2027 - Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular

Itinerary

A Wonderful Winter Weekend

Day 1 - Board your holiday coach and head eastwards to Kent. Rochester makes an excellent break in the journey with time to explore. Rochester has a unique William and Mary period High Street and 75% of the buildings that you see today would have been known to Charles Dickens and 50% to Oliver Cromwell, as many facades received a make-over following the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Enjoy time for a snack in one of many High Street eateries before setting off to the 4* Orida Hotel Maidstone to arrive late afternoon for the next 3 nights DBB (buffet dinner each evening)

Day 2 - 3 At leisure with two included excursions

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Royal Tunbridge Wells & Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular
All aboard for a morning in the picturesque spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, one of Georgian England's most fashionable destinations, welcoming visitors for over 400 years. The elegance and atmosphere of this bygone era remain today. Visit The Pantiles, the famous colonnaded walkway where the aristocracy once promenaded, and which is now home to a wonderful selection of high-quality boutiques, specialist independent shops, bars and cafés. Discover the history of the Wells, inspiring temporary exhibitions, and tourist information in the newly opened Amelia Scott, a cultural and civic hub in the heart of the town. Head back to the hotel to wrap up warm before heading off for the weekend's main event. 

Just a very short drive this afternoon takes you to magnificent Leeds Castle, often considered one of the world's most beautiful and romantic castles. Rising majestically from the still waters of its moat, surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens, Leeds Castle has always been a palace to impress (no access to the house). During the afternoon you can take a scenic stroll around the Culpepper Garden and Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terraces. There will be live music and all the fun of the fair with rides and attractions as well as mouth-watering street food featuring British classics and international flavours (additional charges apply). Late afternoon everyone gathers, ready to 'ooh' and 'aah' at the annual Fireworks Spectacular with its mesmerising displays perfectly choreographed to iconic tracks that capture every second, every moment, and every memory. Watch the sky come alive in sync with the music, while stunning projections and dazzling lasers transform the Castle into a truly unforgettable backdrop. Return to the hotel after the display for a later dinner. 

NB There is a 5-minute walk from the coach park to the Visitor Centre and then another 5 minute walk onto the castle (complimentary mobility bus subject to availability). Please dress warmly / weather appropriate with comfortable, sturdy footwear.
 
Canterbury 
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning to enjoy the hotel facilities before heading off to Canterbury, the beautiful medieval walled city which been hosting visitors for more than 1,000 years - a warm welcome for any 'pilgrim' is guaranteed! It certainly tops the charts for English cathedral cities, with its World Heritage-listed cathedral one of Europe's finest. With more than 1400 years of Christian history, Canterbury Cathedral is a truly extraordinary place with an overwhelming history. It is also the site of English history's most famous murder: Archbishop Thomas Becket was killed here in 1170 (entrance not included - approx. £18 pp in Nov 2026). Explore the town's narrow medieval alleyways, riverside gardens and ancient city walls as well as its bustling centre full of independent and high street shops and plentiful restaurants and cosy cafés. The ideal opportunity to get ahead of the Christmas shopping!

Day 4 - Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in the hotel, before checking out today. Set off this morning and time permitting, a stop will be made in Royal Windsor, crowned by stunning Windsor Castle (entrance not included), the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world and an official residence of His Majesty The King. Then later on this afternoon, it's back to interchange and onwards to your home towns.

Tour Highlights

• Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & buffet dinner
• Porterage
• En-route visits to Rochester & Windsor (time permitting)
• Visits to Royal Tunbridge Wells & Canterbury
• Entrance to the Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular

Back to top

Accommodation

Orida Hotel Maidstone

This 4* modern, low-rise hotel is located just off the M20 just outside Maidstone and just 5 miles from Leeds Castle.

Warmly furnished, traditional guestrooms provide TV, hairdryer, Wi-Fi desk an dtea / coffee making facilities.

The hotel features a relaxed restaurant as well as a lounge bar and Starbucks cafe.

The Health Club amenities include an indoor pool, a gym, a sauna and steam room.

NB there is no lift but there are plenty of ground floor rooms. Singles are doubles for sole occupancy Back to top