Shore Excursions Group
Central London Or Heathrow To Dover Via Dover Castle
Central London or Heathrow to Dover via Dover Castle
Departing from London, head east through the county of Kent, known as the ‘Garden of England.’ The landscape is dotted with orchards, vineyards, hop fields, and the Oast Houses where the hops are dried. Continue south east to the coast and Dover. The 76 mile drive from London to Dover is approximately two hours.
Upon arrival in Dover, the first stop will be a photo stop at the Battle of Britain Memorial. Sitting on top of the famous White Cliffs of Dover, the memorial offers stunning views across the English channel to France. It is a peaceful place, dedicated to the heroes who fought in the skies above Kent in the Battle of Britain in World War Two. Upon the cliff tops stand replicas of the famous Spitfire and Hurricane fighter planes and the names of those small band of pilots who succeeded in the Allied victory of The Battle of Britain in 1940.
From here, you will be driven to the imposing Dover Castle. You will have two hours to visit the castle and grounds on your own, after which the coach will be waiting for you at the entrance to take you to the cruise terminal. Outside guides are not permitted inside the castle, so portions are self-guided and others are narrated by castle staff. Dover Castle is a medieval castle, founded in the 12th century and widely known as the ‘lock and key to England’ due to it’s defensive significance and key roles and many wars and battles. From the 12th century until 1958, the castle was continuously garrisoned, covering 9 centuries, something only equalled by the Tower of London and Windsor Castle. Over the centuries the castle defences were continuously improved and enlarged as the castle maintained a military role, a role perhaps made most famous in World War 2 when the castle housed an underground hospital and a command center for the Dunkirk evacuation. Dover Castle is the largest and one of the oldest in England.
For those guests not wanting to enter the castle, there will be a 10 minute stop for photos or just to stretch, followed by a direct transfer to the nearby cruise terminal. Here, you and your luggage will be turned over to the cruise line staff. Make sure you use the luggage label in your cruise pack to facilitate this process!
Please Note: Entrance to Dover Castle (approximately 21 GBP) is not included and is optional at the guest’s discretion. Each guest is entitled to a maximum of 2 items of hold luggage (50 pounds or 23 kilograms each) and 2 items of carry on luggage (22 pounds or 10 kilograms each). This tour can accommodate a collapsible wheelchair with advanced notice at the time of booking. The wheelchair will be counted as 1 piece of hold luggage. Oversized items like bicycles, surfboards, etc. cannot be accommodated.
Click below to see a full list of hotels in central London and in the Heathrow area where pick ups take place. Please do not enter a hotel name that is not listed.
| Day 1 |
London, Ontario, nestled along the Thames River, is a city brimming with charm and diverse experiences. Known as the "Forest City," it boasts an impressive array of green spaces, including the expansive Springbank Park, which offers picturesque trails, gardens, and the renowned Storybook Gardens—a whimsical spot for families and children. For more on the city's parks and outdoor activities, explore the City of London Parks and Recreation page. A cultural hub, London is home to the Museum of Ontario Archaeology, where visitors can delve into the region's indigenous history and prehistoric artifacts. Additionally, the London Art Gallery showcases both local and international artists, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Discover more about these cultural gems at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology and the London Art Gallery. For those interested in history, the Eldon House, the oldest residence in the city, offers a glimpse into 19th-century life with its well-preserved artifacts and period rooms. This historic home is a fascinating contrast to the modern developments in London and provides a unique perspective on its past. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/03/22 - 05/15/27 |
Starting At $184 |
Get A Quote |
Guests must be able to walk over paved, gravel, and packed dirt surfaces, many of which are uneven. There are steps at several locations in the castle. The entrance to Dover Castle from the coach park does require an uphill walk which may not be suitable to passengers with walking difficulties. Each guest is entitled to a maximum of 2 items of hold luggage (50 pounds or 23 kilograms each) and 2 items of carry on luggage (22 pounds or 10 kilograms each). This tour can accommodate a collapsible wheelchair with advanced notice at the time of booking. The wheelchair will be counted as 1 piece of hold luggage. Oversized items like bicycles, surfboards, etc. cannot be accommodated.
