Historic Church Tours 2019 - From Cathedral to Farm Church Across Kent- Waiting List Only
Explore with us a wide range of historic churches from grand cathedrals to remote marshland churches.
This tour is currently SOLD OUT. If you would like to be added to our waiting list please call us on 0800 206 1463 or email [email protected] and we will add your name.
From Rochester train station we make our way to England’s second oldest cathedral to start the day. Rochester Cathedral was founded in 604 by Bishop Justus while the present building was constructed in the 1080s. The church is a glorious mix of fine Norman and Gothic architectural styles while major restoration work was carried out by George Gilbert Scott in in the 1870s.
From Rochester we travel to the church of St. Benedict’s in Paddlesworth. The contrast between St. Benedict’s and Rochester Cathedral is immediately noticeable in the simplicity and size of St. Benedict’s. This small building has sat on the Pilgrims’ Way for over 900 years and will have served an important function for pilgrims passing to and from Canterbury.
A couple of miles further down the Pilgrims’ Way and on the other side of the River Medway is St. Mary’s, Burham. A stocky flint-and-ragstone church, it was deserted when the village relocated to higher ground. The interior is rustic with two Norman fonts.
After lunch we travel north to the church of St. Mary’s in Higham. The building, which sits remotely on the edge of marshes that run down to the River Thames, is originally Norman with later remodelling and expansion in the 14th century. Inside we will get to enjoy at closer quarters memorable woodwork including the original chancel screen.
The tour concludes in the dramatic setting of St. James’ Church in Cooling. Here we will find the inspiration for Charles Dickens’ opening chapter of Great Expectations and a set of 13 gravestones which have since become known as ‘Pip’s Graves’. Inside are a host of features, both traditional and quirky, which provide a fascinating conclusion to our tour.
Please note that on all of our tours there is at the very at least a fair amount of walking, quite often over uneven and worn surfaces. They are not suitable for anyone with difficulties with everyday walking and stair-climbing. In some cases coaches may not be able to park near the church and there may be walking over uneven land or tracks when approaching the church building. If you have any concerns please contact us on 0800 206 1463 before booking.