Aviation fan Chris Wales has had a real treat this month, flying alongside a Spitfire at Duxford. He’s also been to England’s smallest pub – and it’s not a Wetherspoons
Essex, the California of England, is my first love – but Kent, the Garden of England, comes a close second. At a recent trade event I caught a bevy of Princesses of Kent sitting together.
They are: Olivia Horner from The Historic Dockyard Chatham; Therese Hislop of Canterbury Cathedral; Emma Dadds from Thanet Tourism; Stef Harlow of Leeds Castle; Allana Kite from Visit Kent; and Amy O’Donovan of Royal Museum Greenwich.
Kent favourites
Not enough space to mention all my favourite attractions in Kent, but I will name a couple. Starting with Leeds Castle, proudly known as “the loveliest castle in the world”. It has been a Norman stronghold, the private property of six of England’s medieval queens, a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon, a Jacobean country house, a Georgian mansion, an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous, and in the 21st century one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain. Go there, it’s stunning.
Next, historic Canterbury Cathedral, expertly promoted to the travel trade by my good friend Therese Hislop. This cathedral is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and part of a World Heritage site.
Most of us oldies will have learnt at school that King Henry II, as a result of a power struggle, caused the death of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. Remember what Henry II said – “who will rid me of this turbulent priest?” Four of his knights set off to Canterbury and murdered Thomas Becket. This is one of my favourite holy places shared with millions of pilgrims and tourists from around the world. And by the way Canterbury has one of the best, if not the best coach park and coach visitor reception in England. Have a dekko at visitkent.co.uk
In the Nutshell
Talking of coach-friendly destinations, I was recently at a trade bash in Bournemouth where I took this picture of Lisa Weaver, brilliant groups host at Woburn Abbey & Gardens; Roger Bull from Taurus Holidays; and Harold Burke from Grand UK Holidays.
Bournemouth really sets the benchmark on how to deal with coaches and groups, thanks in the main to the enthusiasm and diligence of Sheena Leaman from their Tourist Office. Keep up the good work Sheena!
I am often asked: What is the smallest pub in England, Chris? I reply it is The Nutshell in Bury St Edmunds, and the Guinness Book of Records agrees with me.
Here’s a shot, taken recently, of me outside the Grade ll listed pub, which is little more than eight square metres; smaller than the gents’ toilet in the neighbouring Wetherspoons in Abbeygate Street!
There’s much more to Bury St Edmunds, which makes it a perfect group day trip excursion. Check out the Norman Tower built in 1120; St Mary’s Church where Mary Tudor, sister of Henry VIII, is buried; the National Trust’s Regency Theatre Royal; and the Greene King Brewery Visitor Centre. Loads to do, especially on market days. See visit-burystedmunds.com for full details.
A real treat
Another great day out for small groups is to take a flight in a vintage De Havilland Dragon Rapide, the first commercial airliner, and fly wing-to-wing with an original Spitfire, the hero of WWII’s Battle of Britain.
Really, I hear you say, where can we do that? All the action takes place at IWM Duxford, Europe’s premier aviation museum, an important fighter base for the RAF and home of the first Spitfire.
After a briefing and meeting the pilots in the 1940s Control Tower, you fly gently over the Cambridgeshire countryside in the Dragon Rapide, until a roar of the Merlin engine heralds the arrival of the iconic warbird beside you.
Hairs on the back of your neck jump to attention! The Spitfire pilot actually waves to you!
See the photograph I took of the planes in flight, and one of me and the Spitfire pilot, who flies for EasyJet for a living, on the ground obviously.
Various packages are available from Classic Wings, which has been flying passengers at Duxford for more than 25 years. The added bonus is you have the opportunity to look around the incredible aviation collection in the Museum itself. This unique experience comes at a price but it is, take it from me, an amazing memorable experience for a small group. See classic-wings.co.uk/wing-to-wing-with-a-spitfire
Floral delights
Another fascinating attraction I recently visited was Norfolk Lavender, England’s premier lavender farm at Heacham near King’s Lynn.
These coach-friendly folk offer a variety of guided tours in and around the home of Norfolk Lavender and the beautiful West Norfolk Coast.
The Farm is open all year but it is in June, July and August when West Norfolk bursts into colour, as the lavender blooms and is taken to Caley Mill for the oil to be extracted by the ancient process of steam distillation. It has a dedicated coach/group number – please call 01485 570384.
Contact Chris on chris@chriswalespr.co.uk
