Dover Port to London Shore Excursions feat. Canterbury Cathedral, White Cliffs of Dover and Fan Bay Deep Shelter

The choices and diversity of the places of interest in Southern east England are simply irresistible. If you are a very first time visitor to England; White Cliffs of Dover, Fan Bay Deep Shelter, Dover Castle, Canterbury City, Leeds Castle, Rochester, Battle Town, Birling Gap, Seven Sisters, Brighton and of course the capital of all empires, London would be the perfect choices with their landmarks for today. You name it! I can gladly tailor your program for you.

Please note, my shore excursion's route can be reversible and it's fully customizable based on your interests and wishes. Therefore our program can also start in London. Whether you're a first time or returned visitor, we have plenty of jewels in our heritage that will make your day the most memorable one. Depending on our departure time from Port Dover, generally, our first stop would be Canterbury City - White Cliffs of Dover and/or Dover Castle. Let me introduce the stops one by one.

If you arrive at 7 am, we can hit London first as we can dedicate the morning slot for this non-stop journey. By the time we arrive in London, we should have the chance to see and visit the important landmarks of London which you will read all about in my photo gallery. If we start our journey by 8 am, we can begin with a brief walking tour in White Cliffs of Dover to see nature or we can proceed to beautiful Canterbury.

Welcome to England. Our Dover shore excursion is designed for the cruise passengers who wish to explore the marvels of English heritage during their stay in Dover Port. Passengers who wish to be connected to London or London Heathrow Airport can also pick this tour. I am ready to take you to the most iconic and popular landmarks of the English heritage. Being a travel planner, advisor and of course, a driver guide, I shall tailor this program depending on your travel slot and personal interest.

There is also another marvel in Southeast England you may wish to visit. You can gladly combine this marvel after you return from London. I'm talking about Leeds Castle. "The Loveliest Castle in the World"! If the sentence is that assertive, I think we should also focus on this marvel in our heritage. Indeed, Leeds Castle is very pretty and charming. It carries all English characteristics and culture itself. It's one of my favourite destinations too.

It's an obvious fact that the history of the castles mainly goes back to the time of Normans. Leeds Castle has existed since 1119. The second era of Leeds Castle goes back King Edward I's reign that's about latest 1200s and as you probably guess, Leeds Castle has always been a pleasure palace of Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon in the 16th century. King never travelled at night. Therefore Leeds Castle was a connection hub on his route to Canterbury.

The minute you enter through the visitors' centre, it's not a big deal to walk to the castle but there is a tram service at a small rate that makes your journey even fancier. If Henry VIII could find out this lovely shuttle, he could use it. I will briefly mention the history of Leeds Castle up to the Tudor Dynasty and some important events in the past during our visit. A notable beauty of the Castle is probably the moat around it which was created by King Edward-I we believe.

If we start our day at 9 am, then London would be very limited unless your cruise departs very late from Port Dover. Otherwise, I would strongly advise you to get the full enjoyment of the local areas that Southern England offers for our visitors. I would be very pleased to offer some brilliant options that we can plan together here in this part of our English Heritage. I would be more than happy to tailor your destination to maximize the joy of your day.

The White Cliffs of Dover are truly one of the most famous English landmarks. These distinctive cliffs have been a welcoming site for returning sailors through the many centuries. It would be an excellent experience to step in this magnificent coastal site overlooking the English Channel, with excellent photo spots and, yes, on a clear day you can see French shores. Just imagine how this channel has been used by many civilizations during its era. It's breath-taking.

The White Cliffs of Dover offer more than nature but is also the site of historical importance. You have 3 options depending on our allocated time, personal interests, your physical conditions and also your mood. What does all that mean? Please view my photo gallery so that I explain as much as I can. The white chalk is the symbol of wartime defence with stunning views as well as a wealth of wildlife.

Our first option is a short walk. Whether the visitor centre is open or not and if you wish to see our greatest landmark, we can visit our magnificent cliffs to see the general view and wildlife. As long as there will be daylight, this could be at any time of the day. This option requires at least 30 to 45 minutes to explore the region. We surely can extend our time if required. The surface may not be wheelchair friendly but the Visitor Centre offers great facilities which open by 9 am.

Our second option is a long walk. Like the short walk option, we have this long walk in order to reach the South Foreland lighthouse and the tea room on the other side of the national park. This walk requires at least 100 minutes and it also requires another 100 minutes to return to the visitors centre or I can bring the car to the tea room to pick you up at the end of your journey. A prize at the end of our journey could be freshly ground coffee or a traditional English tea with delicious cakes.

The tour is for small groups and if you are more than 5 people, the reservation would be a very good idea. It costs 10 GBP per person and only cash will be accepted. Alternatively, you can pay by your card in the visitor's centre as long as the centre is open. If you are suffering claustrophobia, I don't advise this tour as the tunnels sometimes can be narrow. Only the Trust's licenced guides can guide in the tunnels and the minimum age for this attraction is now 8.

After briefing about the strategical importance of the tunnels as well as the history, we will follow our private and authorized National Trust guide by descending the stairs to the ground. Every tunnel leads us to strategically important units. We will have the chance to see the deep infirmary, smoking rooms, waiting areas, sleeping rooms everything goes back to 1940 & 41. They are all remains of forgotten defences. It's just the timeline tour where the time freezes hidden underground.

It surely is not compulsory to join this tour and the rest of the people can stay on the benches at the entrance of the shelter or they can wait in the visitor's centre. Again, this is a hard-hat descent, lit by handheld and head torches. It is generally described as "an adventure in a dark and wet environment, and is not suitable for those who are claustrophobic or unsteady." But the traces in the tunnel during WWII are impeccable. Please continue to read.

Our most demanded and fancy option is visiting Fan Bay Deep Shelter. After 3000 hours of work, the hidden war tunnels of shelter opened its doors to visitors from all over the world in 2015. Churchill's War Tunnels require a reasonable level of fitness and mobility to complete a tour of Fan Bay. There is no level access to the tunnels with 125 steep steps both in and out of the tunnel complex. The complete tour takes about an hour. Proper walking shoes are required. No WC facilities are available.

During the tour, we will even have the chance to see wonderful fossils on the walls. If you are a natural history lover like me, this place is a shrine I must say. It's an amazing experience. Our guide will explain the unpleasant conditions of the tunnel, the humid, ventilation, heating and logistic problems that soldiers were faced. Also, we will have the chance to encounter some daily artefacts from WWII times. You can see and feel all those problems during the tour.

Fan Bay Deep Shelter tour is not 100% underground tour itself. There are some outdoor sessions on the tour. For instance, the two sound mirrors across the English Channel were used predicting the direction of German bomber planes. The gun battery skeleton record plans, as well as the map of the tunnels, tell about all strategical importance of this complex. Can you imagine how many miles can English 2 x 15-inch guns hit German gun batteries? Outstanding!

Despite the importance and popularity of this lovely attraction, unfortunately, it is closed during the winter period. Generally, it opens by the end of March and closes by late October every year. Please make sure about the date of your travel if you wish to participate in this attraction. This year, Captain Arthur Lionel Strange who is the commander of the gun battery will greet the visitors on some selected days. I have the dates, just get in touch with me, please.

Bottom line, this experience is a 'must' for anyone with an interest in The Second World War or the history of Dover. You will certainly love this experience. Make sure to check the operation days of the tunnel. On some dates, the tunnels may be closed during the season. Please ask me for the dates. For the visitors wish to see London, this experience allocates a big quantity of the time. Therefore, the day must be carefully planned.

If you like castles and their history, another lovely attraction in Dover could be Dover Castle. Dover Castle is one of the largest castles in England, proudly standing on top of the White Cliffs, overlooking the busy port of Dover. The castle guards the shortest crossing point to continental Europe. It is only 21 miles (34 km) between Dover and France. It has a great role in guarding Britain against invaders and any kind of menace throughout history.

1066 is such an important era of our nation as William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings. He immediately wanted to secure the new land with castles and defence points. Dover Castle is one of the marvels of his era but the history of the castle is deeper than you think. Like every castle, his successors added their styles and additions during their reign.

Dover was a prime example of the Norman king's strategy, set in a strategically important position on a rise overlooking the straits of Dover and near the vital ancient road to Canterbury which I may take you as a next stop. The site of Dover castle had already caught the eye of previous builders and had been used from the Iron Age as a fort, by the Romans in the 1st century CE as the location of a lighthouse, and there was a Saxon church of Saint Mary there, built c. 1000 CE.

The castle was built quickly and probably consisted of a wall enclosed tower made from wood with earthworks, but it was needed almost immediately when William's former ally, Eustace of Boulogne, attacked it in 1067 CE. The castle withstood its first test admirably and Eustace fled the country. Most of William's earthworks and wooden defences have now been lost or built over.

What can be seen today largely dates to the 12th century CE and the long reign of his grandson Henry II (1154-1189 CE). I will mention the whole family tree of our kings and queens during our tour so that you can imagine who is who and what they did so far. From around 1170 CE to the late 1180's CE Henry II added important new features, transforming the castle by adding the inner ward (aka bailey or courtyard) with its massive stone keep and a towered curtain wall.

During the tour, we may gladly join some interactive activities that all run by English Heritage members. Like Fan Bay Deep Shelter, we may enjoy visiting the underground hospital and medieval tunnels in the castle. Great Tower has also wonderful live performances throughout the year. Dover Castle is one of the great attractions in Dover to feel a deep-seated English culture.

Upon arrival in Canterbury, Westgate Towers will greet us. This is where we park our car. Charming Westgate gardens would be a very good start and gives the first impression of this my favourite lovely town. Along the High Street, I shall take you to Canterbury Cathedral, because Canterbury is one of the most important religious centres in England. Canterbury was a prime destination over the centuries and I will show you the trace of that title in the town.

Our next stop could be Canterbury City which is only 25 minutes away from Dover. If you wish to visit another important history spot, I may suggest my 1066 Battle of Hastings tour where you can also check its narrative photo album. I can combine that tour with this Dover shore excursion. After a short ride I shall take you to beautiful Canterbury with its famous tales and of course with its magnificent Cathedral.

As we walk towards the Cathedral, you will notice the richness of history and architecture, especially after WWII. Buttermarket is an ancient market in the town where you can also see the trace of the pilgrimage role of this town. I will explain why it is so before we enter the cathedral. Meanwhile, it's good to know that Canterbury Cathedral is the oldest Cathedral in England. Archbishop of Canterbury has always a significant status in England at all times.

Canterbury Cathedral was an important Roman Catholic Church before it turns into the headquarters of Anglican Church. I will mention the tumultuous history of Britain during the Tudor dynasty that leads hard times in the history and Canterbury Cathedral has a very important religious background. Well, all roads lead to Henry VIII's reign but before I mention our large king, I would like to take you a very important spot first.

By the time we enter the cathedral, you can get a shot of the Gothic structure of this masterpiece. Fine stonework and high & light architecture are so opulent. Fan vaulting you will admire as well as the statues of six English kings in 15th-century choir in this cathedral. This is where the cathedral divided into two main sections. One of the public, the other one for the monks whereas of today we gladly can pass.

This is where the cathedral's status changed on 29th of December 1170. That was the day that the knights of Henry II murdered his friend Archbishop Thomas Beckett while he was praying right at this spot. Why? I'll tell you all about this during our tour. Since then, with the acclamation of the Pope, this holy place turns into a pilgrimage spot and the importance of the cathedral was getting higher and higher in time. Up to when? Aha! That's an important point. Just keep following me.

If you enjoy urban life then I would suggest Venice alike boating experience throughout the channels of Stour River. The ride will take you to the fancy streets of Canterbury and shows the other side of the town where you can't reach by walking. Both experiences are amazing and totally different from each other. This is why I advise you to pick based on your interest and focus: Nature life vs city life.

I am pretty sure many people are very much looking forward to seeing London and highlights of London. No problem. Our journey from Dover Port to Buckingham Palace let's say will take about 2 or 2,5 hours with the city traffic. Plus a return journey will take about almost the same time slot. Therefore, we are talking about approximately 5 hours drive just for transportation. To make sure your comfort and safety, I use larger MPVs and vans for this long journey.

Presumably, you could guess if you join all those activities there is not much time left for London attractions. Plus, if you are a literary person, Rochester is also another destination that you will love to discover. One of Rochester's most famous connections is that with Charles Dickens. His family moved to Chatham when he was five years of age. Rochester Cathedral is one of the important landmarks in Southern east England. I am also ready to take you there.

In the Stuarts time especially during the Civil War things were out of control during Charles I's reign and the Castle was lucky enough to survive. Why? I will mention the consequences between the Parliamentarians and Royalists at that time. It was the time that we nearly were losing Windsor Castle. Here at this point we also need to talk about the restoration period during Charles II reign. From that point onwards, the Castle's US connections start.

By the time you enter the castle, you will realize French touches and styles in every corner. The reason for this is because of the owner of the castle Lady Baillie worked with French architects and designers that they both made significant alterations inside and outside of the Castle. The maze promises a wonderful experience for the kids and the gardens, cafeteria overlooking beautiful castle promise a very extraordinary sense of the British culture for its visitors.

As an addition the facts I've mentioned, Leeds Castle is a popular image for both the political arena and the world of entertainment. The Castle was the venue of political talks and summits as well as a movie location for the films and TV series' such as Dr Who, The Androids of Tara and even for live concerts by Sir Cliff Richard. The actual entertainment program is very rich for all ages. Bottom line, Leeds Castle is a great landmark for a great day out close to Dover.

Due to the geographical position of the Port, a precise time-based itinerary needs to be very well planned in order to maximize the joy of your excursion. Therefore, I am open to any kind of custom requests as I would be more than happy to tailor your program based on your requests and interests. Okay, now please allow me to introduce the most significant places of interests in London. I have a dream list and I'm happy to share on my photo gallery now.

Buckingham Palace is still the official residence of Britain's monarchy, as it has been since Queen Victoria's designation in 1837. Much of the Buckingham Palace was constructed as early as 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. Buckingham House (as it was then known) was purchased in 1762 by George III, who used it as a private residence. Over the following 75 years the house was expanded to form three wings around a central courtyard.

Imagine a park that is surrounded by world-famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Whitehall right in the heart of the city. May be city's best park in every season. St James's Park is one of London's eight Royal Parks and covers an area of nearly 57 acres. Summer, fall, winter and spring. St James's Park gives you great joy with the outstanding beauty of its landscape. Animals, nature and the vegetation you can admire.

The Houses of Parliament, known also as the Palace of Westminster is where the two Houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (the House of Lords and the House of Commons) conduct their sittings. The Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster) lie on the north bank of the River Thames in the London borough of the City of Westminster, close by other government buildings in Whitehall. The oldest part of the Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster) is still in existence which dates from 1097.

St Paul's Cathedral is a cathedral on Ludgate Hill, in the City of London, and the seat of the Bishop of London. The present building dates from the 17th century and is generally reckoned to be London's fourth St Pauls Cathedral, although the number is higher if every major medieval reconstruction is counted as a new cathedral. The first cathedral was built by the Saxons in wood. It burned down in AD 675 and was rebuilt, again in wood, ten years later. After this? Just follow me!

Being one of the most important political buildings in the world United Kingdom's White House Number 10 continuously hosts the British prime ministers since 1735. The main decisions affecting Britain's destiny in the last 275 years have seriously been taken behind its iconic black door. Today it's not possible to enter the street as a tourist but knowing the idea that an actual prime minister lives and works in the street is a heart beating. Have this experience with me.

Although Changing The Queen's Lifeguard is not as well-known as Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace smaller crowds and no railings between you and the men and horses taking part make it ideal for those with younger children and those looking for some amazing pictures. The ceremony lasts about half an hour, and the mounted sentries change every hour, or half hour in very cold weather during the day until 16:00 when a dismounting ceremony takes place.

Trafalgar Square is a very touristic public square with some of London's most popular attractions, from galleries and historic buildings to monuments and statues, you can be a witness of deep-seated British history. Square also holds a series of events all year round. Listen to the stories of the kings such as Charles I, Charles IV, Admiral Horatio Nelson, General Sir Charles James Napier and Major General Sir Henry Havelock who shaped the history of this nation. I will be ready to take you there!

St Katharine Docks is a former dock and now a mixed-used district in Central London, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and within the East End. It lies on the north bank of the River Thames, immediately downstream of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. From 1828 to 1968 it was one of the commercial docks that made up the Port of London. It is in the redevelopment zone known as Docklands, and is now a popular housing and leisure complex with full of offices, public and private houses.

Tower Bridge is probably city's most distinctive symbol for today. Bridge shows a lot to its medieval predecessor London Bridge with its starlings and elaborate twin towers that give the bridge its name but it's not just a homage to the past, hidden inside that medieval looking exterior there's a rather wonderful piece of Victorian engineering and in its day it was the biggest and most sophisticated lifting bridge in the world. Plenty of things we will tell you about this masterpiece in London, follow me!

Westminster Abbey is a Church, burial ground, coronation site and much more, it continues to attract visitors over 900 years after its founding. In many respects the architecture is common. There's the traditional cross-shaped floor plan with a nave, north and south transepts and several round side areas. Here at the Abbey lie buried kings and poets, scientists and philosophers who have themselves raised humankind to the highest levels. Let's explore the marvels of London together!

Get the most of SE England including White Cliffs of Dover, Churchill's WWII Bunker, Canterbury Cathedral and Canterbury Castle

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Private Shore Excursion from Dover, UK

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