Dover Kent: Visit The White Cliffs Of Dover

Posted by Trevor Johnson

February 9, 2010

by Frederick Hoymer

The town of Dover Kent is in Kent county in the South East end of England. It is right on the narrow area of the English Channel and is across from France. Dover is a major ferry port that goes to France through the Port of Dover. The cliffs along the channel are the famous White cliffs of Dover made famous in story in song.

There is evidence that the town has been in existence from the time of the Stone Age. Many archaeological finds are from the Bronze Age and show it was a port even then. The town was part of a great communication hub developed by the Romans and you can still see some of the lighthouse forts that the Romans built in order to guide ships along the rocky shores. This area has always been an area of importance to all of Britain. It is protected because of the cliffs and high valley and was impossible to take by invaders.

The Straits of Dover is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the entire world. Lanes have been set up so that ships and ferries can safely pass through going both ways. This is all controlled by the Maritime and Coastguard of HM Customs in town. You will also see cruise ships in the straits.

Down through history many people have tried to swim the English Channel and this is the place they either began that swim or ended it if they made it. The narrow area of water between France and England make it a better shot than anywhere else on the Channel. You can find the Dover Sole, a fish that many fishermen try to catch from the channel or from the beach or pier.

Dover Castle is a great point of interest in the city. It was built during the 12th century and is a Norman style castle. The evacuation of Dunkirk was executed from the castle planned by Churchill and Lord Ramsey. Inside is the Underground Hospital utilized during the war in 1216 when the French tried to invade Dover unsuccessfully. Henry the VIII would be proud of the exhibit in the castle dedicated to his time period. On the castle grounds is a beautiful little church in Anglo Saxon style and next to it is one of those old Roman lighthouses that guided Roman vessels to the port.

In 1812 there were several different mills built to make grain to serve the English troupes that protected the town from the invasion led by Napoleon. The Crabble Corn Mill is the one that survived and is now a museum and working mill. All the mills were powered by water and once steam power became popular they faded out and were no longer used. You can take a tour of the mill and learn the history of that era and then go have a cup of tea in the tea room.

Dover Museum is worth a visit with original pictures of the growth of the town and many artifacts. There is the Bronze Age Boat Gallery that has the oldest vessel known. Another museum is the Roman Painted House which was a hotel with beautiful wall paintings and just as the Romans heated their buildings in Rome with under the floor heating this building was heated in the same manner. Also see the Dover Transport Museum that features all types of vehicles that have ever existed.

You can always take a walk through Goodnestone Park Gardens and see the several species of plants and trees in a manicured garden. There are boat site seeing trips that allow you to see the White Cliffs of Dover from the water and they are magnificent. You can hike on several trails that go through scenic areas of town. Shopping for antiques or things brand new is a popular past time town and when you get hungry be sure to try some of the restaurants in town. This area will give you a great couple days of site seeing opportunities so if you are traveling nearby make it one of your stops.

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