More walks in Dover:
Dover has recently been recognised by Walkers are Welcome. Surrounded by stunning countryside and with a rich heritage beyond the scope of the Bluebird Trail, there are further trails and walking events you may wish to explore during your stay.
There is an annual walking festival in August – see www.whitecliffswalkingfestival.org.uk
More local walks can be found on the Ramblers Association website and walks and countryside activities are organised by White Cliffs Countryside Partnership and Up on the Downs.
The River Dour runs from near the Village of Temple Ewell through Dover to the sea and a walking route follows the river. The route is generally flat and is nearly all on pavements. It crosses a number of roads and includes some steps (which can be avoided with detours). Brown signs mark the route, and a bus service is available from Dover Town Centre to Temple Ewell. Guided walks are run from time to time and are listed by White Cliffs Countryside Partnership.
There are many places to visit in Dover as part of your visit:
Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery
Market Square, Dover
Dover’s museum, built behind the facade of the old Market Hall, has three floors of displays and artefacts telling the story of the town from Neolithic times to the present day. Its temporary exhibitions gallery shows themed exhibitions that show items from the wider museum collection. Visit the Bronze Age Boat Gallery to see the extraordinary boat excavated just a few steps away and learn about the wealth of information revealed about the people who used it during the dig.
More information…
The Roman Painted House
New Street, Dover.
The Roman Painted House, the finest Roman House on show in Britain, was discovered by Kent Archaelogical Rescue Unit in 1970. Built about AD 200 it formed part of a large mansio or official hotel, for travellers crossing the Channel. Its burial by the Roman Army resulted in the unique survival of over 400 square feet of Painted plaster, the most extensive ever found north of the Alps. In the Galleries, 30 display panels tell the story of the discovery of the Roman House and the development of Roman Dover. Some of the best objects excavated are on display.
More information…
The Town Hall (Maison Dieu and Conaught Hall)
Biggin Street, Dover
The Maison Dieu, founded in 1203, was run by monks as a resting place for pilgrims to Canterbury and a place of care for wounded and destitute soldiers and old people. The Stone Hall has (later) stained glass windows depicting key moments in Dover’s history, ancient flags and portraits of important Dover people. It was incorporated in a Victorian Gothic Revival extension, the Connaught Hall, built in the 1800’s. The beautiful concert hall with galleries, mayor’s parlour and court rooms is now used for civic occasions, events, weddings and formal dinners. Guided tours are available on specific dates. More information…
Dover Western Heights and Grand Shaft
The Western Heights, with accessible fortifications at the Drop Redoubt and the Grand Shaft – a historic military triple helix stairway, together form the largest Napoleonic fortress in Britain and were an essential base for the British Army throughout the nineteenth century. They are an excellent example of British defence from the Napoleonic period right through to the Second World War. Limited public access is available to the moats of the Drop Redoubt all year round. Special open days include access to the interior of the fortress, re-enactments, tours and displays.
More information and open days…
More information:
The following websites offer more information on places to visit and things to do in and around Dover:
www.doversociety.org.uk
www.doverhistorian.com
www.dovertransportmuseum.org.uk
www.doverwarmemorialproject.org.uk
www.stedmundschapel.co.uk
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dovercastle
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-white-cliffs-of-dover
http://www.kearsneyparks.co.uk
www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk
Facebook: dover(kent)history
Where to stay:
Dover has a wealth of lovely places to stay from Grand Victorian Hotels to cosy family run guest houses. Dover Visitor Information Centre can help you to book accommodation or you can visit www.stayindover.co.uk to see accommodation available in the town.