White Cliffs Of Dover

There is more for people to see here than you might think. The Gateway to the White Cliffs visitor centre has amazing views over the historic landmark and introduces the visitor to five miles of coast and countryside through imaginative displays and exhibits. Much of the chalk downland along the cliff tops is Heritage Coast, home to rare and interesting plants and animals. The visitor centre is also an excellent place for watching the world's busiest shipping lanes.

Dover Museum

The ground-floor exhibitions at the museum trace Dover's history, from the Stone Age to the Saxons, and include Britain's earliest shipwreck, the building of Dover's Roman forts and Saxon jewellery from the collections of the British Museum.

The first floor is devoted to a special exhibition about Victorian Dover.

On the top-floor gallery six scale models clearly show the growing town and port of Dover since medieval times, surrounded by cases of the best of the museum's collections. A central information desk gives guidance and information to visitors who want to know more about Dover's past.

The newly opened Dover Bronze Age Boat Gallery displays the Dover Boat – the world's oldest known seagoing boat.

Dover Castle

Today, visitors can enjoy the castle's wealth of history through a range of exhibitions designed to take people back in time. Bringing history to life at the site are the reconstruction and exhibition of Henry VIII's visit in 1539; the 1216 siege experience; the Princess's of Wales Royal Regiment Museum and the Roman Pharos and Saxon church. You can also take one of the inclusive tours of the Secret Wartime Tunnels.

National Maritime Museum

Dive into the biggest Maritime Museum in the world and delve into the past, present and future of the sea. Highlights include Nelson's bullet-pierced coat and original paintings and instruments from Captain Cook's voyages. Reach for the stars at the Royal Observatory and stand across the Prime Meridian line - then discover the Museum’s art collection at the 17th-century Queen’s House and come face-to-face with fascinating characters from history.

Tenterden Vineyard Park

Given that the White Cliffs of Dover are made of the same chalk that gives champagne its distinct character, this area is making a name for itself in sparkling wine production.

Tenterden is the largest producer of English sparkling wine and one of the top two English Vineyards.

Those wishing to visit the winery and discover more about the wine-making process should join a guided tour. These run daily throughout the summer season (Easter to the end of October) and last up to an hour, during which time an experienced guide will explain some of the secrets of their red, white and sparkling wine production.

To complete the experience, guided tours include a free tasting from a selection of Tenterden and Chapel Down Wines.  There is also a wine gift shop and events.

Beachy Head

Like the White Cliffs of Dover, the chalk at Beachy Head was formed in the Cretaceous period when the area was under the sea, 65 million years ago. Since then, earth movements have raised the chalk up to form the dramatic cliffs of the Sussex coast.

The main reason for Beachy Head's popularity is the wonderful panoramic views from the clifftop. If you look east you see the beaches and town of Eastbourne, the Pier and the Harbour, and then on to Pevensey Bay and Hastings - and, on an exceptionally clear day, Dungeness in Kent, nearly 40 miles away.

It is also a haven for those who like to walk or cycle, and a great place for hang-gliding, mountain boarding, or for the rather less extreme sport of kite-flying.