Image from Groupon
Castles, cathedrals and cliffs are among Kent's most celebrated historical sites, and can be explored during a luxury coach trip with Premium Tours. Setting out from Victoria Coach Station, the tour first makes its way to Leeds Castle, arriving before the site opens to the public. Visitors have the courtyards and crenellations to themselves as they explore the Norman castle, which bestrides two islands at the centre of an idyllic lake, and was once home to Henry VIII. The tour visits the chapel, galleries and banqueting hall, and offers opportunities to admire the estate's scenery and wildlife, keeping eyes peeled for black swans.
The coach then takes a scenic route along coastal roads with sweeping views of the white cliffs of Dover, before heading back inland to Canterbury. Participants can round off their tour with free time to explore the Chaucerian city's older areas before heading back to London. Alternatively, visitors can purchase fast-track entrance to the famous cathedral in order to fully explore the destination of one of medieval Europe's major pilgrimages. On returning to the capital, visitors also have the opportunity to purchase a further trip to Greenwich by way of a return catamaran cruise down the Thames.
Yesterday I went on a coach tour out of London... I'd hoped it would be a break and I could clear my mind, maybe work on my business plan. That turned out to be not quite possible as the tour guide (Frank, entertaining guy) did a commentary all throughout the day and I wanted to listen, but the trip in itself turned out to be of much more value than I expected; I got to take a break from all types of work, I got inspiration for my novel, AND I got to go on a boat across the river Thames! =D (Admittedly, I didn't really read the above deal description...at all XD )
Well, first thing's first - I was almost LATE for the tour =/ I forgot that the last time I went to Victoria Coach station, it was later in the morning. This time I was travelling just before the worst bit of the morning rush hour. I had to catch a bus from the train station to the coach station, and made it just in time. Even now, I can't believe that I actually did make it in time! Those things seem to happen
Leeds Castle - This part was so intriguing. I loved looking around inside the Castle. Lady Baillie was such a fascinating person, I feel compelled to learn more about her now I'm back home. It was so peaceful and tranquil out there, I could just sit by that lake for ages. There was lots of green and lots of pretty flowers... and geese. LOTS of geese. And ducks! I got a mocha at Costa to keep me awake, and when I sat at the tables outside there was - well I THINK it was - a peacock out there, just walking around and waddling up to customers. It was somehow cute and surreal, that does doesn't happen in London. Plus the peacock was HUGE! One HUGE bird! And it seemed to be very familiar with people, it would just walk up to them and loiter around. It was pretty funny, pretty awesome too.
Dover Cliffs - I've always loved looking at the Dover Cliffs. Weird to think that yesterday I stood in front of the sea, considering that I'm always in London and never go on holidays. The tour guide said there was a labyrinth underneath the cliffs, which I never even knew! I have to check that out at some point. I'd been to Dover before, a long time ago. It would be nice to go and stay there for a time. But then if I was going to stay at a seaside town, it might as well be Brighton, or even Dorset - they'd probably be more interesting to me.
Canterbury - I never went inside the cathedral, but I'd been before on a school trip as it didn't bother me, even though I scarcely remember the details. We spent about two hours there. I went for a walk while working out a second version to my (or I suppose Isha K's) song Sidekick, an electropop version I guess. I was looking for a park but I stumbled upon this amazing little riverside green with these leaning willow trees that gave a nice shade. I gave Pixie, my Mum and my Dad a quick phone call, then I walked to a different part of the weather while the sun was still glimmering, then I headed back to the coach. I saw these gorgeous shoes in the Deichmann store there but managed to restrain myself.
Boat Ride on the River Thames - I wasn't even expecting this part of the tour! I must have forgotten or misread something. That little surprise just made it better. The coach dropped us off at Greenwich and we stood on the Meridian Line that sets the time for the rest of the world, more sightseeing, then on the boat. The tour guide made a joke about being ready to row a boat, but I caught on a little late because I was already panicking when I remembered that earlier he said there was a toilet on board, so it couldn't be a rowboat. Then I had to admit to myself, even though I'd kind of tried not to, that my fear of immense amount of water - or more specifically having to swim in it should there be an unforeseen natural disaster - was er.... paramount. I can't lie though, I loved being on that boat. I would've loved to be standing on the roof with the wind in my face. Ahh, one day. And as I said before, I'm on my way to the best life ever, right? (Certainly no point in giving up now =P ) We got off at Embankment, and then I went home, exhausted. SHATTERED actually, to be more precise.
I wish I'd been able to make more business plans, or do some university work, but I just wanted to veg out. So I did, and I think I watched at least five episodes of Fringe back to back, and half a dozen more today. It's getting so good, It's hard to tear myself away. I finally managed to do so today, now I'd reached season 4 episode 1 and things are getting testy in terms of plot. At least I can go to sleep [ SPOILER !!! ] knowing that no-one really, in the basic sense of the word, died.
Star xx
P.S. If I remember, I'll upload the image from my phone!
