Visit to Belmont House and Gardens, Faversham

​Belmont House

Price: £13.00 per person for the House (1hr 15/30min) and Gardens (at own pace). Cream tea is included, following the tour of the house.

The focus of Belmont is the elegant 18th century house (designed by Samuel Wyatt) commanding stunning views over the surrounding Estate and the rolling Kentish North Downs. Steeped in history, this unique house contains mementos of the family's history and travels. The house was built in 1769 by Edward Wilks, store-keeper at the nearby Faversham Powder Mill. Extensive views and its elevated position gave Belmont its name.

The present layout of the grounds dates from the 1790s, though the planting has been altered over the past two centuries. The gardens consist of a walled garden, pinetum, wooded areas, formal lawns and a large kitchen garden.

The maximum number that can be accommodated on this visit is 30, so we will have to take members and guests on a first come basis, and establish a waiting list, in the case of members and/or guests dropping out.

Address: - Belmont, Belmont Park, Throwley, nr. Faversham, Kent, ME13 0HH. Belmont is tucked away down some very narrow country lanes, but the way is well signed from the A251.

Directions: - From Faversham / M2, exit junction 6. Turn onto the A251 heading South in the direction of Ashford. Pass successively through the villages of North Street (2 miles) and Sheldwich (3 miles), before reaching Badlesmere (4 miles), turn right and follow the brown tourist signs for Belmont; a further 1.5 miles.

Assemble in car park at 12.50 pm for a tour starting at 1pm.

Lunch is available at Belmont, but must be pre-booked by ringing Sandy the cook on 01795 890 202 at least one week prior to our visit.

To reserve a place please contact Tony Bendrey on 364321 or by email on bendrey@btinternet.com

​HBHRS

Excursion September 2011

Godinton House And Gardens On Wednesday 14 September 2011

From the time we arrived to find a notice welcoming us, to the conclusion of a very enjoyable cream tea, we were made to feel very welcome. The house itself is exceptional, both in its original conception and the state in which it is kept, and probably one of the finest examples of its kind in the country.

All our members enjoyed it. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly and one of our less mobile members reported afterwards that someone had followed her round providing a portable seat whenever required. For this she was extremely thankful. For those of us who viewed the gardens, we found them delightful despite most of the blooms being over.

​HBHRS

Excursion July 2010

The Lee Valley Olympic Tour

New City & Village Tour.
Tuesday 13th July 2010
Leave from William Street Car Park at 9 a.m.
Cost £33.00

We meet our guide at 10.30 a.m. for morning coffee at Excel Exhibition Centre in London's Royal Docks. We visit venues for many Olympic events including Boxing, Judo and Table Tennis. We then drive through the Lower Lea Valley to view the Olympic Park with a really good view of the 80,000 Seat Stadium. See progress on the Velodrome, Aquatic Centre and the Olympic Village. This huge project is totally transforming the Lower Lee Valley.

We stop at Waltham Abbey for lunch after scenic drive. More Olympic views from Broxbourne through the Lee Valley Park (canoe and kayak events included). Afternoon 90-minute cruise from Broxbourne. Cream Tea is included in the tour fee which will be served before we return to the wharf to head home at approx. 4.45 p.m.

​HBHRS

Excursion May 2010

Hidden London And The Regents Canal

A City & Village Tour.
Wednesday 19th May 2010
Leave from William Street Car Park at 8.30 a.m.
Cost £29.00

After meeting our guide for morning coffee at 10.30 a.m. at St. Pauls Cathedral, we walk through a maze of narrow streets and alleyways seeing stately Charterhouse and the homes of Hercule Poirot and Sir John Betjeman. We also visit Smithfield Victorian Meat Market - now skilfully restored and still working.

For lunch we transfer by coach to the Barbican Arts Centre where hot or cold lunches are available. Or you can take your own packed lunch.

The afternoon is spent on a narrow boat cruise of approx. 50 minutes exploration of London's Regent Canal. We see elegant London town houses on this hidden waterway going through the cobbled and flagged courtyard of Camden Lock, through leafy Regents Park, terraces of London Zoo to Little Venice. Stop for tea at the Royal Festival Hall.

​HBHRS