DOVER

     The Gateway to England

 To millions of vacationers, Dover is no more than a large, workaday port below white cliffs which constitute an evocative first and last sight of Britain. While wartime bombs deprived the town of much charm, it has been the most significant cross-Channel port since Roman times and there are a number of interesting historical sights. Magnificent Dover Castle looks out to France, just 17 miles away and easily visible on a clear day. Its 12th-century keep is surrounded by Victorian barracks and ramparts. Within the castle walls is the shell of the pharos, a Roman lighthouse used as a bell tower.

 

Castle from Market Square * The Beach * The White Cliffs of Dover

 

Plunging hundreds of feet into the sea, Dover’s chalk-white cliffs are an inspirational site and a symbol of England. They stay white because of the natural process of erosion. Because of this, you must be cautious when walking along the cliffs — experts recommend staying at least 20 feet from the edge. Cliffs has 5 miles of walking trails with some spectacular views.

KENT COTTAGES

Kent's epithet is "The Garden of England" for you'll find apple orchards, hop fields and vineyards, as well as oast houses, built as kilns to dry the hops, but now often converted into homes. Kent lies in an area called the Weald, offering pretty villages of timber-framed, pantile-hung buildings. Much of the Kent countryside is designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and incorporates a glorious mix of farmland, ancient woodland and dramatic chalk escarpments. Breathtaking panoramic vistas and enclosed steep valleys create great diversity in the natural landscape.