What is there to do in Dover?

[Ladycommonsense]

Another question as a Saga newbie, but this one isn’t actually about Saga it’s about Dover. Our first Saga cruise is rapidly approaching and it is a back to back out of Dover. We’ve never sailed out of Denver before. In fact, I think I’ve only been to the place once in my life. Can anyone give us any ideas about what might be a good thing to do on the turnaround day in Dover please.

[arlowood]

Several options in Dover itself but also the option for a day trip to Canterbury, Leeds Castle etc.

 

The link below spells out some of the things to consider.

 

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186313-Activities-Dover_Kent_England.html

[david05]

Dover Castle, especially if you are an English Heritage member when it's free entry.

[Tothesunset]

Take low expectations and a good book. 

[Harters]

6 hours ago, Tothesunset said:

Take low expectations and a good book. 

Certainly applicable if referring to the town itself which has very little going for it (apart from the Castle). I'd also suggest Canterbury -  train will take about 30 minutes. 

[John Bull]

9 hours ago, Tothesunset said:

Take low expectations and a good book. 

 

Well, that would be a spectacular waste of a day.🙄

 

Yes, it's a ferry port, with hundreds of trucks passing thro & little of interest in the town.

But high on the White Cliffs, overlooking the town and with France visible to the naked eye, Dover Castle has a long - very long - history of warfare from the 12th century to World War 11.

The first stone castle started by William the Conqueror in 1066, even before he was crowned. And that on the site of a Roman lighthouse, medieval defence tunnels, and a Saxon church - all of which survive and were incorporated into the castle grounds. A classic Norman keep, original outer & curtain walls, various museums in the castle outbuildings & former soldiers' barracks.

Some of the castle's WW11 armaments, and a warren of tunnels incorporating a hospital and a command centre for "hellfire corner" and for Operation Dynamo - the evacuation of the cream of the British army from the beaches of Dunkerque.

A very full day.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castle/

 

Or a 30-minute train ride to Canterbury (under £12 round-trip) and its historic lanes and magnificent cathedral.

https://www.canterbury.co.uk/

 

Slightly more difficult (needs 2 trains to Maidstone and a 6-mile taxi ride) Leeds Castle. The classic kind of moated castle that Brit kids would draw versus the Cinderella castle that US kids would draw.

https://leeds-castle.com/

 

Mebbe fit in a 5-mile taxi ride to the RAF Battle of Britain monument on the clifftop at Capel le Ferne (more views of France)

https://www.battleofbritainmemorial.org/

 

Or stay on the ship and read about those places. 🙄

 

JB 🙂

Edited July 25, 2023 by John Bull

[Meander Ingwa]

totally agree that the castle would be a good use of time, along with lunch or tea at a local place.  If the weather was fine and I was feeling well, I would walk the costal path to the south foreland lighthouse as well.  If it is April or early May and you are a wildflower fan, Samphire Hoe has exceptional wild orchids.

[Langoustine]

Many years ago my wife and I spent a day and a night in Dover after crossing the Channel on a ferry and found it well worth the time. Exploring the castle took most of the day, and the next day we moved on to Canterbury and then London.

[saltshell]

Anyone gone to Sandwich from Dover?

[John Bull]

5 hours ago, saltshell said:

Anyone gone to Sandwich from Dover?

 

 

There's an hourly direct train service from Dover Priory station (1.5 miles from cruise terminal) to Sandwich train station.

Journey time under 30 minutes, fare £8.90.

The Royal St George Golf Club is 2 miles from Sandwich station (I can't think of any other reason to go to Sandwich 😏)

https://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/

 

JB 🙂

 

[Harters]

12 hours ago, John Bull said:

I can't think of any other reason to go to Sandwich

Nice little town, with a couple of very decent pubs.

 

And very near to the village of Ham (as the often stolen road sign confirms)

 

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-ham-sandwich-sign

 

Whilst the Castle's  role during WW2 is often mentioned, the part it played in  the Great War is largely forgotten, even though it was then a garrison of 10,000 soldiers tasked with helping to repel invasion should it have happened. 

 

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castle/things-to-do/fire-command-post/

Edited July 26, 2023 by Harters

[John Bull]

1 hour ago, Harters said:

Nice little town, with a couple of very decent pubs.

 

And very near to the village of Ham (as the often stolen road sign confirms)

 

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-ham-sandwich-sign

 

Whilst the Castle's  role during WW2 is often mentioned, the part it played in  the Great War is largely forgotten, even though it was then a garrison of 10,000 soldiers tasked with helping to repel invasion should it have happened. 

 

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castle/things-to-do/fire-command-post/

 

 

My money's on saltshell coming back to say it's the golf.

I'm presuming you reckon its cos its a nice little town with a castle & two pubs serving nice sandwiches..

If it turns out to be a friend there or family history, bets are void.😏

Agreed? 🙂

 

JB 🙂

[Harters]

Agreed. Winner gets a Ham Sandwich. 

 

It's a nice part of the world. Last time we were on t'other side, visiting the battlefields in Belgium, we tacked on an extra couple of days to nosy round that part of Kent (and have a Michelin starred dinner in Seasalter)

[saltshell]

Just interested in Sandwich because of the proximity to Dover. Have been to Canterbury and it's nice; just thought I'd try something new. No to golf.

[Harters]

JB - I claim my Ham Sandwich (with mustard, of course) 😀

[gumshoe958]

2 hours ago, saltshell said:

Just interested in Sandwich because of the proximity to Dover. Have been to Canterbury and it's nice; just thought I'd try something new. No to golf.

You could try Deal, a very attractive little seaside town with a castle that’s open to the public. Closer to Dover than Sandwich, on the same train line.

[John Bull]

3 hours ago, saltshell said:

Just interested in Sandwich because of the proximity to Dover. Have been to Canterbury and it's nice; just thought I'd try something new. No to golf.

 

45 minutes ago, Harters said:

JB - I claim my Ham Sandwich (with mustard, of course) 😀

 

 

Dammit, saltshell, you've cost me a sandwich.😮

 

But mustard wasn't on the signpost so it's not included in the wager.

I'll buy the sandwich tomorrow, Harters, & mail it second-class early next week.

You should get it the following weekend or a few days after.

Enjoy 😋

 

JB 🙂