Kent has a rich literary narrative that is not often talked about, making it an undiscovered gem. From your base in the city of Canterbury, visit Godmersham Park, the home of Jane Austen’s brother, where she spent a great deal of time. Take a walk through the park and view the exterior of the house where her brother lived. You can also join a local James Bond tour that takes you to both of Ian Fleming’s Kent homes as well as some of the lesser known places linked to the writer. Bring the literary greats to life as you discover how they spent their time in Kent.
- 1 day
- Canterbury
Itinerary details
Here's a taste of your next experience.
Literary Greats!
Kent has a rich literary narrative that is not often talked about, making it an undiscovered gem. From your base in the city of Canterbury, visit Godmersham Park, the home of Jane Austen’s brother, where she spent a great deal of time. Take a walk through the park and view the exterior of the house where her brother lived. You can also join a local James Bond tour that takes you to both of Ian Fleming’s Kent homes as well as some of the lesser known places linked to the writer. Bring the literary greats to life as you discover how they spent their time in Kent.
In search of the real James Bond
Create your own James Bond tour and explore the places that inspired Ian Fleming to write ‘The spy story to end all spy stories’.
Book a tour with the England Plus Tour. The real James Bond tour takes in some of Kent’s most beautiful spots, including two of Ian Fleming’s real homes and one of his favourite pubs. During the day you’ll discover how the real Ian Fleming and soon come to realise how his life bore an uncanny resemblance to that of his most well-known character, James Bond.
Explore James Bond's KentThe Real James Bond tour
The Goods Shed in Canterbury or The Dover Patrol
The Good Shed offers a Smorgasbord of local Kentish produce from multiple suppliers, either pick up a picnic lunch, visit its restaurant or enjoy a coffee from its market.
The Dover Patrol offers traditional English seaside Fish and Chips with stunning views over the English Channel.
The Good Shed The Dover Patrol
Circular walk incorporating Godmersham Park and Godmersham Park Heritage Centre
This 5.1 mile circular walk starts at Godmersham Church, with fantastic views of the Stour Valley. Taking in Temple Hill a white folly, said to be a place where Jane Austen enjoyed writing.
Godmersham - Land of Godmaer
Il Posticino or The Foundry
Il Posticino in Canterbury, is family run and offers authentic Italian food. A cosy, rustic slice of Italy!
At The Foundry, you’ll experience locally brewed craft ales with English pub classics such as burgers, sandwiches and pies.
Il PosticinoThe Foundry
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge or The Falstaff Hotel
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge (££) is a unique and contemporary hotel and conference venue situated in the inspirational grounds of the world-famous Canterbury Cathedral.
The Falstaff Hotel (££) is a traditional 15th century coaching Inn in the heart of Canterbury. The hotel offers doubles, four poster and super-king beds, all the rooms have been individually designed with bespoke fabrics and luxury furnishings.
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge The Falstaff HotelTravel
Train – Canterbury has two train stations, West and East, both run on the Ramsgate to London line. There are trains between Canterbury and Dover for the James Bond tour.
Bus – The Ashford to Canterbury buses run between Godmersham and Canterbury. Bus route 1A.
Parking – Canterbury has many car parks in and around the centre.