South East Seaside Charms & Historic Treasures
Mon 23 March - Fri 27 March 2026: A 5 Day Escorted Coach Holiday to Southend-on-Sea with Jones Holidays staying at The Park Inn by Radissson Palace, Southend-on-Sea
Book NowSOUTH EAST SEASIDE CHARMS AND HISTORIC TREASURES
23 – 27 March 2026
Monday – Friday
5 Days
From £539
Get ready to sit back, relax, and uncover the rich history and timeless charm of Southeast England as we journey through some of the region's most iconic destinations, blending history, culture, and seaside leisure for an unforgettable experience.
Explore the historic streets of Rochester, home to the impressive Rochester Cathedral and the story-filled Restoration House, steeped in tales of the past. Step back in time at Colchester Castle Museum, where fascinating exhibits reveal the area's Roman and medieval heritage. Then, take in the beauty of Constable Country, the stunning landscapes that inspired one of Britain’s greatest artists, John Constable.
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
Rochester | Rochester Cathedral | Colchester Castle Museum | Constable Country | Southend-on-Sea | Prittlewell Priory
DAY ONE – Arrival
We depart from your home and travel to Southend-on-Sea, arriving late afternoon.
DAY TWO – Rochester – In the footsteps of Dickens
Today we will visit Rochester, where Centuries of history and heritage are waiting to be discover in a place cherished by the Victorian novelist Charles Dickens, who lived in the area as a child and returned as a successful author.
We have included Rochester Cathedral, England's second oldest, founded by Bishop Justus. The present building dates to the work of the French monk Bishop Gundulf in 1083. The glorious Norman architecture of the nave, parts of the crypt, as well as one of the finest Romanesque facades in England.
Explore Rochester at your leisure and perhaps visit some of the locations that you’ll recognise from the Dickens stories.
DAY THREE – Colchester Castle Museum and Constable Country
Britain’s first city - founded by the Romans not long after their conquest of Britain in AD43, Colchester (or Camulodunum) was Britain's first city and the capital of Roman Britannia until it was burned to the ground by Boudicca and the Iceni in AD61. Following this attack, Colchester was rebuilt with new defensive walls and the British capital was moved to Londinium. Today Colchester remains a treasure trove of historic sites, from its Norman Castle to Britain's only Roman chariot racing circus.
This morning we’ll visit Colchester Castle Museum - an impressive building it is the largest Norman Keep in Europe, built on the site of Camulodunum's mighty Temple of Claudius. Inside, the outstanding museum covers 2500 years of local history and contains some internationally renowned archaeological finds like the Colchester Vase, the Fenwick Treasure, the Colchester Mercury and the tombstone of the centurion Marcus Favonius Facilis. Head down into the prisons, used by the infamous 17th century Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins, to hold and interrogate hundreds of women and men accused of witchcraft in squalid conditions before their trials.
We’ll then continue our adventures today as we discover Debham Vale, affectionately known as Constable Country; an area of natural beauty which has inspired great English painters through the ages. The only designated National Landscapes, (the new name for Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) in Essex, the Dedham Vale contains numerous scenes which inspired famous English artists including 19th Century landscape painter John Constable, 18th century artist Thomas Gainsborough and 20th Century equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings.
Dedham is one of the most attractive villages in Essex, and the association with John Constable is particularly close. The historic church of St Mary the Virgin dominates the High Street and features in several of Constable's paintings.
Artists continue to be inspired by the area's landscape, and the work of equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings is celebrated in the Munnings Art Museum, the artist's former home in the village.
Some time to enjoy the tea shops, and independent shops that line the high street, and why not visit the Dedham Craft Centre always a popular stop.
We’ll then make our way back to our hotel, with time to relax before dinner this evening.
DAY FOUR – Southend-on-Sea and Prittlewell Priory
This morning, we make a visit to Prittlewell Priory, nestled in the heart of Southend's Priory Park, Prittlewell Priory is a beautiful example of a 12th century Cluniac Monastery. Permanent exhibitions tell the story of the Priory and the building's various uses throughout history. Learn about the lives of the monks of Prittlewell, Tudor period owners including Thomas Audley and Sir Richard Rich and the Victorian Scratton family. Opposite the Priory building you'll find our Visitor Centre complete with gift shop. Enjoy the stunning grounds that surround the building and take a stroll through the picturesque walled gardens.
We’ll then have free time this afternoon for your to enjoy Southend-on-Sea at your leisure.
DAY FIVE – Departure
After breakfast this morning we depart our hotel, and make our journey home, with comfort stops en route.
YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES
Luxury coach travel
Home pick-up
4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast
Porterage on arrival and departure
Welcome tea/coffee on arrival
Self-service tea/coffee after dinner each evening
Admission to Prittlewell Priory
Admission to Rochester Cathedral.
PARK INN BY RADISSON PALACE, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA
The Southend-on-Sea, Park Inn by Radisson Palace, offers comfortable rooms with scenic views for your stay, with attractions and the pier just a short walk from the hotel. All 137 colourful and clean hotel rooms include modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, and fantastic views.
All single rooms double/twin for sole use, with many rooms having walk in showers.
GROUP BOOKINGS
Looking to take a group, if you book 20 places or more on this tour the tour organiser will go Free of Charge.
DAY ONE
We depart from your home and travel to Southend-on-Sea, arriving late afternoon.
DDAY TWO
Today we will visit Rochester, where Centuries of history and heritage are waiting to be discover in a place cherished by the Victorian novelist Charles Dickens, who lived in the area as a child and returned as a successful author.
We have included Rochester Cathedral, England's second oldest, founded by Bishop Justus. The present building dates to the work of the French monk Bishop Gundulf in 1083. The glorious Norman architecture of the nave, parts of the crypt, as well as one of the finest Romanesque facades in England.
Explore Rochester at your leisure and perhaps visit some of the locations that you'll recognise from the Dickens stories.
DAY THREE
Britain's first city - founded by the Romans not long after their conquest of Britain in AD43, Colchester (or Camulodunum) was Britain's first city and the capital of Roman Britannia until it was burned to the ground by Boudicca and the Iceni in AD61. Following this attack, Colchester was rebuilt with new defensive walls and the British capital was moved to Londinium. Today Colchester remains a treasure trove of historic sites, from its Norman Castle to Britain's only Roman chariot racing circus.
This morning we'll visit Colchester Castle Museum - an impressive building it is the largest Norman Keep in Europe, built on the site of Camulodunum's mighty Temple of Claudius. Inside, the outstanding museum covers 2500 years of local history and contains some internationally renowned archaeological finds like the Colchester Vase, the Fenwick Treasure, the Colchester Mercury and the tombstone of the centurion Marcus Favonius Facilis. Head down into the prisons, used by the infamous 17th century Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins, to hold and interrogate hundreds of women and men accused of witchcraft in squalid conditions before their trials.
We'll then continue our adventures today as we discover Debham Vale, affectionately known as Constable Country; an area of natural beauty which has inspired great English painters through the ages. The only designated National Landscapes, (the new name for Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) in Essex, the Dedham Vale contains numerous scenes which inspired famous English artists including 19th Century landscape painter John Constable, 18th century artist Thomas Gainsborough and 20th Century equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings.
Dedham is one of the most attractive villages in Essex, and the association with John Constable is particularly close. The historic church of St Mary the Virgin dominates the High Street and features in several of Constable's paintings.
Artists continue to be inspired by the area's landscape, and the work of equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings is celebrated in the Munnings Art Museum, the artist's former home in the village.
Some time to enjoy the tea shops, and independent shops that line the high street, and why not visit the Dedham Craft Centre always a popular stop.
We'll then make our way back to our hotel, with time to relax before dinner this evening.
DAY FOUR
This morning, we make a visit to Prittlewell Priory, nestled in the heart of Southend's Priory Park, Prittlewell Priory is a beautiful example of a 12th century Cluniac Monastery. Permanent exhibitions tell the story of the Priory and the building's various uses throughout history. Learn about the lives of the monks of Prittlewell, Tudor period owners including Thomas Audley and Sir Richard Rich and the Victorian Scratton family. Opposite the Priory building you'll find our Visitor Centre complete with gift shop. Enjoy the stunning grounds that surround the building and take a stroll through the picturesque walled gardens.
We'll then have free time this afternoon for your to enjoy Southend-on-Sea at your leisure.
DAY FIVE
After breakfast this morning we depart our hotel, and make our journey home, with comfort stops en route.
BB=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included
YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES
Luxury coach travel
Home pick-up
4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast
Porterage on arrival and departure
Welcome tea/coffee on arrival
Self-service tea/coffee after dinner each evening
Admission to Prittlewell Priory
Admission to Rochester Cathedral.
PARK INN BY RADISSON PALACE, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA
The Southend-on-Sea, Park Inn by Radisson Palace, offers comfortable rooms with scenic views for your stay, with attractions and the pier just a short walk from the hotel. All 137 colourful and clean hotel rooms include modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, and fantastic views.
All single rooms double/twin for sole use, with many rooms having walk in showers.
HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE
| General | Rooms | Accessibility |
| 3 star | Tea/coffee making facilities | Lift |
| Bar | Television | Wheelchair accessible |
| Restaurant | Wifi |
|
| Lounge |
|
|
| Gym |
|
|
GROUP BOOKINGS
Looking to take a group, if you book 20 places or more on this tour the tour organiser will go Free of Charge.
| DAYS | TOUR DATE | DEPARTS | TERMS | SUPPLEMENT |
| 5 | 23 – 27 MAR 2026 | MONDAY | £539 | £116 SINGLE |
| JONES HOLIDAYS INSURANCE | £36 |
| ||
Rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis and are limited. If no single supplement applies this is limited to the tour single room allocation and therefore additional cost may apply. Prices displayed are per person unless otherwise stated. If door-to-door pick-up is included there may be additional charges for out of area. Itineraries and hotel inclusions may be subject to change. Seat numbers on the coach may be subject to change. Issues whilst on tour must be raised in the first instance with the driver. Covid-19 restrictions may apply. When making bookings you accept on behalf of yourself and your party the terms in our Trading Charter which can be found in our brochure, on our website at http://www.jonesholidays.co.uk/Jones-holidays-trading-charter, or a copy can be requested from our Sales office. If your holiday is more than 56 days from departure, we offer a 7-day cooling off period where a full refund will be offered from the date of the initial confirmation invoice (with the exception of flight holidays).
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Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bodelwyddan | Bodelwyddan, Marble Church |
| Broughton | Broughton, Broughton Layby on A5104 |
| Chester, (Holiday Inn) | Chester, Holiday Inn South - Layby Outside |
| Chirk | Chirk, Moreton Park Garden Centre |
| Colwyn Bay | Colwyn Bay, Railway Station |
| Holywell | Holywell, Bus Station |
| Llandudno Junction | Llandudno Junction, Train Station Car Park |
| Wrexham (Plas Coch Pub) | Wrexham Plas Coch Pub |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favourites |
|---|
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