Tour Overview...

 

Dover Castle

Dover Castle, often referred to as the "Key to England," is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in the UK. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the English Channel, this impressive fortress has played a crucial role in the defence of England for nearly 2,000 years.

The castle’s history dates back to the 11th century, when it was first built by William the Conqueror. Over the centuries, it has been expanded and adapted to meet the needs of various rulers. Today, visitors can explore its medieval keep, which offers stunning views across the coastline, as well as its vast network of tunnels used during both World Wars.
 

A visit to Dover Castle is like stepping back in time, with each corner of the fortress telling a story of England's tumultuous past. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply enjoy stunning views and beautiful architecture, Dover Castle offers something for everyone on your day tour.
 

Canterbury

Canterbury is knee-deep in medieval history and is dominated by its breathtaking cathedral. It’s the oldest in England and considered to be the centre of English Christianity. You’ll visit the towering structure and learn about Archbishop Thomas Becket’s murder in 1170. The cathedral has many visual treasures, from the colourful stained glass windows to the creepy crypt and is home to 21 bells in total - the oldest being Bell Harry.

 

Dover

The White Cliffs of Dover are a magnificent coastal site overlooking the English Channel and have stood loyally throughout invasions and two world wars. You can see reminders of this at the newly opened Fan Bay Deep Shelter a complex of Second World War tunnels hidden within the chalk. Perched on the cliffs is the historic Dover Castle, one of the largest castles in England displaying traces from the Saxon and Norman times to Napoleonic and the 20th century World Wars. You can choose to visit this site instead of the cliffs if you wish and it is open.

 

Alternative Tour Sights

This tour can be customised with alternative visits to Hever Castle (700 years of history, award-winning gardens, once childhood home of Anne Boleyn), Chartwell House (the family home of Sir Winston Churchill) or Down House (former home of the English naturalist Charles Darwin). A visit to Deal Castle, Leeds Castle or Upnor Castle may also be of interest to you. These can be chosen as a replacement to one of the sites listed above not to be added in.

 

Lunch and Notes

For lunch our tour guide will give you a number of options to choose from on the day. You may like to have lunch at a traditional English pub in Canterbury for example. The guide will stay with you at most locations but we cannot guide you inside all venues, you can discuss this with your guide on the day once you have agreed an itinerary.  But the guide will tell you what and where to go and all the history and what time and where to meet once you are done at any self-guide locations you choose to visit.