New Year’s Day Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich
11th November 2024
Here at Best Value Tours, we are delighted to recommend great festive period tours and today we feature Christmas Eve; New Year’s Day Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich | Best Value Tours
Full details below, but first some brief history of historic Greenwich, in the ceremonial county of Greater London, Greenwich is an area in south-east London, England. The location is 5.5 miles (8.9 km) east-southeast of Charing Cross.
Greenwich is known for its maritime heritage and also for naming the Greenwich Meridian (0° longitude) and Greenwich Mean Time. From the 15th century, the town hosted the Palace of Placentia, a royal palace and birthplace of many Tudors, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Following the English Civil War, the palace was dismantled and replaced by the Royal Naval Hospital for Sailors, constructed by Sir Christopher Wren and his associate Nicholas Hawksmoor. In 1873, the buildings became the Royal Naval College and served as a naval teaching facility until 1998, when they were acquired by the Greenwich Foundation. Historic rooms in these buildings are open to the public, while others are utilised by the University of Greenwich and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
In the 18th century, the town became a fashionable resort, resulting in the construction of large palaces like Vanbrugh Castle (1717) on Maze Hill, adjacent to the park. House estates were built above the town core during the Georgian period. In the 20th century, Greenwich highlighted its maritime connections with the Cutty Sark and Gipsy Moth IV located along the riverfront and the National Maritime Museum in the former Royal Hospital School buildings in 1934.
Formerly a parish in the Blackheath Hundred of Kent, the town became part of the expanding London metropolitan area in the 19th century. In 1889, the parish united with Charlton-next-Woolwich, Deptford St Nicholas, and Kidbrooke to become the Metropolitan Borough of Greenwich, replacing the Metropolitan Board of Works. In 1965, London’s local government combined with the Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich, forming the Royal Borough of Greenwich, a Greater London local authority region.
The village was renamed East Greenwich to differentiate it from West Greenwich or Deptford Strond next to the Thames. However, the term was no longer used to encompass the entire town of Greenwich in the 19th century. Since 1837, Greenwich was divided into East and West subdistricts, with the boundary running along Church Street and Croom’s Hill. Modern references to “East” and “West” Greenwich likely refer to the areas east and west of the Royal Naval College and National Maritime Museum, which correspond to the West Greenwich council ward. An article in The Times from October 13, 1967 stated:
Greenwich is known for its maritime heritage and the Greenwich Meridian (0° longitude) and Mean Time. Many Tudors, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, were born in Placentia, which became a royal palace in the 15th century. The Royal Naval Hospital for Sailors, constructed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor, replaced the palace, which fell into disrepair during the English Civil War. These buildings formed the Royal Naval College in 1873 and were used for military instruction until 1998, when the Greenwich Foundation took it. The University of Greenwich and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance utilise other facilities, although the historic chambers are open to the public.
View of the National Maritime Museum Greenwich and Canary Wharf – London, England
Prices/Book Tour – New Year’s Day Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich | Best Value Tours
Description
Your News years day begins with a visit to Leeds Castle situated in Kent. Here you will be greeted by your guide and a lovely glass of mead. We then travel to the medieval city of Canterbury and step inside the Cathedral. Take a photo stop at the white cliffs of Dover and see Dover Castle before we make our way to maritime Greenwich overlooking the River Thames. See the famous Cutty Sark and Old Royal Navel College then sit back and relax whilst you enjoy a Thames River Boat Ride to conclude your tour.
Prices/Book Tour – New Year’s Day Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich | Best Value Tours
Private Visit to Leeds Castle
Described as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’ by Lord Conway, Leeds Castle sits in 500 acres of landscaped parkland across two idyllic islands, deep in the heart of the magnificent Kent countryside.
Exclusive to us at Leeds Castle
Upon arrival at Leeds Castle you will be greeted by your guide. Discover the history of this magical castle and sample a glass of mead as Henry VIII would have! (During the summer months, the Mead is unavailable on Saturdays).
Visit Canterbury Cathedral
Centre of English Christianity and home to a succession of 104 Archbishops since Augustine, Canterbury is a magnificent medieval city that’s a must for any history buff. Discover the scene of Archbishop Thomas Becket’s gruesome murder at Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. Learn the intriguing history behind this captivating masterpiece of medieval architecture. Marvel at the cathedral’s spectacular stained glass windows, many of which have survived from the late 12th and early 13th centuries.
Free Snack Pack
To save you time, money and the struggle of finding somewhere to eat, our tour also includes a totally free snack pack! This means you can make the most of each stop and won’t waste valuable exploring time.
White Cliffs of Dover
Visit the gateway to England and admire the famous the White Cliffs of Dover and grab a photo opportunity with a stunning stretch of the coastline that faces continental Europe. You’ll also see Dover Castle, a commanding medieval fortress rising over the English Channel and a key film location in ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’.
Greenwich
Overlooking the River Thames, Greenwich is a stunning World Heritage site bustling with fine maritime landmarks. See the Old Royal Naval College designed by Sir Christopher Wren and world-famous Cutty Sark, a fascinating 19th-century clipper ship.
Thames River Boat Ride
Get a fresh perspective on London’s attractions with our River Thames boat ride from Greenwich to Embankment Pier, passing Tower Bridge and stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral along the route.
This tour will finish at Embankment Pier in London at around 6.30pm.
Prices/Book Tour – New Year’s Day Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich | Best Value Tours
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