Castles, Palaces & Parks

Hop on a train and experience a day full of history & heritage across London, Kent or East Sussex.

There are historic castles everywhere you look across Kent including the iconic Dover Castle, home to King Henry II.

Visit the capital and wander round the Royal Parks and Palaces, be sure to visit the Tower of London and get up close with the Crown Jewels.

Or head to East Sussex and learn all about the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the most famous battle in English history.

a map of castles, palaces and parks in London, Kent and East Sussex

Eltham Palace & Gardens, Greenwich

Just a 10-minute walk from Mottingham station, visit Eltham Palace & Gardens and explore the stunning mansion, the medieval and Art Deco features and 19 acres of award-winning gardens.

a clock tower on top of a lush green field

Rangers House, Greenwich

Discover the history of this beautiful Georgian villa that recently featured in the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’. Now the house features The Wernher Collection – one of the greatest surviving private art collections in Europe.

Tower of London, London Bridge

Explore London’s iconic castle and World Heritage Site. Get up close to the Crown Jewels, meet the legendary Yeoman Warders and ravens and see the Tower like never before.

Royal Parks

Covering over 5,000 acres of historic parkland, explore one of the 8 parks in the heart of the capital. Escape the hustle and bustle, unwind, and delve into London's heritage and explore the many buildings, statues and memorials.

Greenwich Park

Arrive at Greenwich station and you’ll be a stone's throw from the beautiful Greenwich Park. Make sure you climb the hill to the Royal Observatory for an incredible view of the city of London and grab a bite to eat at Greenwich Park Pavilion Café. You can also visit the National Maritime Museum and the Queens House. Greenwich is the centre of the world time and was named the Prime Meridian in the 1850-60s when the railway and communication networks required an international time standard.

The Cenotaph - Whitehall, London

The Cenotaph is a war memorial on Whitehall in London. It's the site of the National Service of Remembrance every November. This annual service commemorates the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

Dover Castle

Enjoy an action-packed day out at Dover Castle, England’s longest-serving fortress. Discover Secret Wartime Tunnels deep within the White Cliffs of Dover. See medieval history come to life with our costumed characters in the Great Tower and explore acres of grounds with views across the English Channel.

Deal Castle

Visit Deal Castle, one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England, built by the order of King Henry VIII. With children’s activities and fascinating artefacts, the whole family can enjoy the rich history of the castle and discover stories of the people who lived and worked there.

Walmer Castle

Visit Walmer Castle, a charming castle by the sea with a fascinating history. Discover untold stories of the castle and its famous residents, and enjoy tranquillity in acres of award-winning gardens. Young explorers can let off steam in the natural play trail along the woodland walk.

St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury

Situated just outside Canterbury’s city walls, St. Augustine’s Abbey was originally a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent. Explore the impressive remains, browse the museum or enjoy a family picnic in the tranquil ruins.

Rochester Castle

Impressive Rochester Castle stands on the east bank of the River Medway and built on the highest part of Rochester’s Roman city wall, offers amazing views from the top of the keep. Rochester Castle remains one of the most impressive Norman fortresses and continues to attract visitors from far and wide.

a large stone building with a tower in the background

1066 Battle of Hastings, Battle

Visit the site of one of the most famous battles in England's history and discover the fascinating story of events behind that historic date. From the 1066 Battlefield, to the Abbey ruins, to the walled garden, there is plenty in Battle to make your trip there both entertaining and educational.

a herd of sheep grazing on a lush green field

Knole Park, Sevenoaks

Hop on the train to Sevenoaks and explore the beautiful woodland surrounding Knole medieval country house, a former Archbishop’s Palace and home to the Sackville family since the early 17th century. In just a 30-minute walk through the town you’ll reach Knole Park which is Kents only remaining deer park which has remained substantially unchanged since medieval times. You can spot over 350 wild sika and fallow deer roaming the grounds.

Petts Wood & Hawkwood

Full of natural history, Petts Wood is a National Trust wood which is a haven for all kinds of bird, butterfly, amphibian and plant life, all just a short walk from Petts Wood, Chislehurst or St Mary Cray stations.

a large stone building with a grassy field

Reculver Towers and Roman Fort, Herne Bay

Discover the ruins of the Roman fort and the majestic Reculver Towers that dominate the skyline along the Saxon Shore Way, acting as a navigation marker for ships at sea. The site later became a monastery and then became the parish church. The towers are set in Reculver Country Park, a coastal habitat teeming with wildlife and plants.

GroupSave tickets

Our GroupSave tickets allow you to travel as a group of 3-9 adults and save up to 34% on the price of individual adult tickets. Plus, any kids travelling with a group of adults will be eligible for Kids for a Quid tickets.

Kids for a Quid tickets

An adult with a valid ticket can take advantage of our Kids for a Quid tickets and travel with up to 4 kids (aged 5-15) for just £1 each on off-peak Southeastern services. Under 5’s go free! Perfect for a family day out.

Advance tickets

Travel for less to more destinations across Kent, London and East Sussex. Advance tickets are available on selected routes as single tickets at specific times. Book early for cheaper fares!