Summer dreaming...

Cobalt-blue skies against white chalk cliffs, bustling beach-hut cafes, the thrill of the the first sea swim, outdoor drinks and delicious local food, open-air concerts, regattas, markets and festivals... Welcome to summer in White Cliffs Country.

How to get that summertime alfresco-feeling without flying? Spend time in our lovely corner of Kent by the sea...

At just over an hour by highspeed train from London or an easy drive, White Cliffs Country - the Dover, Deal and Sandwich area - is a wonderful place to experience the English seaside in all its glory. You'll discover many fantastic activities, experiences, events and attractions to keep everyone happy and entertained, lovely places to stay to suit all budgets, and a very warm welcome.

A taste of summer in White Cliffs Country

  • Exhilarating boat trips with Dover Sea Safari or Wetwheels from Dover Harbour along the coast, and gentle trips along the River Stour in Sandwich with the River Runner.
  • Restorative beach days. Rock-pooling at the foot of the White Cliffs at St Margaret's Bay or at Kingsdown (do keep an eye on tide times).
  • Clifftop walks from the National Trust Visitor Centre to South Foreland Lighthouse (both have cafes) and countryside walks through skylark-filled fields.

A winding path through green fields with blue sky and sea
Walk an iconic section of the King Charles III England Coast Path this summer. ©National Trust Images-Megan Taylor
  • Strolling on the piers - walk to the end of Deal Pier or Dover Pier for fantastic views of the coast and fascinating architecture of both seafronts.
  • Exploring outdoor markets to find local produce and local crafts to take home as reminders of time well spent.
  • Visiting awe-inspiring castles (Dover Castle is a must), forts and fascinating local museums, all bringing the incredible history of the area to life.
  • Immersing yourself in nature - explore Samphire Hoe, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory, Gazen Salts and other local nature reserves where you can escape the demands of the modern world.
  • Meeting the wildlife at Wingham Wildlife Park, one of Kent's best family attractions, where there are also dinosaurs, a new reptile house and a play park!
  • Soaking up the atmosphere at fabulous free festivals, fairs, concerts, carnivals and regattas - there are loads of amazing events happening over the summer.
An aerial view of Dover seafront with stalls and crowds of people, the castle in the distance
Dover Harbour Festival - a free family event - is on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July this year.

Browse the website for more information and loads of ideas for other things to do and places to visit this summer. 

There is so much more than you can fit into a day trip - to plan a longer visit to the area, take a look at our Stay section to see the wide variety of accommodation here, from fishermen's cottages to cool campsites and cosy B&Bs to luxury hotels.

And check out the Eat & drink pages for all the great cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants here serving delicious local produce, from the freshest fish to locally brewed beers.

 

Title image of Hut 55 on Walmer seafront with kind permission of Chris Mansfield ©chrismansfieldphotos.com

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