Things to do in

Dover

Step into the vibrant world of Henry II’s medieval royal palace and follow lifelike hologram figures round the private chambers, guest rooms, and great hall, along with the kitchen and armories. After immersing yourself in life at the 12th-century court, climb to the roof of the Great Tower for amazing panoramic views over the huge medieval castle, which was one of the strongest in England. Enjoy the unique experience of the secret wartime tunnels, telling the story of the 1940 Miracle of Dunkirk using film, audio, and archive photography. Witness the evacuation of over 300,000 British and allied troops as the rescue operation is played out before your eyes.

On this full-day excursion from London, your first stop will be the historic cathedral city of Canterbury. There’s plenty to see in Canterbury, including the Cathedral, St. Martin’s Church and St. Augustine’s Abbey. Pilgrims have made their way to Canterbury Cathedral since the Middle Ages, and it remains popular today with visitors from around the world. You’ll travel on to the coast to see the White Cliffs of Dover, one of the country’s most spectacular natural features. An icon of Britain, the White Cliffs have been a sign of hope and freedom for centuries. Take a walk along the clifftops and look out over the busy English Channel. On a clear day you’ll be able to see across to France. Just a short drive up the road from the White Cliffs of Dover is Dover Castle, one of the largest castles in the country, strategically placed at the shortest crossing point to continental Europe. The castle has played a prominent role in Britain’s history, and dates back to the Iron Age. A Roman lighthouse and Anglo-Saxon church still stand within the grounds. Admission to the castle is included in the tour and you’ll also have some free time to explore the grounds.

Escape the bustle of London on a full-day sightseeing tour of the English countryside. You will head to the Garden of England, with visits to Kent’s Leeds Castle, the White Cliffs of Dover, and Canterbury Cathedral. The journey takes you over the Greenwich Meridian and past the London district that is home to the famous Cutty Sark tea clipper, and the Royal Observatory. Then see Leeds Castle, described by Lord Conway as “the loveliest castle in the world.” Set in the middle of a lake, and surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens, enter the castle before the doors open to the public, and experience its magic in an atmosphere of still tranquility. Have time to explore the castle grounds and find the Lady Baillie Garden, with views over the lake. Next, make your way to Canterbury and visit the historic Canterbury Cathedral. The most important Anglican church in the world, the central Bell Harry Tower dates back to 1498, and the crypt is from the 11th-Century. Your guide will tell the story of the shocking murder of Archbishop Thomas Beckett in 1170, and there will also be time to explore the narrow streets of Canterbury, with an opportunity to stop for lunch. Continue your tour through the picturesque landscape of Kent, dotted with unusual buildings and quaint villages. Arrive at Dover, to see the famous White Cliffs, standing 400 feet above sea level. Brooding above the cliffs is the sprawling Dover Castle, still watching over the town after 800 years.

Discover the beauty of Kent on this day trip from London. Travel aboard a comfortable and airconditioned coach to admire the White Cliffs of Dover. Follow your guide on a walking tour of Canterbury to uncover the city's fascinating history. Depart London on a full-day tour to explore the southern county of Kent, known as the garden of England.  Continue to the White Cliffs of Dover, with time to enjoy a coastal breathtaking walk or simply take in the coastal views. On a clear day, see magnificent views of the English Channel and even France. Enjoy an hour of free-time to marvel at the beauty of the White Cliffs. The visitor center offers an opportunity to get refreshments and souvenirs. Then choose to spend longer at the Cliffs, or visit Dover Castle, one of the most impressive castles in England. Continue to the historic city of Canterbury, where your guide will introduce you to the city with an informative walking tour. Wander among the ancient buildings and charming streets of this picturesque city.  Take some free time to visit Canterbury Cathedral if you wish, or spend longer exploring this magnificent historic city. Spend 2.5 hours in Canterbury, with time for lunch, a walking tour, a cathedral visit, and time to explore. Arrive back in London in the early evening

Described as 'the loveliest castle in the world' by Lord Conway, Leeds Castle sits on 500 acres of landscaped parkland across two idyllic islands, deep in the heart of the magnificent Kent countryside. Early arrival and visit Leeds Castle, where Henry VIII retreated to escape the plague that was raging in London during his reign. Upon arrival at Leeds Castle you will be greeted by your guide. Discover the history behind this magical castle and experience life how Henry VIII would have! Next up, embark on a visit to Canterbury Cathedral, the scene of Archbishop Thomas Becket’s gruesome murder in 1170. Learn the intriguing history behind this captivating masterpiece of medieval architecture. Marvel at the cathedral’s spectacular stained glass windows, many of which have survived from the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Then, tantalize your taste buds with a traditional two-course meal. Visit the gateway to England and admire the famous White Cliffs of Dover, with a photo stop on the stunning stretch of coastline that faces continental Europe. You'll also see Dover Castle, a commanding medieval fortress rising over the English Channel and a key film location in 'The Other Boleyn Girl'. Then, head to Greenwich to see the Old Royal Naval College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, as well as the Royal Observatory and world–famous Cutty Sark, a fascinating 19th–century clipper ship. Get a fresh perspective on London’s attractions with a boat ride on the River Thames, from Greenwich to Embankment Pier. You'll pass Tower Bridge and stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral along the way.

Meet your friendly and local driver-guide at the Brighton pick-up point. This ancient landscape is characterized by the rolling chalk hills, created over thousands of years by farmers grazing their animals.  Stop at the eerily named Devil's Dyke with views of up to 30 miles across the lowland Weald. Learn how this landscape was created and see the unique Devil's Dyke, the largest dry valley in the UK. Head to Middle Farm, a traditional Sussex farm that has been in the same family for over 200 years, offering the largest selection of Sussex produce in its farm shop. Stop for 30 minutes to have a good look around and grab a snack. Continue to the Seven Sisters Country Park and the white cliffs, passing through old country lanes to see the mysterious and ancient Longman of Wilmington, a huge Neolithic carving on the side of the Downs. Walk to the top of England's highest chalk cliff, measuring 530 feet. Stop at Seaford Head for the iconic view of The Seven Sisters.  Before returning to Brighton, stop in the village of Rottingdean. Stroll through the gardens of Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book, before transferring back to the city center, arriving back in Brighton at 5:00 PM.

You’ll depart from London in the morning on a drive to Leeds Castle, the former royal residence of 6 of England's medieval queens. The palace was transformed by Henry VIII, and became a retreat for the rich and powerful. Begin with a private viewing prior to the castle opening to the public. Explore the chapel, galleries, courtyards, and the banqueting hall. Afterwards, you’ll see the grounds that are home to wildfowl, black swans, and birds in the aviary. Next on your full-day tour is a scenic drive along the old coastal road to the famous white cliffs of Dover. Admire the historic port and its magnificent 12th-century castle. On a clear day there are views of France across the English Channel. After your Dover visit, experience the ancient city of Canterbury, the center of Christian worship for almost 1,700 years. Tour its greatest treasure, the Canterbury Cathedral, probably best known as the site of the brutal murder of Thomas Becket in 1170. After touring the cathedral you’ll have free time to explore Canterbury. Take a walking tour through Greenwich, which boasts exquisite parks and gardens. See the famous Cutty Sark, the fastest sailing ship of its time. As evening approaches, you’ll enjoy an exclusive Thames River cruise. Cruise back to the center of London, sailing past historic sites, including the Tower of London, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.

Your driver or assistant will meet you at your accommodation, holding a sign with the lead traveler's name on it. The driver will then assist you with your luggage, loading it into the vehicle. The vehicle used is no more than 3 years old. Sufficient time will be allowed for any traffic delays, ensuring that you arrive on time.  Enjoy the English countryside as you travel to the cruise port. The driver will once more assist you with your luggage and bid you farewell as you board the cruise ship.

Enjoy a full-day tour from London to Canterbury, Dover Cliffs, and Castle, and Kent Villages, with your expert guides. Departing central London take a scenic, guided drive through quintessentially English countryside, visiting towns and cities with huge historical importance. Discover for yourself why Kent is known as the "Garden of England". Visit Greenwich where GMT began and the home to the Prime Meridian Line. See where the eastern and western hemispheres meet, and the Greenwich Observatory where the world was divided into coordinates and time zones. See the Cutty Sark, a world-famous 19th-century tea clipper sailing ship. Enjoy views of Royal Greenwich Park and the Royal Naval College. Venturing deeper into the Kent countryside, through hop fields, orchards, and Oast houses, head towards Dover for views of the English channe. Admire the sight of the impressive white chalk cliffs guarding the coastline, and on a clear day, you may be able to see all the way to France. Head up the cliffs to the imposing Dover Castle and its network of tunnels that were instrumental as a military command centre and an underground hospital in WWII. Onward, to Canterbury, with an en-route stop in Chilham, a charming, quintessentially English village centered around a square with half-timbered buildings and a 15th-century pub. Canterbury is famous of course for its cathedral which is the Mother Church for English Christianity, and home to Royal tombs and more. Your guide will offer an optional (free) walking tour to show you some of its hidden secrets and passageways. Take a few hours to explore Canterbury on your own. Perhaps you might like to venture into the Cathedral or soak up the atmosphere of this modern and vibrant city with its important historical past. On the way out of Canterbury, drive past the old Roman walls. Then it's time to head back to London on a relaxing journey after a day of exploration.

Get a range of benefits with a 9-day or 16-day single or family English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass, offering free entry to more than 100 stately homes, castles, prehistoric remains and gardens the length and breadth of England. Only available to non-UK residents, the great value pass will save you money even if you only visit 2 or 3 attractions, making a 9-day pass suitable for a weekend break. You can visit as many English Heritage attractions as you like, and come back as many times as you want to. But the more places you visit, the more money you save! Plan your vacation with the help of our overseas visitor Guidebook. The English Heritage website will also help you plan your visit before you travel. Once you have decided which attractions to explore, there is no need to get your money out at every attraction, and no need to keep track of your spending. The monuments bring the story of England to life, and have all been selected for their historic significance. Located in some of the most beautiful settings in England, they include mighty castles, tranquil monastic ruins, pleasant gardens and grand stately homes. Many host special events throughout the year, and your pass also gives you free or reduced price entry. You might even come face-to-face with a knight in shining armor. All sites have reduced opening times during the winter months (October to March). Detailed information available after booking. The full list of places you can access with your pass is as follows: In London: Apsley HouseChiswick HouseEltham Palace and GardensJewel TowerMarble Hill HouseRanger’s House - The Wernher CollectionWellington ArchIn the South East: 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & BattlefieldBayham Old AbbeyCarisbrooke CastleDeal CastleDover CastleFort Brockhurst (as part of a pre-booked group)Home of Charles Darwin (Down House)Lullingstone Roman VillaMedieval Merchant’s HouseOsborne HousePevensey CastlePortchester CastleRichborough Roman FortRochester CastleSt Augustine’s AbbeyWalmer Castle & GardensYarmouth CastleIn the South West: Berry Pomeroy CastleChysauster Ancient VillageCleeve AbbeyDartmouth CastleFarleigh Hungerford CastleHailes AbbeyLaunceston CastleMuchelney AbbeyOkehampton CastleOld SarumOld Wardour CastlePendennis CastlePortland CastleRestormel CastleSt Mawes CastleSherborne Old CastleStonehengeTintagel CastleTotnes Castle In the East of England: Audley End House & GardensBerney Arms Windmill (as part of a pre-booked group)Castle Acre PrioryDenny Abbey and the Farmland MuseumGreat Yarmouth Row Houses and Greyfriars’ CloisterGrime’s GravesFramlingham CastleOrford CastleSaxtead Green Post MillTilbury FortWrest Park In the East Midlands: Ashby de la Zouch CastleBolsover CastleHardwick Old HallKirby HallKirby Muxloe CastleLyddington Bede HousePeveril CastleSibsey Trader WindmillLincoln Medieval Bishops’ PalaceRushton Triangular LodgeIn the West Midlands: Boscobel House and the Royal OakBuildwas AbbeyGoodrich CastleHaughmond AbbeyKenilworth Castle and Elizabethan GardenStokesay CastleWenlock PrioryWitley Court and GardensWroxeter Roman CityIn Yorkshire: Aldborough Roman SiteBrodsworth Hall and GardensByland AbbeyClifford's TowerHelmsley CastleKirkham PrioryMiddleham CastleMount Grace PrioryPickering CastleRichmond CastleRievaulx AbbeyRoche AbbeySt Peter's ChurchScarborough CastleThornton Abbey and GatehouseWhitby AbbeyYork Cold War Bunker (pre-booked visits only)In the North West: Beeston Castle and Woodland ParkBrougham CastleCarlisle CastleFurness AbbeyLanercost PrioryStott Park Bobbin MillAt Hadrian's Wall: Birdoswald Roman FortChesters Roman FortCorbridge Roman TownHousesteads Roman FortIn the North East: Aydon CastleBarnard CastleBerwick-Upon-Tweed-BarracksBelsay Hall, Castle and GardensBrinkburn PrioryDunstanburgh CastleEtal CastleLindisfarne PrioryPrudhoe CastleTynemouth Priory and CastleWarkworth Castle