|
UNESCO Global Geopark, festive fun, and a time tunnel.
There is so much happening here this November with amazing events celebrating the best of the season. There are new openings, fantastic festivals and loads of brilliant things to do in the run up to Christmas. We look forward to seeing you.
|
|
 Geopark Festival at Dover Castle
This November, the Cross-Channel Geopark takes the next step in its UNESCO Global Geopark application, which will be celebrated with a landmark festival at Dover Castle on Saturday 8 November. Come along for a day of discovery that will tell the story of two countries, one landscape, one future.
The festival will be a family-friendly event aimed at inspiring curiosity about the natural world and encouraging visitors to explore and appreciate the Geopark’s unique heritage. It will be a chance to get hands-on with real fossils, create geology-inspired art, and join interactive workshops, talks, walks and performances that bring the stories of the Geopark to life.
English Heritage members and people who live in postcodes CT15, CT16, and CT17 will get free entry to the castle on 8 November (local people will need proof of address showing their postcode). If you are not local or an EH member, you will need to pay the standard ticket price to enter the festival, but you can save 15% if you book in advance online.
|
|
 Time tunnel underpass
There’s a colourful new addition to Dover – the underpass linking the town centre and the seafront has been clad in bright panels packed with fascinating snippets of the town’s incredible history. From the first cross-Channel swimmers to royal visits through history, from historic buildings to local social history, it’s a glimpse of this amazing town’s impact on world history and the impact of world history on the town.
The underpass is a short walk from Dover Priory Station (c.10 minutes) and the nearest car parks are St James Retail Park or Camden Crescent, which are very close by the entrance/exits to the underpass. Once you’ve walked through the underpass, it’s a 2-minute walk to Dover Museum in the Market Square where you can visit the astonishing Bronze Age Boat Gallery to see the boat in real life and find out more about local history. The museum is open on Mondays to Saturdays, 9.30am to 5pm, and is free to enter but donations are welcome.
|
|
 Shopping in Sandwich
For a super day of Christmas shopping in a beautiful unspoilt town, it would be hard to beat Sandwich with its fine collection of independent shops, cafes and bars, plus its popular advent window trail.
The only thing that has been missing is a bookshop, that is until now! Spellbound is a beautiful new bookshop at 3 Cattle Market which is due to open in early November. The owner is busy stocking the shop with brand-new fiction and non-fiction books for adults and children. They will also offer an order-in service, ordering books straight to the shop or have it delivered right to your door.
Another new addition to Sandwich’s fantastic array of independents is Creepy Moon at 4 St Peter’s Street. With its imaginative window displays, Creepy Moon is jam-packed with whimsical art and antiques, gifts and home décor items, ideal for Christmas gifts.
The Lazy Elephant Restaurant and Bar at 10 New Street is the latest offering from the team behind Whitstable’s Lazy Lobster and Tankerton’s Land and Sea. The restaurant serves a creative menu of sharing plates and modern British dishes by head chef, Ben Stead. Expect stylish casual dining in a warm and welcoming setting.
|
|
 Image credit: Future Foundry and Matt Wilson
Christmas is coming
White Cliffs Country knows how to celebrate the festive season in style. Here are a few of the fantastic family events to mark on your calendar in the run up to this Christmas!
Deal and Walmer Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday 22 November on the High Street outside beautiful St Georges Church (the road will be closed to traffic). The stage will be set for an hour of entertainment, plus busy Father Christmas will come along to say hello.
Music4Martha Sandwich Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday 29 November in the Guildhall Forecourt, Sandwich. Stalls will be open from noon, live music all afternoon, lights parade at 5pm and Sandwich Christmas Lights will be switched on at 6pm.
Dover Winter Light Up – Saturday 6 December in Dover town centre. The event includes an artisan market, arts and crafts workshops, entertainment, food stalls and the fantastic lantern parade through town, starting at 5pm in Pencester Gardens. Join the crowds to bring light into the depths of winter.
For lots of other Christmas events, Christmas markets, wreath-making workshops and other festive fun, please visit the What’s On section on our website and get booking!
|
|
 Friends and family gatherings
Are you looking for a large house or collection of properties to gather with friends and family this winter? If so, there is a fantastic range of houses here that could be just what you’re looking for. Easy to get to from London and mainland Europe, and with loads to do in the area, White Cliffs Country is a perfect place to meet up with loved ones.
Properties include former farm buildings beautifully converted at Roseyard Rural Retreat in Eastry (sleeps 22), Grade II* listed Solton Manor near Dover (sleeps 24) and historic Goodnestone Park, a magnificent house with Jane Austen connections (sleeps 24).
Holiday lettings agencies, which specialise in properties in the area, also have some large properties, or groups of properties, on their books. Contact Keepers Cottages, Foreland Cottages and Coaste for more information.
|
|
|
Cavell Van at Dover Cruise Terminal 1
Western Docks, Dover
Back at its historic home, the first time since 1920 when it transported the unknown soldier to London. Tickets are free, book a 1-hour slot online.
7 - 9 November and
14 - 16 November
|
|
5 Nations British Rallycross Championship with Fireworks
Lydden Hill Race Circuit
A weekend of championship rallycross racing. With floodlit racing and fireworks on Saturday evening.
8–9 November
|
|
Cross-Channel Geopark Festival Walk
Dover
Get your walking boots on for a walk celebrating the rich, natural and cultural heritage of the Dover area.
Walk begins at Dover Priory station.
8 November
|
|
|
Sandwich Antiques Market
Guildhall Forecourt, Sandwich
Popular outdoor antiques fair in the heart of the medieval town of Sandwich
9 November
|
|
Natural Christmas wreath afternoon workshop
Pines Calyx
Make a traditional Christmas wreath at the afternoon workshop at the Pines Calyx.
15 November
|
|
Grand Shaft Open Day
Dover
Visit the amazing Napoleonic triple helix staircase in the White Cliffs. Free entry. 10.30am to 4pm
16 November
|
|
|
Hauntings – Spellbinding Ghost Stories
Astor Theatre
A spellbinding evening with tales of the supernatural.
Book tickets online or call the box office.
20 November
|
|
Santa by Train
East Kent Railway
Ride the train decked out with twinkling lights and come and meet Santa in his Grotto. Booking essential.
22 – 23 November and
29 - 30 November
|
|
The Citadel Underground and Overground Tour
Visit the historical fortress on Dover's Western Heights with its tunnels, cellars, spiral staircases and much more.
22 November
|
|
|
Dover Marina Hotel Christmas Market
Dover Waterfront
Visit the Christmas market with a selection of handcrafted gifts, decorations and lots more.
22 November
|
|
Deal and Walmer Christmas Lights Switch On
The annual lights switch on event with stalls and entertainment in Deal High Street.
Starts at 5.30pm.
22 November
|
|
Festive Fun at Walmer Castle
A weekend of festive fun for the whole family at the castle between 10am to 4pm.
Book online and save 15%.
29 – 30 November
|
|
|
Christmas Market at Solton Manor
East Langdon
For a festive day out, visit the Christmas Market with stalls selling festive gifts and treats. Free entry and parking.
Open 10am - 4pm.
29 - 30 November
|
|
Festive Fun at Dover Castle
For a day out for the whole family, come along and enjoy the festive activities at the castle. Father Christmas is also visiting at weekends (book a timed session).
29 – 30 November
|
|
Music 4 Martha Sandwich Christmas Lights Switch On
Guildhall Forecourt, Sandwich
Annual lights switch on event with stalls and live music. Lights parade at 5pm and the switch on at 6pm!
29 November
|
|
|
Follow Us:
|
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
