Been {to} Dover?


Ah... 
nothing like a 7th grade style joke
to kick off another travel post.

In fact, I think it's the best way.

One of the day trips I never get tired of taking
is to the coast of England to visit Dover.





You may know it for it's famous white cliffs...
but if you are looking for a good day out of London
you'll find that this little town has SO much more to offer 
than just gorgeous white cliffs.



When you come,
you can come via train from London.

It's about an hour and some change out there 
on the high speed train from St. Pancras
and about 2 if you leave from Victoria.

When you get to the station ("Dover Priory"),
I'd call for a taxi.

I mean, you can walk,
and I know some people do...
but the taxis are cheap.

{Editor's Note: I use Dover Taxi,  No. 898 222}

Last time it was around £6 for a car to take 4 of us
across town and up the cliff to the castle entrance. 

IMO, totally worth it.

So you get to Dover Castle,
you buy your tickets at the gate
and then you cruise on in.








The castle itself is VERY cool.
It's got a bunch of facilities 
and has been restored to feel like 
a working castle of the medieval era.





But beyond just the castle,
there is one of my favorite sites:

As you may know, 
Dover is the closest part of England to France.




In fact, on a clear day you can see the coast...
which in England is super often.

{Editor's Note: I've probably been 5 times and seen it 1.5 times.}



So throughout France/England's history,
it's been a strategic point for the two countries.

During the Napoleonic war, 
they carved tunnels into the cliffs
to spy on France and observe the channel.

During WWI, they dug another layer and added more.

Than in WWII they added a third tunnel level
and it became a full working hospital & military office.

Today, they have restored the tunnels to replicate the hospital of WWII
and to show how the workings of Operation Dynamo 
rescuing 300,000 stranded troops from the Germans.

It's super cool.





Then go into the adorable town below,
grab lunch somewhere cozy... and probably some tea & cakes, too.





You should also probably head 
to the beach to stick your toes in the English Channel.

And then, hop the train back to London.

It's that easy!

Have you been to Dover?



*all images original to Aspiring Kennedy

25 comments:

  1. I want to go so bad. Your blog is such a tease!

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  2. So, my part of my novel takes place there. No joke. I'm in love. I'm kind of hyperventilating right now.

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  3. I first went to England when I was 16 and unfortunately haven't had the opportunity to go back. But after stumbling on your blog and reading all your travel in England posts. I've decided I NEED to go back. Now to just save up the money to get myself there! :) Oh and Dover is def on my list now!

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  4. Dover's high on our list... of places we're going to have to see after we finagle a move back over here. :(
    We've just run out of time- but the great part is, we can always come back, even if it's just for a visit.
    I'm excited to get there someday, though!

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  5. Sign me up for the bacon roll and cuppa tea please!

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  6. what a cute little place! and it's such an easy, peasy trip from London, who knew?! thanks for sharing :)

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  7. Rats, I dont get the joke! That happens a lot with me.

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  8. I'm ashamed to say that I didn't think there was more to Dover than the ferry to Calais... Think it'll be worth a visit when I'm back south!

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  9. Lived in London for a bit and I could kick myself for never going to Dover! Now I need to make it a must next time I'm in England. Thank you!

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  10. so beautiful! Sounds like a great trip! I am coming to London next month and CAN'T wait. I am going to be poring over your blog for things to see and do!

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  11. Ah, the White Cliffs of Dover, I do love them! Your snaps are beautiful!

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  12. holy hell, i was scrolling through this post in total awe. you are AMAZING at framing a picture, these photos are gorgeous! and Dover looks so charming- looking at the town shots got me already mentally packing a suitcase in my head. and not to mention those castles- i feel like i was looking at the set of Game of Thrones (and if you don't know what that is, then shame on you, SHAME).

    Ps i totally appreciated the 7th grade joke ;)

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  13. I can't believe I've never been to Dover in all the times I've been to England. Must remedy this soon! It looks like such a great day trip.

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  14. We took the Ferry once from Dover to France... although we clearly didn't explore around enough before crossing over. Gorgeous photos!
    xo

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  15. Great pics! I love Dover, last time I was there the day started raining and ended with a rainbow at the castle...heaven!

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  16. Gorgeous photography! I would love to explore Dover - It looks amazing! xo

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  17. I've never been but I think if I did an English countryside trip it'd be up there. Seeing the coast of England would be amazing!

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  18. I've never even heard of this place! I'll have to add it to my "must see" list...which is getting really long now! Do you ever just pinch yourself and say "is this really my life?" So neat to watch from a distance! I feel like I get a little European education every time I pop over here to read your latest adventure.

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  19. Dover was on my to-see list when I was in Oxford last summer, but I just didn't get to it. After seeing these photos, it's a new priority for my next visit!

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  20. I have heard of it but never been! I always love how you give both travel tips as well as a little bit of history background. It makes me not only excited about going to that place, but I love learning a little something along the way :)

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  21. Dover has been on my list! We might just book a train tomorrow and go. Thank you for the sightsee tips and history lesson!

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  22. such beautiful photos! love all the flowers!


    xxx
    www.ladyalamode.com

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  23. Wow. It's absolutely beautiful there. Gorgeous pictures as always!

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