The season of misty mornings and a nip in the air, burnished colours in the landscape, hedgerows full of berries and flocks of birds gathering to fly south. Welcome to autumn in White Cliffs Country.
Autumn is a lovely time to explore the beautiful countryside, parks and gardens, spectacular seascapes and special historic places here on the very south-eastern tip of England. Many of the fantastic visitor attractions in White Cliffs Country welcome visitors all year round - Wingham Wildlife Park is open every day (except Christmas Day), as is the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne. Crabble Corn Mill is open daily except on Fridays and Dover Museum and the Bronze Age Boat Gallery are open Mondays to Saturdays.
The magnificent 800-year-old Maison Dieu in Dover is now open to the public daily after its multi-million pound restoration. Visit to see breath-taking Gothic interiors and parts of the building that date back to the 1200s. Dover Castle and Walmer Castle & Gardens are open daily until the end of October and at weekends in November and December. The International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition is in the grounds of Walmer Castle until 3 November and is well worth a visit.
Pop in to the White Cliffs Country Visitor Information Centre at Dover Museum to speak to a member of staff who will be happy to give advice and further information. While you're there, explore the museum's fascinating exhibits including the world's oldest-known seagoing vessel, the Bronze Age Boat, and the charming Museum in Miniature exhibition.
In October things start to turn distinctly autumnal. Felderland Pick-Your-Own Farm near Sandwich will have a field full of pumpkins for you to choose a perfect Halloween Jack-o'-lantern and Walmer Castle will be hosting a Scarecrow Trail in the gardens.
During the school half term break, are you brave enough to take on Kent's most haunted castle? Head to Halloween Half Term at Dover Castle and find out... Follow the quest to solve creepy clues, and gather round to listen to spooky stories and enjoy monstrously good fun for all ages. Details of all events can be found on our What's On pages.
If you're looking for something memorable to do or would like to have a go at something new, why not book a fantastic experience such as a boat trip, a golf session or a creative workshop. Dover Sea Safari runs its exhilarating trips to view the White Cliffs from the sea at weekends until the end of the year (sea conditions permitting). You can tee off at one of the three world-famous championship links golf courses here - Prince's offers special golf and accommodation packages. Try your hand at jewellery making in Deal or join a stained-glass workshop and unleash your artistic side.
Stroll through crunchy leaves and surround yourself in the beautiful autumnal colours in our parks and gardens. The six-acre organic Pines Garden in St Margaret's Bay and cafe serving homemade lunches are open on Wednesdays to Sundays; Kearsney Parks (Kearsney Abbey, Russell Gardens and Bushy Ruff) and the cafe there are open all year round; Goodnestone Park Gardens are open daily and the Old Dairy Cafe is open Wednesdays to Sundays; and the gardens at Walmer Castle are open daily until the end of October and at weekends in November and December.
Betteshanger Park, located between Deal and Sandwich, is open every day and offers space for a good walk, cycle routes (tarmac and off-road), lots of fun activities and stunning countryside views.
Autumn is a time of plenty and you'll find plenty of fabulous places serving delicious food and drinks made from local seasonal produce: restaurants, cafes, tea rooms, and traditional pubs and micropubs all offering great hospitality... As the nights draw in and the days get chillier, there's nothing quite like a pint and a meal beside a log fire!
There's no need to leave your faithful hounds at home either as there are plenty of places to enjoy visiting with your dog - see our Dog-friendly listings (below) and look out for the Dogs Welcome sticker!
With a wide range of places to stay in Dover, Deal, Sandwich and the surrounding rural villages, with options to suit all tastes and budgets, you are sure to find a brilliant bolthole for a break in this lovely area.
Don't forget to visit our top attraction before you leave - the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, which look incredible all year round!
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