Days out during your stay at Owl Cabin
Sightseeing
Roam through 900 years of history at Dover Castle, from the Romans to the twentieth century, in an action-packed day out. Stand atop the iconic White Cliffs, take in the glorious sight of Henry II’s mighty medieval Great Tower and discover the castle’s vital role in WWII in "Hell Fire Corner" where Operation Dynamo rescue from Dunkirk was managed, and the Underground Hospital. Explore acres of wide open castle grounds, walk the battlements and mighty defences and stretch your legs and imaginations at England’s greatest fortress.
357 locals recommend
Dover Castle
Castle Hill RoadRoam through 900 years of history at Dover Castle, from the Romans to the twentieth century, in an action-packed day out. Stand atop the iconic White Cliffs, take in the glorious sight of Henry II’s mighty medieval Great Tower and discover the castle’s vital role in WWII in "Hell Fire Corner" where Operation Dynamo rescue from Dunkirk was managed, and the Underground Hospital. Explore acres of wide open castle grounds, walk the battlements and mighty defences and stretch your legs and imaginations at England’s greatest fortress.
To the south you look at Dover Castle sitting majestically above the city, to the east you see the busy ferry terminal beside the busy shipping lanes in the English Channel and of course, France in the background. To the north you see the terrain spread out before you and the white chalk hills glistening in the sun and countless windmills in the water on the horizon.
102 locals recommend
The White Cliffs of Dover
Upper RoadTo the south you look at Dover Castle sitting majestically above the city, to the east you see the busy ferry terminal beside the busy shipping lanes in the English Channel and of course, France in the background. To the north you see the terrain spread out before you and the white chalk hills glistening in the sun and countless windmills in the water on the horizon.
Samphire Hoe's website describes itself as, "...Eurotunnel’s nature reserve created at time of the Channel Tunnel construction at the foot of the famous White Cliffs of Dover in Kent (UK)." A beautiful spot, easy to access, with plenty of parking (£1 for two hours). There is an information centre (which was closed on our visit), a cafe and clean toilets. Picnic benches are scattered around the area. There are two walks. The first is along the human made sea wall (1.7km), and the second is through the protected waterside meadow and grassland. The view is stunning, with abundance of wildlife and sweeping majestic views out across the English Channel and France on a clear day. Roaming sheep and cows were an unexpected surprise. At the end of the meadow is the pebble beach, which extends for approximately another 1.5 kms, nestled under the towering chalk cliffs. If you enjoy the outdoors, photography, bird watching, rambling, and adventuring, you will love this place. Our 8 year old son said "I though it was really really great. I loved running around, seeing animals all around me, the beach was cool, and I loved looking at the massive chalk cliffs!"
13 locals recommend
Samphire Hoe Country Park
Samphire Hoe's website describes itself as, "...Eurotunnel’s nature reserve created at time of the Channel Tunnel construction at the foot of the famous White Cliffs of Dover in Kent (UK)." A beautiful spot, easy to access, with plenty of parking (£1 for two hours). There is an information centre (which was closed on our visit), a cafe and clean toilets. Picnic benches are scattered around the area. There are two walks. The first is along the human made sea wall (1.7km), and the second is through the protected waterside meadow and grassland. The view is stunning, with abundance of wildlife and sweeping majestic views out across the English Channel and France on a clear day. Roaming sheep and cows were an unexpected surprise. At the end of the meadow is the pebble beach, which extends for approximately another 1.5 kms, nestled under the towering chalk cliffs. If you enjoy the outdoors, photography, bird watching, rambling, and adventuring, you will love this place. Our 8 year old son said "I though it was really really great. I loved running around, seeing animals all around me, the beach was cool, and I loved looking at the massive chalk cliffs!"
The tunnels were constructed in 1940/41 as accommodation for the gun battery above. Today this network of abandoned tunnels is virtually all that remains of these long forgotten defences. You can take a journey into the past on a guided tour of the tunnels with one of our expert volunteers, peering into the darkness and back in time into different world, hidden within the cliffs.
10 locals recommend
Fan Bay Deep Shelter
The tunnels were constructed in 1940/41 as accommodation for the gun battery above. Today this network of abandoned tunnels is virtually all that remains of these long forgotten defences. You can take a journey into the past on a guided tour of the tunnels with one of our expert volunteers, peering into the darkness and back in time into different world, hidden within the cliffs.
Howletts Wild Animal Park is a 90 acre adventure in beautiful ancient parkland that is ideal for great days out in Kent with the entire family.
157 locals recommend
Howletts Wild Animal Park
Bekesbourne LaneHowletts Wild Animal Park is a 90 acre adventure in beautiful ancient parkland that is ideal for great days out in Kent with the entire family.
Considered one of the most romantic castles in England, this historic site was originally the stately home of the Saxon royal family during the reign of Ethelbert IV in 856-860.
Used in many films as a backdrop.
316 locals recommend
Leeds Castle
Considered one of the most romantic castles in England, this historic site was originally the stately home of the Saxon royal family during the reign of Ethelbert IV in 856-860.
Used in many films as a backdrop.
City/town information
Canterbury Cathedral is enormous, and take a long time to see it all, both inside and outside. There is an entry charge of £12.50, which is reasonable, but there is an additional fee for a guided tour.
The current cathedral, dating back to 1070, is enormous, with a length of 525 feet and a maximum width of 154 feet. Notable things to see are Thomas Becket's shrine, the chapter house, the cloister, the crypt, the screen of the six kings, the choir and many impressive tombs including those of the Black Prince and Henry IV and his wife Joan of Navarre.
Surprisingly, there is no café or refectory in the cathedral, although there are many cafes outside the cathedral grounds.
369 locals recommend
Canterbury
Canterbury Cathedral is enormous, and take a long time to see it all, both inside and outside. There is an entry charge of £12.50, which is reasonable, but there is an additional fee for a guided tour.
The current cathedral, dating back to 1070, is enormous, with a length of 525 feet and a maximum width of 154 feet. Notable things to see are Thomas Becket's shrine, the chapter house, the cloister, the crypt, the screen of the six kings, the choir and many impressive tombs including those of the Black Prince and Henry IV and his wife Joan of Navarre.
Surprisingly, there is no café or refectory in the cathedral, although there are many cafes outside the cathedral grounds.
Fantastic sandy beach and great funky shops, loads of micro pubs, retro/vintage shops and the old town is superb. A great bonus of having Dreamland on the sea front. Everyone is friendly.
Don't forget to visit the Tate Margate as well.
160 locals recommend
UpMargate
20 The CentreFantastic sandy beach and great funky shops, loads of micro pubs, retro/vintage shops and the old town is superb. A great bonus of having Dreamland on the sea front. Everyone is friendly.
Don't forget to visit the Tate Margate as well.
Home of Shepherd Neame brewery. You can take a look behind the scenes at Shepherd Neame – Britain’s oldest brewer. You guide will take you through the heart of the brewery so you can see the traditional mash tuns; taste natural mineral water from the brewery’s well; try some malted barley; smell locally-grown Kentish hops; see bygone delivery vehicles and step into a recreated cooper’s workshop. Finally there’s a fascinating tutored tasting of Shepherd Neame’s Kentish ales and speciality lagers. Tours run most days - advance booking is strongly recommended and you should allow 2 hours for your visit
69 locals recommend
Faversham
Home of Shepherd Neame brewery. You can take a look behind the scenes at Shepherd Neame – Britain’s oldest brewer. You guide will take you through the heart of the brewery so you can see the traditional mash tuns; taste natural mineral water from the brewery’s well; try some malted barley; smell locally-grown Kentish hops; see bygone delivery vehicles and step into a recreated cooper’s workshop. Finally there’s a fascinating tutored tasting of Shepherd Neame’s Kentish ales and speciality lagers. Tours run most days - advance booking is strongly recommended and you should allow 2 hours for your visit
Great pier - opened by the Late Duke of Edinburgh in 1951. Also take a look at Deal Castle. Built by the order of King Henry VIII it is one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England, and among the earliest and most elaborate of a chain of coastal forts, which also includes Calshot, Camber, Walmer and Pendennis Castles. Today you can explore the whole of the castle, from the storerooms to the first-floor captain’s residence. Take a walk around the defences and admire the squat, rounded bastions and cannons.
Great high street with many local shops and restaurants.
113 locals recommend
Deal
Great pier - opened by the Late Duke of Edinburgh in 1951. Also take a look at Deal Castle. Built by the order of King Henry VIII it is one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England, and among the earliest and most elaborate of a chain of coastal forts, which also includes Calshot, Camber, Walmer and Pendennis Castles. Today you can explore the whole of the castle, from the storerooms to the first-floor captain’s residence. Take a walk around the defences and admire the squat, rounded bastions and cannons.
Great high street with many local shops and restaurants.
Ashford Designer Outlet:
Find your favourite brands at up to 60% off, all year round. Within our beautiful settings, you'll find cafes, restaurants, a children's adventure play area and over 90 boutiques. Our wide range of stores includes designer brands such as Armani, Boss, Calvin Klein, Coach, Maje, Polo Ralph Lauren and Sandro, fashion brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, AllSaints, Levi's, Reiss and Ted Baker, athletic labels such as Nike, Adidas, Asics and Under Armour and high-street favourites such as M&S, GAP and Yankee Candle.
31 locals recommend
Ashford
Ashford Designer Outlet:
Find your favourite brands at up to 60% off, all year round. Within our beautiful settings, you'll find cafes, restaurants, a children's adventure play area and over 90 boutiques. Our wide range of stores includes designer brands such as Armani, Boss, Calvin Klein, Coach, Maje, Polo Ralph Lauren and Sandro, fashion brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, AllSaints, Levi's, Reiss and Ted Baker, athletic labels such as Nike, Adidas, Asics and Under Armour and high-street favourites such as M&S, GAP and Yankee Candle.
Neighbourhoods
Great amount of history and explanations around the history of the south of Kent. Amazing to see the bronze age boat! absolutely incredible to see what was built so many years ago, and the replica that was constructed using the same materials- incredibly smooth finish!
Our museum although being small, we hope does give visitors an insight into the history of Dover. Our boat we are very proud of as it was found whilst they were widening the road and is our prize possession. Hopefully if you come back in the summer months you can visit the castle and all our other attractions which are all extremely interesting.
52 locals recommend
Dover
Great amount of history and explanations around the history of the south of Kent. Amazing to see the bronze age boat! absolutely incredible to see what was built so many years ago, and the replica that was constructed using the same materials- incredibly smooth finish!
Our museum although being small, we hope does give visitors an insight into the history of Dover. Our boat we are very proud of as it was found whilst they were widening the road and is our prize possession. Hopefully if you come back in the summer months you can visit the castle and all our other attractions which are all extremely interesting.
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Canterbury has a great park and ride only 5 miles from us.
Great place to eat, and sightsee. Lots of history and parks. Go for a river trip in style, or visit the local gaol!
Don't miss
Dover beach is safe and clean.
Dover - the Gateway to Europe is the busiest port in the UK. But it also have clean safe swimming in the harbour. The market square has a number of local restaurants with easy walking of large car parks.