The Basics
Of all the possible ways of first sighting England, the approach from the south coast is surely the most iconic, whether by water or by air. Sparkling white cliff-faces rise sheer from the Channel, gleaming white in summer sun, streaked with grey in winter squalls, they're best seen on arrival at the port of Dover.
The cliffs these days are a focus of environmental concerns over coastal erosion, but are also one of the sources of an enterprising new English industry, as their chalky soil has turned out to be perfect for the production of quality sparkling wines.
