Visit White Cliffs Country - Dover, Deal and Sandwich

24/04/2025

Not long to wait until the magnificent Maison Dieu in Dover opens its doors to reveal the awesome restoration of this historic treasure...

🎉 NEWS: We are very excited to announce that the Maison Dieu Dover will be reopening its doors permanently on Saturday 10 May!

🏰 We are holding a special reopening weekend on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May where you are invited to come and see the painstaking restoration work that has taken place to bring this beautiful building back to its former glory.

🖼️ You can try out the brand new touch screen interactive displays and there will be a variety of fun activities for our younger visitors, from dressing-up, to artefact handling and mini archaeological digs.

👑 There will be costumed characters to chat to and drama, dance and music performances by community partners as well as the chance to meet the conservators and the Maison Dieu team.

Find out more about the reopening weekend here https://www.dover.gov.uk/News/Press-Releases/2025/A-Time-to-Celebrate-Dover's-Town-Hall-welcomes-you.aspx
The National Lottery Heritage Fund

16/04/2025

There's a packed programme of fantastic family events in the Dover, Deal and Sandwich area this Easter weekend. Here's a taster of What's On...

🐣 Good Friday to Easter Monday 🐣
Betteshanger Park Easter Trail
Lambing at Broadlees Farm, near Dover
Big Brick Build at Dover Castle
Medieval Easter Weekend at Sandwich Medieval Centre
Easter Eggstravaganza at Lillyroo's near Deal

🐣 Good Friday and Saturday 🐣
Farthingloe Easter Festival, near Dover

🐣 Easter Sunday 🐣
Tours of Drop Redoubt Fort and Grand Shaft Open Day, Dover's Western Heights

🐣 Easter Sunday and Monday 🐣
Crabble Corn Mill Easter Egg Hunt, River

🐣 Easter Monday 🐣
Captain's Garden Open Day, Deal

Details of all these events and more at https://www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk/whats-on
Here's wishing you a very hoppy Easter 🐰

16/04/2025

Dover's Roman Painted House is reopening for Easter.
It's free to visit this incredible site in the heart of town, which is a short walk from Dover Priory Station. Click on the link below to find out more.

The Roman Painted House is delighted to be reopening its doors to the public for the Easter Weekend - and Saturdays going forward - following its routine closure over the winter months.
It will be open 10am to 4pm on Good Friday, Saturday, Easter Sunday and Monday (18-21 April) and will then be open Saturdays until the end of September.
www.dover.gov.uk/News/Press-Releases/2025/Roman-Painted-House-Reopens-For-Easter-Weekend.aspx

16/04/2025

As heard on Radio 4's Today programme this morning, 'Echoes' is on the Dover Marina Curve.
There is parking nearby, plus cafes along the seafront and in town.

04/04/2025

😎 School's out and the sun is shining!
🐣 Happily, there’s no shortage of fun to be found in White Cliffs Country this Easter. From egg hunts and farm visits (new-born lambs!) to rallycross and exploring castles, click the link below to find out what’s on during the school holidays, plus ideas for fantastic family days out in the Dover, Deal and Sandwich area. Have a great Easter!
🐑 https://www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk/blog/family-fun-this-easter

📷 Dover Castle from Pencester Gardens, Dover

03/04/2025

With over 2000 years of English history beautifully interpreted, loads to explore inside and out, spectacular views over the town, port and Channel (on a clear day you can see France), and much more, Dover Castle is quite possibly the perfect family day out.

There's also a Big Brick Build running over the Easter holidays from 12 to 21 April when you can get creative with master builders and help to create the Pharos (the Roman lighthouse) out of LEGO®.
Book in advance online and save 15% (see below).

Our spring opening times have begun! We’ll now be open daily from 10am-5pm 🏰🌞

With warmer days ahead, it's the perfect time to explore Dover Castle. ✨

Book early & save 15% > http://bit.ly/VisitDoverCastle

02/04/2025

We all know that walking is good for your body and good for your mind, but how often do you get outdoors for a really good stomp? You'll find awesome walking routes in beautiful White Cliffs Country, including this one along the White Cliffs of Dover where you can feel the sea breeze, hear the skylarks and watch the ships go by.
Start at the National Trust White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre and head to South Foreland Lighthouse where you can fill up on tea and cake before your return journey.
Getting to the start: walk to the Visitor Centre from Dover Priory Station (follow the pinned reel on our Instagram page for directions) or drive to the Visitor Centre and park in the NT car park (open from 7am to 7pm; £6 per car, free to NT members and Blue Badge holders).
The walk takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes in total and is 3.5 miles (5.6km) long.



Image © National Trust Images-Megan Taylor

01/04/2025

If you're heading to Dover ferry terminal over the Easter holidays, why not avoid the stress of possible delays and extend your holiday to explore some of what this beautiful area of the Kent coast has to offer. Head to our website to find out more: www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk

Whatever your plans, please be aware that there may be more traffic than usual:

‼ The next two weeks are expected to be busier than usual with cross-channel traffic as schools break up and people head off on their Easter holidays.

We know this can impact residents and businesses in Dover when the town becomes congested and we understand how frustrating this can be.

We are not responsible for roads, which falls under Kent County Council and National Highways, but we work closely with the community and do all we can to offer support and advice.

We also have a dedicated page on our website where you can find up-to-date information including how traffic is being managed and links to key services in the event of disruption.
You can find the website here https://www.dover.gov.uk/Community/Emergency-Planning-CCTV/Cross-channel-traffic-disruption.aspx

27/03/2025

Just look at that sea and sky! Breathe it in...
Spring has officially arrived in White Cliffs Country - blossom in the hedgerows, warmth in the sun and birdsong everywhere. With Mother's Day this weekend, school holidays incoming and Easter on the horizon, head to our website for loads of ideas and inspiration for places to visit and things to do in the Dover, Deal and Sandwich area this spring.
Or head to this beautiful corner of the Kent coast to do absolutely nothing except admire the views. We look forward to welcoming you.
https://www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk/explore/holiday-inspiration/get-back-to-nature-this-spring

25/03/2025

Please note that the National Trust White Cliffs Visitor Centre, shop and toilets are currently closed for essential resurfacing work to the car parks. The site will reopen on Saturday 29 March at 7am.

Our car parks are now closed for resurfacing work until Saturday 29 March at 7.00 am. During this time, the entrance gate will be locked and the Visitor Centre, shops and toilets will also be closed. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
There is no alternative parking nearby. Please do not block any entrances or park on the roads near White Cliffs, as these all have restricted parking. If you wish to use the coast path, please park at the St Margaret's or Dover town centre car parks and walk to the path, which is clearly signed. More information in the link below👇

14/03/2025

A peek inside wonderful Deal Museum, which reopens soon!
Over the winter the museum has been completely reorganised with new displays, an interactive children's area and a temporary exhibition celebrating Deal's town motto 'Welcome the Stranger'.
Come along to the grand reopening on Friday 4 April from 12pm to 4pm and see the wonderful exhibits and curios for yourself. Entrance is free (donations welcome).
⚓ Deal Museum, 22 St George's Road CT14 6BA

10/03/2025

The historic and beautiful Maison Dieu in Dover is almost ready to open its doors once again. Due to open in May (exact date tbc), this magnificent building will be permanently open to the public for the first time in its 800-year history.

05/03/2025

It's an overused phrase, but Sandwich really is a hidden gem.

28/02/2025

We have some fantastic coast and countryside ideal for dog walking but we also have precious wildlife that depends on many of these special places. Please keep dogs on leads from 1 March - see below. Thank you.

Hello everyone! This is a friendly reminder that although it may not feel quite like Spring yet, from the 1st of March it is officially wildlife breeding season. As a site with Open Access, dogs must be kept on leads in all areas to avoid disturbance to wildlife. This is not just about protecting ground-nesting birds, but all of our protected wildlife. Please help us to support nature's recovery. Image: NTI1352495 ©National Trust Images/John Miller

20/02/2025

See Dover in a new light on Friday 7 March - a fantastic free event for all the family.
Find out more at https://www.maisondieudover.org.uk/events/dover-at-night-2025

14/02/2025

Half term in White Cliffs Country is packed with fun – hunt dinosaurs, explore castles, see snowdrops, watch birds, join Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels, hop on board the River Runner, and lots more.

• Take part in the Dino Hunt at Betteshanger Park (all week)
• See the History Makers at Dover Castle* (all week) and join a Signs of Spring guided walk at Walmer Castle Gardens* (15 & 20 Feb)
• Follow a snowdrop walk at Goodnestone Park Gardens (all week)
• Take part in Bird Bingo at Fort Burgoyne (21 Feb)
• Join Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels at Kent Mining Museum (all week)
• Take a trip aboard the River Runner from Sandwich to Pegwell Bay to see seals (all week, various times)
• Head to Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory for a half term workshop exploring the reserve (19 Feb)
Find out more at www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk

*English Heritage sites in the area now offer free-to-borrow sensory backpacks designed to help visitors with sensory processing needs have a more enjoyable experience. Each backpack contains tools like fidget widgets, plush toys, and ear defenders to help manage sensory input and reduce stress. Simply ask to borrow one at the ticket desk when you arrive on site.

14/02/2025

❤️ Looking for somewhere special to spend time with your favourite person? We've compiled the top 10 most romantic places in beautiful White Cliffs Country:
1 The White Cliffs of Dover – breathtaking, spectacular and awesome
2 South Foreland Lighthouse – the first lighthouse ever to shine an electric light
3 Deal Pier – the scene of many romantic strolls (and film and tv appearances)
4 Goodnestone Park Gardens – may have inspired Jane Austen who spent time here
5 Pines Gardens – nestled in St Margaret’s Bay with a view of the White Cliffs
6 Sandwich Bay – a sweeping expanse of beach with far-reaching views
7 St Peter’s Tower, Sandwich – for unrivalled views of the beautiful medieval town (photo by Daz TakesPhotos )
8 Dover Castle – home to kings and queens throughout the centuries and a prime film location (photo by Colin Menniss)
9 Walmer Castle & Gardens – with beautiful gardens to wander through
10 Kearsney Parks – Russell Gardens has the cutest covered bridges over the River Dour

💌 Find out more about these fantastic locations on our website and start planning a trip for two...❤️
White Cliffs of Dover National Trust South Foreland Lighthouse Goodnestone Park - Old Dairy Cafe & Gardens Dover Castle Walmer Castle & Gardens Kearsney Abbey & Russell Gardens St Peter's Sandwich The Pines Garden and Tea Room

07/02/2025

Taking place in Dover tomorrow, Saturday 8 February - the perfect antidote to cold, grey days...