44411LON
Canterbury Cathedral visit
Dover Castle visit
· Entrances are paid by voucher.
· Confirm visits in advance, check prices/discounts & ask about special events, closed areas of sites etc.
· Cathedral is open Monday to Saturday 0930-1600
· On Sundays the Cathedral is only open 1130-1600
· You are not allowed to guide in the Cathedral.
· If you have time in Dover, it is good to drive down to the sea front to see the white cliffs.
· Some steep climbing at Dover Castle.
OPENING DAYS/TIMES, ENTRANCE FEES, TELEPHONE NUMBERS ETC. LISTED ON YELLOW PAGES
Canterbury
08.00 Departure from London for Canterbury following the A2/M2/A2/. Services, if required after junction 4 on M2. Then a thirty minute drive to Canterbury.
On arrival, follow signs for St. John’s, Kingsmead Road Coach Park, where restrooms and a welcome centre are located. Walk group down Northgate – Palace St – Sun St to Christchurch Gate (see map), where you pay entrances to Cathedral. Larger groups will be split and teacher/adult must lead each student group. The Cathedral requires that these groups stay together whilst in the Cathedral. No guide is included. There are audio guides available for a fee. Permits are no longer required for the taking of photographs. However no photography in Crypt. At certain times, the Cathedral pauses for prayer. Advise groups to be respectful of this. Arrange time/place for departure. Christchurch Gate is a good place. Ensure the group is aware they need to get lunch.
13.30 Departure from Canterbury. Take the A2 to Dover.
St Georges Lane coach drop off, has to be pre booked through the coach company who need to be registered with Canterbury Parking Services, so usually out of your control.
However just in case you find it necessary for your group – 01227 378131
14.00 Arrival at Dover Castle.
Groups can be set down at the bus stop by the driveway leading up to the Castle. This can also be the pick-up point. About 300 yards before the dropping off point is a designated coach park. The coach park is on the opposite side of the road to the castle and on a blind corner. Warn group to be careful if crossing. Walk group up the hill to ticket office and pay entrances. Allow plenty of time. At least 2 hours, especially if group visit Hellfire Corner.
INSIDE THE CASTLE
HELLFIRE CORNER/SECRET WARTIME TUNNELS – The Wartime Tunnel Tour is free but neither can it be pre-booked for groups, first come first served basis 25 maximum group size. There are twenty minute waits between tours. Contact Dover Castle to discuss before your day trip
This will describe what is featured on either the Underground Hospital or Operation Dynamo tour. Groups will probably not have time to do both and see the rest of the castle.
From the main entrance, turn right and follow the road down for about 5 minutes. Entrances to the two tours are side by side on the left hand side at bottom of castle complex. There are some flights of steps inside.
ST MARY IN CASTRA – This Saxon church is at the highest point in the castle grounds. There is a leaflet inside explaining the church. Next to it is the Roman Pharos (lighthouse). If you do not plan to do Hellfire Corner, it’s a good idea to lead the group up here first, then disperse.
THE UNDERGROUND WORKS – Below the keep to the left as you come in. These tunnels aren’t particularly exciting, but worth a visit all the same. You return the same way as you enter.
QUEEN ELIZABETH’S POCKET PISTOL – A huge sixteenth century cannon. You pass it on your left on the way to Hellfire Corner.
GIFTSHOPS – Main one is in the central keep courtyard. There is a smaller one in Hellfire Corner.
HENRY II’S KEEP – The keep evokes the atmospheric interiors of King Henry’s royal medieval court”. Great views from the top of the keep.
FACILITIES – The Naafi restaurant is open all year and a themed tea bar is open April-October. Light refreshments are available in the Keep Yard. There is a separate tour for the battlement walk. There is a small charge for these audio tours. There’s a land train for those who may have difficulty on the steep path and you can pre-arrange booking of the electric wheelchairs in advance from the ticket desk.
16.00 Depart Dover. Take either the A20 to Folkestone and pick up the M20 (This route gives views of the Channel and the Channel Tunnel entrance) or backtrack onto the A2/M2/A2
17.30/18.00 Arrive London, depending on traffic.
London Theatre
If you have a meal and theatre upon returning you must be very strict on timings. You must allow at least 2 hours to get into central London at that time of day. Cut down lunch time in Canterbury if required and restrict Dover Castle.