Paces To Visit
Dover Castle
For a great family day out in Kent visit Dover Castle, open all year round! Immerse yourself in our dramatic new visitor experience, Operation Dynamo: Rescue from Dunkirk, open now to visitors. Spectacularly situated above the White Cliffs of Dover this magnificent castle has guarded our shores from invasion for 20 centuries - now you can enjoy a great family day out with a visit to the 'Key to England'.
The Roman Painted House
Discovered by the Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit in 1970 (KARU) and built about A.D.200 as part of a large official hotel for leading Roman travelers crossing the English Channel. It stood outside the North Gate of the great naval fort of the Classis Britannica, but in A.D.270 the Roman army during the construction of a larger fort demolished it. Three of its main rooms were then buried substantially intact under its ramparts. Visitors can see the the various heating ducts & channels that kept the building comfortably warm 1,800 years ago.
Battle of Britain Museum
Based at Hawkinge Airfield the museum hosts the country's largest collection of 1940 related items. The display includes the most important display of British and German 1940 flying equipment. Artifacts recovered from over 600 shot down aircraft from both sides.
Dover Transport Museum
Dover Transport Museum is set in approximately two acres of attractive grounds with free car and coach parks. Stroll through the collection of over 50 motor vehicles housed in two main galleries set out in period street scenes of a bygone age.
Dover Museum & the Bronze Age Boat Gallery
Dover Museum is one of the oldest museums in Kent, founded over 150 years ago in 1836. Home to the Dover Bronze Age Boat gallery, it tells the story of the excavation and preservation of the Dover Boat, as well as exploring major themes of the Bronze Age, using artefacts, replicas, models, video, computer interactives, hands-on exhibits and illustrated panels.
The White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are famous throughout the world and have been the inspiration for Shakespeare and Vera Lynn amongst many others. The new Gateway Building introduces the visitor to the five miles of coast and overlooks the straights of Dover, an excellent place to watch the world's busiest shipping lanes. Afterwards take a walk and discover the fascinating wild life along this part of the coast. Countryside events and guided walks are a regular feature throughout the year.
The Western Heights
Extensive coastal fortifications, which date from the late 1700's to early 1800's with commanding views over the Channel and Dover. Carved into the hillside it is one of the strongest and largest fortresses in the country. Surrounded by chalk meadows containing many varieties of colourful wildflowers the Western Heights abounds with surprising and interesting places. Clearly marked circular walks to help you explore the history and wildlife in this area.
Crabble Corn Mill
A mill has stood on this site for 750 years - the first mill was built by the monks of St.Radigund's Abbey in the 13th century. The ruins of the Abbey can still be seen up on the hills to the west of the Mill. The present mill was built in 1812. You may take a self guided tour and see it working. Also enjoy home baking in the cafe. On the lower floor of the mill is a centre where the local artists and craftspeople exhibit their work. Admission to the cafe is FREE and opening hours are the same as the Mill.
Samphire Hoe
Samphire Hoe is a new piece of land created by Eurotunnel during the construction of the Channel Tunnel. Samphire Hoe covers a 30-hectare site at the foot of the famous Shakespeare Cliff, between Dover and Folkestone (Kent). In July 2012, Samphire Hoe has received for the 8th year running the Green Flag Award recognising that the Hoe has achieved the national standard for parks and green space in England and Wales.
The East Kent Railway
The East Kent Railway is an excitingly up and coming heritage railway deep in the Kent countryside, operated entirely by volunteers, once part of a large network of coal mines. Today, visitors can ride lovingly restored heritage trains between the small leafy village of Shepherdswell and the idyllic village of Eythorne, near Dover in Kent, a distance of two miles. The railway runs most Sundays throughout the year, with the exception of winter months, when a limited service may be in operation.
Dover Sea Safari
Step aboard our purpose built comfortable RIB speed boat, the Dover Explorer, for an exciting fun filled Sea Safari. Sit back in our padded seats and let our highly professional Skipper and Crew take you out through Dover Harbour, passing the huge cross Channel ferries and heading out to sea on the Safari of your choice.
South Foreland Lighthouse
A landmark of the White Cliffs, the Victorian lighthouse was built to warn mariners of shifting sands and guide them through the Strait of Dover. A place of innovation and science, the lighthouse was the first to display an electric light anywhere in the world.
Battle of Britain Memorial
Stone figure of a pilot in contemplative mood stands as a permanent tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served their country so unselfishly in her hour of need. The National Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Ferne, on the famous white cliffs between Dover and Folkestone in Kent, occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of all those who have visited this moving site. Maintained by the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, the site at Capel-le-Ferne is dedicated to Churchill's famous "Few" who fought in the skies overhead to keep this country free from invasion.
Deal Castle
Deal Castle, built by the order of King Henry VIII, is one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England, and among the earliest and most elaborate of a chain of coastal forts, which also includes Calshot, Camber, Walmer and Pendennis Castles. Today you can explore the whole of the castle, from the storerooms to the first-floor captain's residence. Take a walk around the defences and admire the squat, rounded bastions and canons.
Walmer Castle and Gardens
This castle, now in the care of English Heritage, was built in 1540 as part of Henry Vlll's chain of coastal defences. Centuries of domestic refinements have transformed it from a fortress to an elegant stately home with beautiful gardens. It is the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, and has been home to an incredible range of characters. See the original Wellington boots, stand where the Duke of Wellington died. Visit the rooms, including the reception rooms of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Explore the magnificent gardens including the broad walk, kitchen garden, and contemporary Queen Mother's Garden before visiting the Tearoom.
Dover Sea Sports Centre
For those who enjoy being on the water, Dover Sea Sports offers a 'turn up and go' beach rental service. Available to rent on a hourly or daily basis are sailing dinghies, kayaks, pedalos, windsurfs, and wetsuits. Changing rooms and shower facilities are also available. Dover Sea Sports Centre offers top quality training courses for all ages. A broad selection of water based sports activities are available for adults, teenagers and children with particular emphasis on those people most likely to gain mentally or physically from exposure to the activities provided. Core activities include dinghy sailing, windsurfing, keelboat sailing, canoeing and power boating.
