Historic openings, endurance swims, events and luxury stays

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White Cliffs Country Chalkboard: Visitor news from the Dover, Deal and Sandwich area

Historic openings, endurance swims, events and luxury stays

Less crowded, late summer days on the coast with still-warm sunshine and plenty going on, September is a lovely time of year to visit White Cliffs Country. Make the most of this golden month here and visit fascinating historic sites, enjoy entertaining events, and maybe treat yourself to a little luxury...

Heritage Open Days

Enjoy an amazing programme of events in the Dover, Deal and Sandwich area from 12 to 21 September as part of England’s largest festival of history and culture. See behind the scenes, explore usually hidden places and try out new experiences – all completely free of charge.

Dover – learn about the town's lost architecture; join expert-guided walks around gun batteries and nature reserves; walk up (or down!) a unique triple helix staircase hidden inside the white cliffs; take a historic embroidery class in a stunning neo-gothic hall; see parts of the Port of Dover not normally open to the public.

Deal – find out about the role boats from Deal played in the evacuation from Dunkirk; visit a former operating theatre of the Royal Naval Hospital (now part of a private home); enjoy a rare chance to see inside the world of Freemasonry; take in stunning views of the coast from a fully restored windmill.

Sandwich – explore some of the district's oldest buildings, including Thomas Paine's cottage; try your hand at medieval crafts and games; discover the dark history of Gallows Field; climb a church tower to hear the history of the Curfew Bell. Please note events in Sandwich are on 13 and 14 September only.

Heritage Open Days events in White Cliffs Country

Photography in the Garden

The International Garden Photographer of the Year will be exhibiting in the grounds of Walmer Castle this autumn for the very first time!

Visit to see selected higher-placed winners from the competition, plus selected winners from the dedicated Special Award 'The Wonders of Walmer', from 3 September to 3 November.

The castle and gardens provide the ideal backdrop for this stunning exhibition. While you’re there, take the opportunity to explore more than eight acres of award-winning gardens in the grounds of this Tudor fortress turned country house. Built on the orders of Henry VIII to defend England's southern shores, Walmer Castle later became a home for the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports — among them the Duke of Wellington and the Queen Mother, for whom a beautiful garden was created by Penelope Hobhouse to mark her 95th birthday.

Garden-lovers will find plenty to enjoy here, with flower-filled borders, a beautiful kitchen garden, wildflower meadows, shady woodland walks, the restored glen garden and the striking yew cloud hedge in the Broadwalk. Children will love the brilliant play trail through the woods. The photography exhibition is free, but standard admission to the castle, membership fees and rules apply.

International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition

Photo credit: Dover Life Guard Club

150 years of Channel swimming

Hundreds of people lined Dover seafront on August Bank Holiday Monday to celebrate 150 years since the first successful unaided cross-Channel swim by Captain Matthew Webb in 1875. This feat marked the start of one of the most esteemed challenges in endurance sport, still popular to this day, and many Channel swimmers joined the celebrations.

Open water races in the harbour were followed by a procession of two giant puppets of Captain Webb and Gertrude Ederle (the first woman to successfully complete the swim) created by artists from local arts organisation Future Foundry, and jellyfish puppets, many made by local children. The merry procession was accompanied by the Fat Brass Band.

The fastest swim of the English Channel in six hours 45 minutes was recorded in 2023, an incredible achievement by Andreas Waschburger from Germany, and Australian Chloe McCardel holds the record for the greatest number of crossings - 44! Channel swimmer and sports journalist John Goodbody's book 150 Years of Swimming the Channel, The Story of the World Famous Challenge, published in August, charts the history of this challenge and tells the story of many of those who have swum it.

There is also an illustrated children's book The Great Adventure which tells Captain Webb's story of courage and dedication. Written by Sarah Griffiths, illustrated by Lisa Williams and created in collaboration with Great Dawley Town Council (Webb's hometown), the book is available from all good book retailers.

Find out more about Channel swimming

Time travel to the Middle Ages

Is the 21st century getting you down? Do you wish you lived in an era long before the internet was even imagined? If so, head back in time for a weekend of medieval merrymaking at Betteshanger Park near Deal on the weekend of 6 and 7 September to experience a simpler way of life.

Sandwich Medieval Centre and the team at Betteshanger will present an unforgettable medieval experience with the backdrop of the park’s lovely woodland from 10am to 4pm each day.

Discover the sights and sounds and the spirit of the Middle Ages with thrilling combat demonstrations, living history displays, traditional crafts, live music, dance and open-air theatre. Try your hand at archery and axe throwing, have a go at knight school, browse handcrafted goods, and indulge in hearty food, great mead and locally brewed ale.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique day out, there’s something for everyone in this immersive medieval experience. Tickets are now available to book online (£5 per person; under 16s free).

Betteshanger Park Medieval Festival

Treat yourself

September is a brilliant time of year to visit White Cliffs Country. The weather is usually still summery and, post-school holidays, the attractions and hotels are a little quieter. It’s the perfect time to spoil yourself with a little luxury on the coast.

There are several wonderful small hotels or restaurants with rooms where you can find rest and relaxation in beautiful surroundings along with award-winning food and drink. Updown Farmhouse, in the countryside near Deal, renowned for its restaurant, beautiful decor and laid-back vibe, now also has an outdoor heated pool for guests to enjoy during their stay. The Dog at Wingham, an award-winning gastropub with luxurious rooms, is offering a two-night stay for two guests with breakfast and a 3-course meal on both days for just £500 (valid Sunday to Friday). They’re also hosting a couple of special events in September – an evening of jazz on 12 September and a best of British game celebration dinner on 25 September.

The Marquis of Granby in the beautiful village Alkham is an award-winning pub with 10 stylish rooms, many with views of the rolling Kent countryside. It’s an ideal country retreat with a talented team providing great service and food. The Blue Pigeons in Worth near Sandwich is the new kid on the block, recently renovated and receiving rave reviews. This boutique, family-owned hotel has eight rooms each with thoughtful details and lovely views. The restaurant menu celebrates local ingredients and regional producers.

Find lovely places to stay

What's On in September

2WD Rallycross Superprix
Lydden Hill Race Circuit

A thrilling day of rallycross action featuring all categories from the 5 Nations Championship (minus Supercars).
Book tickets online.

6 September