Come on over to wonderful White Cliffs Country - home of The 149th Open - where the sea meets the sky, the past meets the present, and life-long memories are created in abundance.
Lined by the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, framed with chalk-lined bays like the beautiful St Margaret’s Bay, and bounteous in stretching spaces, when it comes to scenery, Dover, Deal and Sandwich does not disappoint. Be spoiled by the breath-taking sights discoverable at every turn and unearth this striking slice of our county. Whether your agenda includes spotting wildlife at Samphire Hoe nature reserve, admiring the area’s unspoiled landscapes while walking the North Downs Way high up on those iconic cliffs, taking to two wheels through the 250-acre Betteshanger Park, or diving into White Cliffs Country’s fascinating past, The Key to England offers the perfect place to breathe in the fresh air, and escape the lockdown blues.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to lace up those exploring boots and discover the range of new and exciting experiences on offer across Dover, Deal and Sandwich...
Journey back in time as you discover Deal’s fascinating history on a fun and informative walking tour with The History Project – an award- winning tour company run by Deal locals. With fun, family-friendly tours such as Castles on the Coast, The Smugglers Trail or Piers Over the Years, there’s a range of topics to choose from to inspire, educate and entertain the whole family.
Linking landscapes to the dining table, roll up your sleeves and head out on a gourmet foraging adventure with The Wild Kitchen in Deal along East Kent’s salty shores and shady woodland. Uncover unique delights such as edible seaweed, fresh shellfish, field plants and herbal cordials, ready to indulge in a tantalising foraged feast back at the Wild Kitchen’s charming Georgian restaurant.
Why not opt for an experience in the great outdoors that allows you to put your feet up and simply enjoy the ride? Hop aboard the Dover Land Train to enjoy a picturesque journey in White Cliffs Country. The perfect way to get around, Dover Land Train’s guided tours link Dover town, the seafront, marina, museums, and Dover’s iconic castle, meaning you’ll be certain not to leave any ‘must visit’ itinerary item left unchecked.
Block printing, mosaic making, pottery, tile making, beekeeping...the list of experiences on offer through Kent Craft Hive is extensive, so if lockdown has helped flex those creative muscles, you know where to go for a bespoke workshop. Held in a dedicated barn within a beautiful garden, Kent Craft Hive is all about learning new skills, crafting, and getting creative while out in nature.
Round off your historic break with a stay at the Bell Hotel and you’ll be in for a treat, as this local icon boasts some of the finest accommodation in Sandwich, promising a relaxing break that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised. Set in an enviable spot overlooking the River Stour, The Bell has been welcoming guests to Kent since Tudor times. Make a medieval weekend of it with the hotel’s new package which is set to incorporate a two night stay, an evening banquet of the best local food and drink around, and a tour incorporating many of the jewels this charming Cinque Port town has to offer. From quayside crafts at the Sandwich Medieval Centre to a tour of Sandwich Guildhall and Museum, get ready to step back in time and immerse yourself in this town’s past.