A wonderful first-floor converted cart barn in the village of Godmersham, Kent. Hot tub. Within the Kent Downs AONB. Romantic. Off-road parking. Ashford 6.3 miles; Canterbury 8.9 miles; Folkestone 19.8 miles.
Dreaming about Dover? Here are three reasons why the seaside town is your next holiday. Plan a fantastic family staycation or a book that special romantic log cabin for two.
If you’re a keen traveler, you might be familiar with Dover for its port, or its iconic white cliffs. But there’s so much more to this historic Kent town than meets the eye – in fact, its history, natural landscapes and award-winning pubs make Dover the dream holiday location.
Discover 2024’s top lodges with hot tubs in Kent here.
Whilst the twenty-first century has brought Dover a load of new history and culture, its past spans over a wealth of time; from the prehistoric era to the reign of Henry the Eighth! You can visit the Dover Museum in the town’s Market Square for a guided tour through the past, or head to Dover Castle to walk through its history yourself.
And if it’s Dover’s more niche history you’re after, then why not check out the Dover Transport Museum? The only museum of its kind in Kent, it holds the history of transport, along with vintage-themed shop windows. There’s even a ‘Tramstop’ café if you need to put the brakes on for a tea or coffee.
For another unique piece of history, pay the Crabble Corn Mill a visit. Run by volunteers, the Mill was rescued from demolition and opened to the public in 1990 as a working museum showcasing Georgian and Victorian engineering. Visit the café for a pit-stop or buy yourself a bag of wholemeal flour made at the Mill itself!
If you’ve heard of Dover, it’s most likely in reference to those famous white cliffs. Overlooking the English Channel, the chalk cliff faces help Dover stand out across the sea – so it’s certainly worth a visit! The work of the National Trust means visitors are lucky enough to be able to walk along the cliffs, with their wheelchair-friendly (and dog-friendly!) footpaths leading to those stunning, iconic views.
But if heights aren’t your cup of tea, then Connaught Park might be perfect for you. Opened in 1883, the thirty-acre park is ideally situated below Dover Castle, complete with tennis courts and a children’s play area! With an ornamental lake, Connaught Park also provides the perfect picnic view.
Or if you’d rather take in Dover while getting your steps in for the day, head on over to Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club – the closest course to Europe! Situated on the White Cliffs, it’s perfect for taking in stunning views of the English Channel and coast of France whilst having some friendly competition.
And to get really up and close with those sea views, of course, have a wander down Dover Beach for a swim or admire the sights from nearby cafés.
After a long day of exploring Dover’s history and natural landscapes, you’ll need somewhere to relax and rewind. So why not head to one of Dover’s many award-winning pubs? The White Horse is a less than ten-minute walk from Dover castle and lies next to the ruins of a Norman Church. Whilst the building itself dates to 1365, these days it houses traditional food, serving both tourists and locals alike.
Or if it’s a sea view you’re after, head to the Coastguard. Located in St Margaret’s Bay (only a ten-minute journey by car from Dover), it is Britain’s nearest pub to France. With an interior inspired by maritime heritage, you’ll be surrounded by the ocean and everything influenced by it.
But if you’re fancy continuing the nautical theme, head over to Cullins Yard. Situated in an old, converted shipyard within the Dover marina, the bar and brewery provide plenty of things to catch your eye while you eat and drink. They even have their own beer! It’s no wonder that the Sunday Times described it as “fascinating… Everywhere you look there is something interesting to see. The food is marvelous and the choice of beverages is amazing.”
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