after which we drop our bags in our rooms on the other side of the Great Courtyard. Rooms are simple but comfortable with hand basins and shaving sockets. They are not ensuite but facilities are plentiful with a good ratio of showers and toilets to bedrooms.

After lunch we head across the Kent Downs in the footsteps of Chaucer’s pilgrims to explore Faversham before continuing onto Canterbury for a city walking trail. There’s for time to buy a cuppa before sitting with the choir in Canterbury Cathedral for Choral Evensong at 5.30pm (weekdays). We arrive back at Aylesford for a simple one course supper at 7.30pm.

In the morning a hearty breakfast is served and then there is time to enjoy the Priory grounds. Explore the open air shrine leading to chapels filled with striking modern stained glass and beautiful ceramic wall plaques. Gather for a three course lunch before setting off with the Blue Badge guide to tour the mysterious Hoo Peninsula with far reaching views across the Medway estuary. We stop to visit the church where Pip met the convict in the opening scene of Dickens’ Great Expectations before continuing into Rochester for a town trail including a guided tour of the Cathedral. There is time to buy tea before beginning the journey home at 5.30pm.

• 1 night Full Board Aylesford Priory

• Executive coaching throughout

• 3-course lunch both days

• One-course supper

• Cooked breakfast

• Blue Badge guide both days

• Faversham & Canterbury Tour

• Choral Evensong at Canterbury Cathedral

• Medway Mosaic Tour inc. Rochester

• Free Organiser place & liability insurance

• 100% Passenger Payment Protection

• No single room supplement

Available to March 2018

THE HOTEL

The mediaeval Aylesford Priory Guesthouse has 80 bedrooms set in acres of beautiful grounds. Rooms are simple but comfortable with hand basins and shaving sockets. They are not ensuite - there is a good ratio of shower rooms and toilets to bedrooms. There is a communal lounge where guests can relax and enjoy free tea and coffee.

£209pp includes coaching