Courier June 2009 : Page 77
Opposite page: NTA tour operators enjoy a visit to the historic topiary gardens at Levens Hall in Kendal, Cumbria. Above, left: A local gentleman delivers morning pastries to the Honeypot in the beautiful Lakeland village of Hawkshead. The group poses on a windy Lake District hillside. In Kent, both the Canterbury Cathedral and the local fare, which included a delicious meal at The Bay Restaurant at the White Cliffs Hotel near Dover, were high points. this attraction into her England itineraries as a result of the visit. In southeast England, tour participants visited Kent, the garden-rich region that encompasses Canterbury and Dover. Comfortable accommodations at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge were within the cathedral precinct, which provided beautiful views of the illuminated cathedral at night. The group learned about the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170 in his own cathedral in a fascinating history-oriented tour. At the Canterbury Tales attraction, tucked into Canterbury’s winding medieval streets, the group expe- rienced an entertaining re-creation of Geoffrey Chaucer’s bawdy, 14th-century stories, complete with lights, sounds and even smells that evoked the experiences of pilgrims making their way to Canterbury. In Dover, about an hour’s drive east, the group shifted into the 20th century to experience a very sobering visit to the Secret Wartime Tunnels at Dover Castle, where Sir Admiral Ramsay masterminded the evacuation of Dunkirk in World War II. “The tunnels and the history involved surprised me the most,” said Cindi Brodhecker of Faith Travel Development & Consulting, based in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. “This was amazing to hear the stories on how secure it was from the enemy and the secrecy of the people that worked in the tunnels—not knowing who was there in the next office or section. I’m telling everyone about this, and I’m not a World War II buff.” Several in the group visited the beautiful Leeds Castle, built in 1119 but refurbished in the 20th century by the American heiresss Lady Baillie. In the evening, the group was wowed by an extraordinary meal at Canterbury’s Abode Restaurant, which featured local lamb and delicious Kentish wines. Many were delighted by this meal’s elegant and artful courses. “I was surprised how wonderful the dinners were,” said Dalrymple. “The use of local products and the culinary touches were far from the bland reputa- tion England has had in the past.” The trip concluded with yet another outstanding meal of local fare at The Bay Restaurant at the White Cliffs Hotel in St. Margaret’s-at-Cliffe near the port of Dover. This excellent restaurant has been awarded with one red rosette by the AA and focuses on organic, local and sea- sonal food. “England is a wonderful destination,” Dalrymple said. “The history, countryside and friendliness make it a won- derful place to visit.” C www.NTAonline.com 77 FOOD PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BAY RESTAURANT AT THE WHITE CLIFFS HOTEL
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