Dover & Beyond: Discover the Kent Coast you never expected
White Cliffs Country is a place of extraordinary contrasts: ancient and contemporary, wild and welcoming, storied and surprising. From one of the world's most iconic natural landmarks to a 3,500-year-old Bronze Age boat, from adrenaline-fuelled water sports to wildlife encounters and world-class gardens, this stretch of coast rewards those willing to look closer. Come and discover the Kent Coast you never expected.
The White Cliffs, South Foreland Lighthouse & Samphire Hoe
Few sights in England stir the soul quite like the White Cliffs of Dover. Stretching in breath-taking swaths of chalk above the Channel, they are far more than a backdrop, they are a living landscape to explore. Walk the clifftop trails to South Foreland Lighthouse, a Victorian marvel where Marconi made his first ship-to-shore radio transmission, and soak up views that have moved travellers for centuries. Below, Samphire Hoe is a remarkable nature reserve, created from spoil excavated during the excavation of the Channel Tunnel, where wildflowers, peregrine falcons and rare butterflies thrive. Peaceful, powerful and utterly unique.
Dover Bronze Age Boat & Maison Dieu
Dover's story stretches back further than most dare imagine. The Dover Bronze Age Boat, the world's oldest known seafaring vessel at 3,500 years old, is a genuine wonder, now displayed at Dover Museum with a compelling new interactive experience. A short walk away, Maison Dieu is a magnificently restored 800-year-old medieval pilgrims' hostel, today a vibrant cultural space showcasing striking stained glass and fascinating heritage. Together, these two extraordinary treasures tell the epic, layered story of a town that has stood at the crossroads of history for millennia.
Sea Safari and River Runner
For a completely different perspective on Dover's coast, take to the water. Sea Safari offers exhilarating RIB trips along the base of the White Cliffs, bringing you face-to-face with seabirds, seals and the sheer scale of this iconic chalk coastline. Meanwhile, River Runner explores the tranquil, wildlife-rich waterways inland, a beautiful contrast to the open sea. Both experiences are led by knowledgeable, passionate guides who bring the natural world of East Kent vividly to life. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, thrill-seeker or simply after something genuinely memorable, these boat adventures deliver.
White Mills Wake
Looking for family fun with a splash? White Mills Wake in Sandwich is one of the region's most exciting water-based attractions, offering wakeboarding, paddleboarding and a host of watersports in a fantastic lake setting. Whether the kids are trying wakeboarding for the first time or you're an experienced rider looking to hone your skills, the friendly instructors and brilliant facilities make everyone feel welcome. It's energetic, outdoorsy and enormous fun - exactly the kind of unexpected gem that makes the Kent Coast so rewarding to explore. Book ahead in summer; this one fills up fast!
Betteshanger Park & Kent Mining Museum
A former colliery reinvented as one of Kent's most compelling visitor destinations, Betteshanger Park tells the proud and poignant story of the county's mining heritage, while offering so much more besides. The Kent Mining Museum brings the lives of the miners who worked here vividly to life through powerful storytelling and fascinating artefacts. Above ground, the park offers cycling trails, a country park and a superb events programme. It's a place that surprises - thought-provoking, beautifully managed and unexpectedly moving. A must for families, history lovers and anyone who wants to understand a less-told side of Kent's story.
Princes
Set on the famous Sandwich Bay Estate, Princes Golf Club is one of the finest links courses in the country - a sweeping, Championship-standard course that has hosted the Open Championship and countless other prestigious events. But Princes isn't just for serious golfers; with welcoming facilities, a superb clubhouse and a setting of genuine coastal beauty, it's a destination in its own right. Whether you're teeing up for a round with panoramic views across the bay or simply visiting to enjoy lunch and the surroundings, Princes offers a taste of traditional links golf at its very best, and in a location few can rival.
Roman Landings Adventure Golf
Right beside the beach at Pegwell Bay, Roman Landings Adventure Golf is an absolute treat for families and anyone who can't resist a bit of competitive fun. The imaginatively themed course brings the area's Roman heritage to life with inventive holes that wind through recreated ancient scenery, complete with centurions and amphitheatres. It's brilliantly designed, great fun for all ages and superbly located with the bay as a backdrop.
Wingham Wildlife Park
One of the finest family days out in Kent, Wingham Wildlife Park near Canterbury is home to an extraordinary array of animals — from snow leopards and orangutans to meerkats, penguins and red pandas. It's intimate enough that you can get genuinely close to the animals, and the passionate, knowledgeable team make every visit feel special. With keeper talks, feeding experiences and a brilliant play area, it's the kind of place children beg to return to. This is East Kent family days out at their very best.
Lydden Hill Race Circuit
The birthplace of rallycross, Lydden Hill is one of motorsport's most storied venues - a compact, spectacular circuit set in a natural chalk bowl near Dover that has been thrilling crowds since the 1960s. Today it hosts an action-packed calendar of events, from rallycross championships and classic car meetings to track days and driving experiences. Whether you're a lifelong petrolhead or just looking for a brilliant day out with a difference, the atmosphere at Lydden is electric. Few places capture the raw, grassroots excitement of motorsport quite like this much-loved Kent institution. Check the calendar - there's almost always something on.
East Kent Railway
Tucked away near Shepherdswell, the East Kent Railway is a delightful hidden gem that combines genuine railway heritage with a thoroughly enjoyable excursion. Running along a section of the old East Kent coalfield mineral line, the railway offers vintage steam and diesel rides through quiet Kent countryside - a wonderfully unhurried experience for families, heritage enthusiasts and anyone who loves the nostalgic charm of a working railway museum. Volunteers have kept this remarkable little railway alive with evident love and expertise. Pair it with a visit to nearby Betteshanger Park for a full day immersed in the fascinating industrial history of East Kent.
Walmer Castle & Gardens
One of the finest historic properties on the Kent Coast, Walmer Castle is a Tudor fortress transformed over the centuries into an elegant residence, and home to some of the most award-winning gardens in the country. Once the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports (past residents include the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill), it carries history in every stone. The gardens are a genuine delight in every season, from the kitchen garden to the sweeping borders and tranquil walled spaces. With superb interpretation and a beautiful setting just above the beach, Walmer is not to be missed.
Where to Stay: Dover Marina Hotel, Tapestry Collection & Holiday Inn Express
For a stay that puts the sea front and centre, Dover Marina Hotel delivers in style. Occupying a prime waterfront position in the heart of Dover's marina, this independently spirited hotel combines contemporary comfort with a genuinely memorable setting. Rooms with harbour and sea views set the tone perfectly - wake up to the sight of boats on the water and the Channel glinting beyond. With a well-regarded restaurant, relaxed bar and attentive service, it's the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer. An ideal base for exploring the White Cliffs, the town's remarkable heritage and the wider East Kent coast.
Smart, reliable and brilliantly located, Holiday Inn Express Dover sits right alongside the marina, offering excellent value for those looking to make the most of everything this stretch of coast has to offer. Clean, modern rooms, helpful staff and all the familiar comforts of the Holiday Inn brand make it a straightforward choice for families, couples and solo travellers alike. It's the kind of no-fuss base that lets you focus on the adventure outside the door, whether that's a clifftop walk, a boat trip, a day at the races at Lydden Hill or a deep dive into 3,500 years of Dover history.