Local towns and sightseeing
Sightseeing and things to do
Explore the mighty Dover Castle, England’s longest-serving fortress with the most extraordinary stories to tell.
Witness the drama of the Dunkirk evacuation and experience the atmosphere of a WWII hospital as you explore the Secret Wartime Tunnels deep within the White Cliffs of Dover. State of the art special effects, dramatic projects and real life film footage bring to life this pivotal moment in history. Discover the vital role the castle played in two world wars at our recreated WWI Port War Signalling Station.
Step into the grandeur of Henry II’s medieval palace in the Great Tower. Explore vividly-recreated rooms filled with colourful furnishings and imagine the world of courtly intrigue and royal ambition. Make sure to climb to the rooftop for unmissable views across the English Channel.
There are over 80 acres of castle grounds to discover too. Walk the battlements and mighty defences as you stretch your legs and imagination at England’s greatest fortress.
357 locals recommend
Dover Castle
Castle Hill RoadExplore the mighty Dover Castle, England’s longest-serving fortress with the most extraordinary stories to tell.
Witness the drama of the Dunkirk evacuation and experience the atmosphere of a WWII hospital as you explore the Secret Wartime Tunnels deep within the White Cliffs of Dover. State of the art special effects, dramatic projects and real life film footage bring to life this pivotal moment in history. Discover the vital role the castle played in two world wars at our recreated WWI Port War Signalling Station.
Step into the grandeur of Henry II’s medieval palace in the Great Tower. Explore vividly-recreated rooms filled with colourful furnishings and imagine the world of courtly intrigue and royal ambition. Make sure to climb to the rooftop for unmissable views across the English Channel.
There are over 80 acres of castle grounds to discover too. Walk the battlements and mighty defences as you stretch your legs and imagination at England’s greatest fortress.
Betteshanger Park sits on the former spoil heap and is an outstanding space for people to access and explore the outdoors. The 250-acre site is a centre for outdoor sporting and adventure activities.
The Park provides access to a variety of environments including woodland, grassland and marshland. It is the most important cycling centre in East Kent, with a 3-kilometre road cycling track providing safe, traffic free road cycling facilities. The track is ideal for families with its safe environment for children to ride and also for serious cyclists where training conditions are ideal. There is a further 10 kilometres of mountain bike trails, all of varying difficulty, designed to challenge and excite all levels of cyclist. A range of bicycles and helmets are available for hire.
Other activities at the Park include an outdoor playpark, military fitness, forest school, archery, den building, fossil hunting and geo-caching, plus a range of exciting seasonal events.
Betteshanger Park can be easily reached by the A258 and has ample on-site parking And there are often many events going on to enjoy
57 locals recommend
Betteshanger Park
Sandwich RoadBetteshanger Park sits on the former spoil heap and is an outstanding space for people to access and explore the outdoors. The 250-acre site is a centre for outdoor sporting and adventure activities.
The Park provides access to a variety of environments including woodland, grassland and marshland. It is the most important cycling centre in East Kent, with a 3-kilometre road cycling track providing safe, traffic free road cycling facilities. The track is ideal for families with its safe environment for children to ride and also for serious cyclists where training conditions are ideal. There is a further 10 kilometres of mountain bike trails, all of varying difficulty, designed to challenge and excite all levels of cyclist. A range of bicycles and helmets are available for hire.
Other activities at the Park include an outdoor playpark, military fitness, forest school, archery, den building, fossil hunting and geo-caching, plus a range of exciting seasonal events.
Betteshanger Park can be easily reached by the A258 and has ample on-site parking And there are often many events going on to enjoy
Explore over eight acres of award-winning gardens, situated in the grounds of a picturesque coastal castle with a fascinating history. Walmer Castle was once a Tudor artillery fortress that became a stately-home for the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports, including the Iron Duke of Wellington.
Discover a glorious mix of formal and informal garden styles. Admire the herbaceous borders, colourful planting and impressive cloud hedge in the striking Broadwalk or relax in the tranquil setting of the Queen Mother’s garden. See the kitchen garden bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables then stroll through the wild flower meadows and shady woodland walk to the recently-restored sunken glen. With a mix of colourful displays and cool shaded spots, the gardens at Walmer Castle provide the perfect setting for a day out in the fresh air.
101 locals recommend
Walmer Castle and Gardens
Kingsdown RoadExplore over eight acres of award-winning gardens, situated in the grounds of a picturesque coastal castle with a fascinating history. Walmer Castle was once a Tudor artillery fortress that became a stately-home for the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports, including the Iron Duke of Wellington.
Discover a glorious mix of formal and informal garden styles. Admire the herbaceous borders, colourful planting and impressive cloud hedge in the striking Broadwalk or relax in the tranquil setting of the Queen Mother’s garden. See the kitchen garden bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables then stroll through the wild flower meadows and shady woodland walk to the recently-restored sunken glen. With a mix of colourful displays and cool shaded spots, the gardens at Walmer Castle provide the perfect setting for a day out in the fresh air.
Walking on The White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are perhaps most famous as an iconic landmark, the white chalk face a symbol of home and war time defense, but they have so much more to offer; stunning views, a serene walk and a wealth of wildlife.
You can walk from the National Trust car park all along the cliffs to North Foreland Whitehouse. Truly stunning scenery
102 locals recommend
The White Cliffs of Dover
Upper RoadWalking on The White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are perhaps most famous as an iconic landmark, the white chalk face a symbol of home and war time defense, but they have so much more to offer; stunning views, a serene walk and a wealth of wildlife.
You can walk from the National Trust car park all along the cliffs to North Foreland Whitehouse. Truly stunning scenery
City/town information
Deal is a wonderful coastal town with a pier and long shingle beach. A good high street and many eateries, pubs and restaurants/cafes all over Deal and the seafront. You’re able to walk for miles along the beach, one direction leads to sandwich and one leads to Walmer .
Deal also has a castle, a Time Ball Tower and old town .
113 locals recommend
Deal
Deal is a wonderful coastal town with a pier and long shingle beach. A good high street and many eateries, pubs and restaurants/cafes all over Deal and the seafront. You’re able to walk for miles along the beach, one direction leads to sandwich and one leads to Walmer .
Deal also has a castle, a Time Ball Tower and old town .
Sandwich in White Cliffs Country, Kent is a true hidden gem. One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Britain, Sandwich will captivate you - you’ll love its laid-back vibe as you discover the quaint, idyllic charm of this rustic Kentish beauty spot.
Sandwich was one of the famous Cinque Ports, which were grouped together by Edward the Confessor for defence purposes. Explore centuries of English history with a guided tour of the town - visit the historical centre and discover perfectly preserved ancient architecture, evidence of Sandwich’ prestigious medieval origins. Make sure to include a visit to the Guildhall Museum, home to Sandwich’ very own Magna Carta! The town’s street plan hasn’t changed much at all since the Domesday Book was commissioned.
109 locals recommend
Sandwich
Sandwich in White Cliffs Country, Kent is a true hidden gem. One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Britain, Sandwich will captivate you - you’ll love its laid-back vibe as you discover the quaint, idyllic charm of this rustic Kentish beauty spot.
Sandwich was one of the famous Cinque Ports, which were grouped together by Edward the Confessor for defence purposes. Explore centuries of English history with a guided tour of the town - visit the historical centre and discover perfectly preserved ancient architecture, evidence of Sandwich’ prestigious medieval origins. Make sure to include a visit to the Guildhall Museum, home to Sandwich’ very own Magna Carta! The town’s street plan hasn’t changed much at all since the Domesday Book was commissioned.
Within 25 minute drive canterbury has lots to offer. Made famous by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, the university city boasts some of England’s finest medieval architecture, including one of its oldest cathedrals.
Visitors flock to the incredible Canterbury Cathedral, which houses the famous shrine of medieval archbishop Thomas Beckett.
St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church are also spectacular historical sites, and together with the cathedral form a UNESCO heritage site.
Don’t miss the award-winning Canterbury Tales attraction, where the sights, sounds and smells of Chaucer’s medieval England are recreated
Lots of shops and restaurants adorn the picturesque town and river punting trips are available in town
369 locals recommend
Canterbury
Within 25 minute drive canterbury has lots to offer. Made famous by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, the university city boasts some of England’s finest medieval architecture, including one of its oldest cathedrals.
Visitors flock to the incredible Canterbury Cathedral, which houses the famous shrine of medieval archbishop Thomas Beckett.
St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church are also spectacular historical sites, and together with the cathedral form a UNESCO heritage site.
Don’t miss the award-winning Canterbury Tales attraction, where the sights, sounds and smells of Chaucer’s medieval England are recreated
Lots of shops and restaurants adorn the picturesque town and river punting trips are available in town
13 miles away is the vibrant seaside resort of Folkestone with lots to offer for a day out. Visit Antony Gormley statue on the harbour arm and have a glass of chapel down champagne or wine at the light house at the end of the harbour In the quaint regenerated streets of Folkestone, you'll discover cutting-edge art in its unique Creative Quarter, which houses over 100 artistic enterprises within its cobbled centre. Explore pastel-painted studio-galleries, and indulge in quirky stores, laid-back bars and chic eateries. The mile-long cliff-top promenade of The Leas is just a short stroll away, offering sea views to France, and a ride to the Lower Leas Coastal Park where you can enjoy a picnic or BBQ on the beach; or head to the Folkestone Harbour Arm for an eclectic mix of food, drink and entertainment. Be sure to try Rocksalt for super-fresh fish and al-fresco dining with superb harbour views, or Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill for classic French and English cuisine, with a side of Channel views from the Clifton Hotel. Eurotunnel Le Shuttle also brings France closer too, with Folkestone just 35 minutes away from Calais
62 locals recommend
Folkestone
13 miles away is the vibrant seaside resort of Folkestone with lots to offer for a day out. Visit Antony Gormley statue on the harbour arm and have a glass of chapel down champagne or wine at the light house at the end of the harbour In the quaint regenerated streets of Folkestone, you'll discover cutting-edge art in its unique Creative Quarter, which houses over 100 artistic enterprises within its cobbled centre. Explore pastel-painted studio-galleries, and indulge in quirky stores, laid-back bars and chic eateries. The mile-long cliff-top promenade of The Leas is just a short stroll away, offering sea views to France, and a ride to the Lower Leas Coastal Park where you can enjoy a picnic or BBQ on the beach; or head to the Folkestone Harbour Arm for an eclectic mix of food, drink and entertainment. Be sure to try Rocksalt for super-fresh fish and al-fresco dining with superb harbour views, or Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill for classic French and English cuisine, with a side of Channel views from the Clifton Hotel. Eurotunnel Le Shuttle also brings France closer too, with Folkestone just 35 minutes away from Calais