White Cliffs of Dover & Canterbury Day Trip from London

The White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs of Dover are among the most recognisable coastlines in the world, a wall of chalk up to about 110 metres high that faces the English Channel. The chalk formed from tiny sea creatures on an ancient sea floor tens of millions of years ago, and the cliffs have been a symbol of Britain and its coastal defence for centuries. The cliffs are cared for by the National Trust, and the visitor charges are included in your booking.

We allow about two and a half hours here. You can walk along the cliff top, enjoy the wide coastal views and, on a clear day, look across the Strait of Dover towards France, only some 21 miles away. The visitor centre offers refreshments and souvenirs. If you are asking about the best time to visit the White Cliffs of Dover, a bright, calm day in spring or summer gives the finest views.

The cliff-top walk and the Kent coast

The cliff-top path is the highlight for many visitors, and it follows the edge of the chalk with sweeping views of the sea, ships in the Channel and the busy port below. The walk is on open grassland, so wear good shoes and layers, and take care near the edge. Wildflowers and seabirds are common in the warmer months.

On the journey we drive through Kent, known as the garden of England for its orchards, hop fields and rolling countryside, and your guide adds background on the region. Because Dover is the gateway between Britain and continental Europe, the area has been of military and trading importance since Roman times, and the guide explains why.

Canterbury, the walking tour and the medieval streets

Canterbury is one of England's oldest and most historic cities, and its centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church. On the guided walking tour you explore the medieval lanes, the timber-framed houses, the surviving sections of the old city wall and the River Stour, learning about the Romans, the Normans and the pilgrims who came here.

You have around two and a half hours in the city, with the walking tour, time for lunch and free time to explore. The city is compact and easy to walk, so a day trip from London to Canterbury works well. Lunch is not included, and there are plenty of cafes and lanes to choose from around the centre.

Canterbury Cathedral, an optional visit

Canterbury Cathedral is the mother church of the Anglican Communion, founded in 597 by St Augustine. It became a great place of pilgrimage after the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket inside the building in 1170, and the pilgrims' journey inspired Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. The soaring Gothic nave, the medieval stained glass and the Trinity Chapel are the highlights.

A visit to the cathedral is optional, takes about 45 minutes and is paid for separately, so you can decide on the day. Opening times change with services and events, and access can be limited at times, so check with your guide. If you prefer, you can spend the time in the streets and shops instead.