Leeds Castle and Rochester

First drive to Leeds Castle in Kent, coined the loveliest castle in the world, and then visit Rochester, home of Charles Dickens. Leeds Castle, whose history goes back to 855, is often referred to as the Castle of 6 Medieval Queens. The tradition of its ownership by the queens started in the 13th century, when it was gifted to Queen Eleanor of Castille by her husband, King Edward 1. The last private owner of the castle, Lady Olive Baillie, during whose lifetime it became a weekend retreat for the rich and famous, left it in trust for it to be opened it to the public. Next enjoy a walking tour around the historic town of Rochester. Rochester was for many years a favourite haunt of Charles Dickens, who based many of his novels in the area and live nearby at Gads Hill Place, Higham. The Diocese of Rochester, the second-oldest in England, is centred on Rochester Cathedral and was responsible for founding a school, now The King’s School, as early as 604 AD. It is recognised as the second-oldest continuously running school in the world. Rochester Castle was built by Bishop Gundulf of Rochester and has one of the best-preserved keeps in either England or France.