Autumn/Winter Magazine
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Step ashore at Dover
Kent, England's oldest county - a place so steeped in history you can find more ancient castles, magnificent cathedrals and historic houses than anywhere else.
If you have 2 - 4 hours..
Dover Castle
No fortress in England boasts a longer history than Dover Castle, with its strategic position high on the white cliffs it has protected England's shores since Roman times. Discover the Roman lighthouse and explore the Great Keep where Henry VIII stayed.
Then travel deep into the White Cliffs as you tour the Secret Wartime Tunnels, used by Winston Churchill during World War II.
Eating out in Dover
Dover boasts an extensive range of restaurants and cafes, many of which are in historic buildings and include the opportunity to taste local produce from the Garden of England.
Experience a range of local dishes from cream teas to pub lunches and of course the wonderfully fresh local fish.
Dover Promenade and Prince of Wales Pier
Stroll along one of the country's most beautiful promenades virtually untouched since the day it was built. Relax and watch the hustle and bustle of the ferries as they come and go from one of the busiest passenger ports in the world. Westwards towards the Clock Tower you will pass several memorials dedicated to pioneersand crossed the English Channel and commemorations to those who lost their lives in the two World Wars.
White Cliffs Boat Tours
From England's most famous landmark the Southern Queen passenger boat will take you on a fascinating and educational trip. Relax and soak up the tales of history and legends of this unique coastline.
The Roman Painted House
They came, they saw, they painted! Discovered in 1970 this exceptionally well-preserved Roman building features extensive wall paintings and elaborate under floor heating.
Dover Town Trail
Explore the town's rich heritage with your own self-guided trail. Pick up your guide at the Dover Visitor Information Centre and walk your way around history.
De Bradelei Wharf and Shopping
Enjoy shopping at De Bradelei Designer outlet in a superb maritime setting, selling fashion, furnishings and gifts with up to 70% discount. There are plenty of other shopping opportunities in town from major
national chains, indoor arcades and individual quirky outlets.
Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat
This fascinating museum has a range of objects, models and pictures showing the history of Dover. It includes the award winning Bronze Age Boat Gallery with interactive exhibits and the recently found 3,500 year old rowing boat. Not to be missed!
White Cliffs of Dover
The Gateway Visitor Centre introduces the visitor to the internationally famous White Cliffs of Dover with its 5 miles of beautiful coast and rolling countryside. The views of the English Channel and Port of Dover are spectacular and on a clear day you can even see France.
Explore the Western Heights of Dover
Standing guard over the English Channel,The Western Heights is a warren of tunnels, secret rooms and defences carved deep into the famous cliffs. It is one of the largest and strongest fortresses in the country. Discover the history of the unique triple stairway or explore the wildlife on one of the clearly make circular walks.
Crabble Corn Mill
Catch a Number 66 bus and visit Crabble Corn Mill, classed as the finest Georgian working watermill in Europe. The Mill has a riverside tearoom and serves meals produced with home baked mill flour promoting Kent's food and drink. The Mill is packed with history and is one of Dover's hidden jewels.
If you have more than 4 hours
Pines Gardens and St Margaret's Bay
The truly unique Pine Gardens is an open, undulating parkland with a lake, waterfall and a grass labyrinth. Beyond, on St Margaret's Bay, is the former home of Noel Coward bought by James Bond author Ian Fleming. The sights may inspire you to follow the "Moonraker" and "Goldfinger" routes depicting actual locations featured in the books.
Canterbury Cathedral
Just 30 minutes by train and surrounded by massive medieval walls, Canterbury with its narrow cobbled streets and historic buildings is steeped in history and legend. At the centre is the magnificent Cathedral, which since the murder of St Thomas Becket in 1170 has over the centuries welcomed thousand of pilgrims. Modern day visitors enjoy its gothic architecture and stunning medieval stained glass windows. The Cathedral, the tranquil ruins of St Augustine's Abbey and ancient St Martin's Church form one of Britain's rare World Heritage Sites. The street cafes, restaurants, shopping centre and specialist shops brings the ‘Canterbury experience' right up to date.
Sandwich
Once one of England's oldest and busiest ports but now a long way from the sea. You can follow the historic town trail through cobbled lanes and besides tree-lined canals in this achingly beautiful and wellpreserved medieval town. Discover how the Earl of Sandwich invented the "sandwich" here and see Tom Paine's cottage, a remarkable revolutionary political writer of the 18th Century who helped foster the ideas for the American Declaration of Independence. The impressive ruins of Richborough Roman Fort are now a taxi journey away.
Port Lympne and Howletts
Have a totally wild day out in Kent! Everyday is different at Port Lympne or Howletts Wild Animal Parks, and there's always something new to see and do. Port Lympne Wild Animal Park is home to the largest breeding herd of Black Rhinos outside Africa as well as Siberian and Indian tigers, African elephants, small cats, monkeys, Barbary lions and many more rare and endangered species. The world's largest gorillarium. "The Palace of the Apes" is home to a family group of Gorillas, fed at 12 noon and 3pm daily.Make your visit to Port Lympne even more memorable by taking a day safari on The African Experience! Take your seat and head out into the wild where you'll see giraffe, black rhino, zebra, wild beast, ostrich, antelope and other wonderful wildlife roaming free as if on the plains of Africa. Subject to availability and a small additional charge.
You could even stay overnight at the fantastic new Livingstone Safari Lodge for an authentic African safari adventure! There‘ll be surprises around every corner on your journey of discovery at Howletts, including close encounters at the lass fronted tiger enclosures, gorillas, clouded leopards, monkeys, tipirs, giant anteaters, macaques, rhinos and many other rare and endangered species from around the world. Don't miss the Black Rhino breeding sanctuary, the UK's largest herd of African elephants and Walking with Lemurs - walk alongside and below our free roaming family of amazingly agile and lively Lemurs!
Goodnestone Park Gardens
A short taxi journey from Canterbury is Goodnestone Park, considered one of the finest gardens in South East England 14 acres including woodland area and walled garden and a favourite of frequent visitor Jane Austen.
Leeds Castle
Home to five of the medieval queens of England and a royal palace of King Henry VIII, Leeds Castle has been called the ‘Loveliest Castle in the World'. The last private owner, Lady Baillie established the Leeds Castle Foundation, which now preserves the Castle for the nation. There is a fine collection of paintings, tapestries and furnishings. The 500-acre park and gardens include a maze, grotto and vineyard.
Getting Around
Taxi Companies
There is a taxi rank operating at the Cruise Terminals on all cruise call days. These licensed taxis can be identified by a "Taxi" sign on their roof and an orange sticker in their windscreen with the letters "CDT". If you require further details please ask at the Cruise Welcome Information Desk or the Cruise Terminal Reception Desk.
- "All Destinations", based on Cruise Terminal 1, can provide general car hire services 0800 731 7690 or 01304 215936
- Kings Ferry Chauffeur Car & Coach Hire Service 01634 377577
- Train information 08457 484950
- National Express Coaches 08705 808080
Cruise Transfer Bus
For Dover Town Centre the Classic Omnibus operates a shuttle bus service from the Crusie Terminals regularly from 08.30 throughout the day to Dover Town Centre and Dover Castle returning regularly until 17.00. Fares: Return £3/$8/5€.Single journey and child fares also available on request. Single journey and child fares also available on request.
