Greetings, oh great travel gurus! I have read, watched, googled, YouTube’d until my head is about to explode. I’m one post-it note from starting a spreadsheet. I ask for empathy in advance…. I have a week or so to spend somewhere before (or after) meeting a friend for a week+ in Paris, either the last week of September or 2nd week of October. I’ve been to London/England several times and think I’ve narrowed down this trip to Kent: Canterbury and Dover have long been on my list and recent research has added Rochester to that list.
Here’s where you come in. I suffer from “since-I’m-in-the-neighborhood-itis” and left to my own devices I would over extend myself. A lot. I’m looking for something a little more relaxed and pastoral before the chaos of Paris. I prefer Roman, Norman, and WWII historical periods, especially abbeys, churches and cathedrals. I’d also love time walking the cliffs or strolling a seaside village or along a canal/river enjoying sights and sounds. I'm pretty adept at train and bus schedules and willing to walk a fair distance or hail a cab if necessary. I’m willing to pack up and move maybe twice before heading to Paris. More than that and I think my “chill” goes out the window. So, considering all that, to minimize those moves, where is a good base, or two? I’ll worry about actual accommodations later. Again, Rochester, Canterbury and Dover are my current list. Is there something in the area I’m missing you would add? I’d love to throw in Chartwell and Hever, and while I’m in the neighborhood…. Aaaargh! Just tell me NO! 😝. Thanks in advance…