CHRISTMASINKENT
A WINTER TRAIL CONT .
© English Heritage
DOVER CASTLE
For thrill-seeking adventurers
Adventure doesn ’ t stop when the summer months come to an end . Kent welcomes visitors all year round , in fact the county takes on a new lease of life from December to February . Think roaring log fires in cosy country pubs , sparkling festive lights and frosted landscapes – there really is nothing better than the Kentish wintertime . And what ’ s more exciting in the winter than anything ? Kent ’ s vast coastline and all its treasures . Dover Castle , otherwise known as the Key to England , takes pride of place upon the iconic White Cliffs , boasting fantastic views across the channel . Immerse yourself in the historical underground stories while touring the wartime tunnels buried deep beneath the cliffs . During the festive period , take part in the familyfriendly Christmas adventure quest and follow the trail to find clues dotted all around the castle .
Situated at the foot of the cliffs further along the coast between Dover and Deal you ’ ll find Kingsdown beach , a lovely pebbled scene offering dramatic coastal views across to France ( on a clear day anyway ). Head here at the right time and you ’ ll witness some of Mother Nature ' s wintertime delights : romantic pink sunrises , smouldering sunsets and wonderful atmospheric seascapes – a great spot for any budding photographer . Take advantage of Kingsdown ’ s idyllic pebble beach with a crisp stroll along the shoreline , stretching all the way to Deal ; you can also explore many of the beautiful rock pools along the way . Take a stroll through the quiet fishing village of Kingsdown ; there are only a handful of shops , but it ’ s definitely worth the walk just to admire the architecture – there ’ s some pretty breathtaking homes around . A great spot for golfers , Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club is perched on the top of the famous White Cliffs and boasts breathtaking views from every hole ; great for a crisp morning game with friends . Not only that , Royal Cinque Ports and world class Royal St George ’ s Golf Club home to the 2021 Open , are only a short drive away in the historic town of Sandwich .
Grab the winter woollies and plan a day trip out to the neighbouring coastal town of Deal , home to Walmer Castle . During the winter months , the castle remains open over the weekends . Built during the reign of King Henry VII , the castle is regarded as one of the most fascinating visitor attractions in the south east ; a must-do spot on the adventure list . Discover the many characters that once lived there , roam the beautiful array of formal gardens including the breathtaking Broadwalk and the serene Queen Mother ’ s Garden , then stop for a bite to eat at the
Glasshouse Cafe and enjoy a seasonal menu produced using ingredients from the kitchen garden . A day out to Deal wouldn ’ t be complete without a walk along the High Street , which is that extra bit special at Christmas time . Make time to browse the wealth of independent shops for one-off gifts and enjoy the fabulous display of Christmas lights . Deal also has it ’ s very own Christmas market . Held around the beautiful grounds of Deal Castle , it ' s the perfect spot to enjoy the festivities .
If you ’ re wanting to breathe in a bit of fresh sea air , take a drive back towards Dover and walk along the beach at Samphire Hoe – a great spot for wildlife watching , or cycle the Cliffs and Castles route which takes you all along the coast . If you ’ re looking for something a little different on your winter Kentish adventure make your way to Betteshanger Park . The 250-acre park has miles of traffic-free cycling , muddy mountain bike trails , an outdoor playpark , archery , den building , forest school , fossil hunting , geocaching and military fitness plus a range of sensational seasonal events including a Christmas craft and food market and drive-in cinema which is new for 2021 . They even have a Rudolph the Reindeer Magical Xmas trail coming this year .
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