Canadian advisors explore Southeast England with VisitBritain and Air Canada
The history and mystery of some of England’s most significant sites was revealed to Canadian travel advisors on a recent fam trip sponsored by VisitBritain and Air Canada, reports Travel Press Today’s western editor, Ted Davis, who joined the group.
Advisors in the small group embarked on a week-long exploration of historic locations in the counties of Kent and East Sussex, including Brighton, encountering everything from an ancient battleground to an extravagant palace.
In doing so, they learned that all these places could be visited on an easy coach or train ride – or rental car drive – from London/London Heathrow. This quick accessibility is positioned as a key selling point for advisors seeking to send their clients on a tour outside of London.
Canterbury Cathedral
Take for example Canterbury and its amazing Cathedral, located just 144 km. east from Heathrow. Its history reaches back to the earliest incursions of Christianity to ancient Britain, and it was originally based on a smaller church when founded in year 597.
Rebuilt after heavy fire damage in 1174, Canterbury Cathedral began taking on its present-day shape and impressive dimensions, such as huge vaulted ceilings and a tower that reaches 72 metres in height. The tragic story of Archbishop Thomas Beckett is the most pivotal chapter in its story.
Town of Rye
The town of Rye, located 20 miles southwest of Canterbury and close to the English Channel coast, has no such imposing structure. Instead, it quietly proclaims itself to be one of England’s oldest settlements, stretching back in time to the Roman occupation of England, and featuring narrow, roughly cobbled streets that scale a hilly landscape.
Within Rye lies the Mermaid Inn, which is unlike any lodgings one is ever likely to book. Rebuilt in 1420 after a fire, the 600-year old Mermaid Inn sits on one of those cobbled lanes, its slanted floors, walls and ceilings attesting to its age.
The agents joined the likes of George Clooney, Johnny Depp and Richard Harris, amongst many, with an overnight stay at the Inn. And although the Inn is apparently well-acquainted with ghosts, none were encountered by the Canadian group.
Hever Castle
The agents on the fam trip did plenty more during their visit, including tours and an overnight stay at Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn – the ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII. In between touring and retiring, the group enjoyed a lavish dinner in the impressive Castle Great Hall, surrounded by Tudor portraits and warmed next to a giant hearth.
They also drove on scenic, meandering roads to the town of Battle, a small city whose origins can be traced to the pivotal Battle of Hastings in 1066. The victory of William the Conqueror at this bloody confrontation marked the beginning of feudalism and a more systemic mode of governance – like the Doomsday Book – in England. 
Brighton
In the vibrant city of Brighton, the travel advisors explored the busy streets of the North Laine district and joined a tour of the wildly extravagant Royal Pavilion. There they learned that George Prince of Wales/later King George IV spared no expense in building his fanciful retreat, which mimics classic Indian architecture on the outside, and displays Chinese motifs, furniture and art within.
The advisors ended their trip in London for two nights, where they had the opportunity to take a coach tour to see the bright Christmas lights of London’s shopping districts and streets. And they took in a stage performance of “Back to the Future – The Musical” at the Adelphi Theatre in the city’s West End theatre District. Perfect!
Go to www.visitbritain.org for more.
