A Day in Dover
Inspired similarly by the white cliffs as the sailors and soldiers and countless others who see them, I had to go to Dover! Steeped with history and myth like status, the white cliffs symbolize England.
Logistics
Situated on the southeast coast, less than 20 miles from France, Dover is a perfect day trip. In fact, I would highly recommend not staying overnight as the town itself is a little rundown and a port city. I would say the city has seen better days! However, that being said, there are plenty of sights to keep you busy. I found a great suggestion on this website.
By Public Transportation
From London, there are quite a few ways and routes to get there. Leaving from three separate stations in the capital, trains head to Dover quite frequently. For the fastest service, I chose London St Pancras as it for me there in an hour! The cost is similar to other high speed trains at £33 for the ride!
Onto Dover
Because I was a wee bit lost heading into St Pancras for this train, it would be worthwhile to describe my journey! Since my train was one of the first ones leaving the station, it was important that I made that train! Sadly, because of COVID, none of the cafe or food shops were open inside the station so I couldn’t really grab food or drink ahead of my journey.
Because the train is serviced by SouthEastern, it meant that platforms 11-13 are allocated to these trains. Just don’t get confused by the other platforms as these are run by other train companies! Thankfully, I was the only person in my carriage for the hour long ride onto Dover.
Once I arrived in this bustling port city, I was surprised how tired the city felt and looked during my 10 minute walk into town. While most stores were still closed at 9am, I expected some life or at least the potential for fun! Because the town was dead, I immediately went to the castle!
Dover Castle
By taking the well marked path, it did not take me long to find Dover Castle. Because I arrived before it opened and had a busy day ahead of me, I decided not to go in but at least hoped to get some of the views! I slightly accomplished my goal, but ultimately got lost on some backroads and couldn’t find the start of the recommended trail.
Blienfort Memorial
At the first marker, I finally found the memorial to the first person to cross the Channel by airplane. Obviously, nowadays, that feat seems ordinary but I can see the big deal back then! It offered a nice break and finally put me on the trail, so I thought...
My goal was the white cliffs park, but to get there, I went down some interesting trailheads and walked alongside major roads. It was very strange!
Travel Tip: If you’re ever doing this trail, just go straight to the White Cliffs Park, it’ll be much easier!
White Cliffs of Dover
Somehow, I ended up with perfect weather for today’s hike! With clear blue skies and sunshine, i knew it would be a great day to see the white cliffs. Boy, was I right?!
From this park, there are three trails. The most important one is the viewpoint trail as it offers stunning angles of the cliffs. Because it was a Monday morning (and probably COVID), I was the only one there! Talk about lucky!
Walking Along the Cliffs
Initially, walking along and on top of the cliffs seemed like a great idea. Somehow, in my head, I thought I would always be able to see them. Alas, I was not, but there are a few fun landmarks and villages along the way!
My first stop was the lighthouse. Because of COVID, I couldn’t go inside but it provided a nice stopping point for any last views of the cliffs and Dover port together. On a sunny day, you can’t beat any of these views!
Margaret's Bay
Nestled between Dover and Deal is a small seaside village of Margaret’s Bay. With a small beach that is hard to get to, some say it is a gem because these Kent beaches get busy! I wanted to go down to the water and I thought the instructions would guide me there. After all, what is hiking without a few scenic stops! Unfortunately, I learned my mistake when I was in the middle of the town with no visible way of going down to the water. In hindsight, turn right instead of left when you get here and you’ll end up at the beach!
The Monument
Officially known to me as the halfway point, the monument was a great place to stop and catch my breath. I was pushing hard because I had to get back to London to help with the move! Luckily, the viewpoints did not stop here as I could see for miles! From the English farm fields to the white cliffs to golf courses and beaches, I could see it all! Once I saw the beaches, I knew that my end goal was near!
Beach Time!
Finally, I would stop walking on top of the cliffs! This trail dropped me off at the tiny towns of Kingsdown and Walmer, which didn’t not mean much to me other than the beaches were so lovely and quiet! Unlike our other daytrip to Whitstable, there was hardly anyone here!
My walk along the beach was very different from my walk on top of the cliffs. Instead of green fields and great views, I had waves crashing on pebble beaches!
Heading Home
From these lovely beach towns, Google Maps made it quite apparent that it would be difficult to get home because the train from Deal would arrive minutes after my train to London would depart Dover. I wanted to maximise time here and minimise time in Dover! Thankfully, I discovered a little secret after walking over an hour to the Walmer train station - the Dover bus!! By picking me up along the beach trail, I had more time at the beach and the bus was fairly empty and zipped through the countryside! After 16 miles, I was very thankful for the rest!!
The Unchartered Summary
Gazing at the white cliffs has to be a must do on any English resident! For normal people, this would end at the White Cliffs park, but I would recommend the coastal walking trail on a sunny day!
- I should have ignored the trail instructions and began my walk instantly to the white cliffs especially since I wasn’t going inside Dover castle.
- Pack a lunch! Thankfully I packed a few goodies but I wish I had a little bit more!
- Go down to the beach at Margaret’s Bay.
- If you’re doing the trail from Dover to Deal, research the train and bus times! I would recommend the bus to avoid the hour long change in Dover.