| Event type: | AwayDays |
| Date: | Sun 2nd August 2026 |
| Duration: | 2 days |
| Until: | Mon 3rd August 2026 |
| Group: | AwayDays |
| Venue: | Chepstow Leisure Centre Car Park |
| Organiser: | |
| Cost: | £152 per person (+ £35 single room supplement). Includes coach, hotel accommodation, entrance to the castles and gratuities. |
| Booking: | Note that booking is required. |
Programme
Day I Leeds Castle
First mentioned in the Doomsday Survey of 1086 when owned by Odo brother of William the Conqueror, the castle was at the heart of royalty for the next 500 years. Henry VIII transformed it from a fortified castle into a royal palace. Passing out of royal hands Leeds castle continued to have a fascinating history, including extensive Victorian renovations and a part in the roaring 20’s. There are over 900 years of glamorous history, lavish parties, and strong women. Don’t expect forts and military, you will experience heritage created by those who are visionary.
Visit the Leeds Castle website
Discover the History of Leeds Castle
Day 2 Hever Castle
The childhood home of Anne Bolyen, the castle offers 600 years of history in the Castle and magnificent award-winning gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds. An added bonus is an exhibition entitled Capturing a Queen: The image of Anne Bolyen
Discover the History of Hever Castle
We start with a guided tour around the castle and then we have the remainder of the day to explore the castle, the exhibition and the gardens.
Visit the Hever Castle website
Accommodation
We will stay overnight on Sunday 2nd at the Oreida Maidstone Hotel Maidstone
Provisional Travel arrangements
Sunday 2nd August
- 7.15 am. Please arrive at Chepstow Leisure Centre car park
- 7.30 am. Depart Chepstow LC car park
- There will be a 20 minute stop enroute
- 11.00 am approx. Arrive Leeds Castle
- 16.30. Depart for Orida Maidstone Hotel
Monday 3rd August
- 09.30. Depart Orida Hotel
- 10.15. Arrive Hever Castle
- 15.30. Depart Hever Castle
- 18.30 approx. Arrive Chepstow LC car park
AwayDays trips are only open to Chepstow u3a members.
Group Leaders for the visit: Nicky and Vivien
When bookings are open, if you would like to go click on AwayDays Team and complete the contact form giving everyone’s full name.
When your place is confirmed we will provide you with a booking form and payment details with a reference code for those paying by bank transfer.
Please make sure you are familiar with the Chepstow u3a Refunds Policy before booking