As the days lengthen, signs of spring start appearing across White Cliffs Country. Wildflowers in the hedgerows, migrating birds, lambs in the fields… It is a lovely time of year to explore this wonderful part of southeast England.
The best way to explore this area is on foot or two wheels, taking time to soak up the scenery and stopping to refuel at a local café or pub en route.
With miles and miles of walking routes, from the cross-country Via Francigena (the ancient pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome via Dover) to the coast-hugging King Charles III England Coast Path and Saxon Shore Way with their spectacular views, there is a route suitable for all ages and abilities.
Bring your bikes and check out our cycle routes, ranging from paths good for beginners to long-distance, cross-country routes for experienced cyclists. If you haven't got a bicycle, there are places to hire one and several places to stay have secure storage for bikes overnight.
Get close to nature in our protected wild places such as Samphire Hoe, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory and Gazen Salts, where you can escape the digital world and recharge. Bring binoculars and keep a look out for wildlife, such as beavers and migrating birds including waders and wildfowl.
Our woodlands will soon be full of spring wildflowers such as lesser celandines, wood anemones, violets and bluebells and you'll hear the wonderful birdsong that ramps up at this time of year. Listen out for skylarks on the clifftop trails - it's a sound you'll never forget.
Visit the beautiful grounds of Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens in Temple Ewell near Dover where you’re sure to see ducklings and cygnets on the lake. For wild spring flowers, including snowdrops and, later, bluebells, head to Pines Garden in St Margaret's Bay, Walmer Castle Gardens near Deal and Goodnestone Park Gardens near Sandwich. The gardens all have cafes where you can stop for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea.
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Discover over 2000 years of history, visit leading family attractions, try new activities and make lasting memories in White Cliffs Country.
Visit our fantastic world-class attractions including magnificent Dover Castle and Kent's best family attraction, Wingham Wildlife Park. See astounding artefacts up close such as the Bronze Age Boat (the world's oldest sea-going boat) in Dover Museum and an original Magna Carta in Sandwich Guildhall Museum.
Explore the fascinating local museums, such as Deal Museum and Sandwich Guildhall Museum, both full of artefacts and social history, and specialist museums including Kent Museum of the Moving Image, Sandwich Medieval Centre and Kent Mining Museum.
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Step back in time at the amazing Tudor fortress of Walmer Castle and Gardens.
Here you can visit the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, including the Duke of Wellington and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Nearby, there is Deal Castle, the most elaborate artillery castle built by Henry VIII.
While in White Cliffs Country, why not have a go at a wide variety of fantastic activities where you can get hands-on and try a new skill, fire up your creative side or let off steam while having a lot of fun. Outstanding experiences include foraging days, boat trips, creative classes, cocktail-making and much more. Book an experience with your family or friends and create wonderful memories to treasure.
Whether it’s skylarks singing overhead, architectural gems or glimpses of the French coast, a host of fascinating walks criss-cross this ancient coastline.
You’ve heard of the world-famous lunch-time snack, but have you ever visited Sandwich in Kent? This compact town bursts with character and history and is perfect for your next adventure.
One of the great surprises for many visitors is just how accessible the coast is from the capital of the UK. Here’s how you do it: make your way to a mainline railway station in London. Hop on a train and between one hour and 2 ½ hours later you’re delivered at the coast!
