Kent Travel Forum

Hi
We're driving from London (Gatwick airport)to Dover (7am to 7pm), I am thinking to visit Leeds Castle or maybe Dover Castle too. Anything else along the drive we should not miss? Thanks!
ann

Hello Ann - you will have all day and could be spoilt for choice! I fyou arrive after an overnight flight, even though you may have had some kind of a breakfast on the plane I would suggest you make ane early stop after collecting your car for a coffee and spend some time with a map. Few places of interest will be open so early in the morning. I would head east in the direction of Tunbridge Wells and have a walk around the town centre where there are some old buildings.

http://www.visittunbridgewells.com/


Continue east along the A262 and at Sissinghusrt you could make a detour to see the National Trust Property Sissinghurst Castle Garden

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-sissinghurstcastlegarden/


Heading up to Leeds Castle you could run into much heavier traffic.

http://www.leeds-castle.com/goto.php

Another option would be to head for Canterbury and the Cathedral

http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/

From there you would have an easy run down to Dover possibly with time to spare up on the cliffs at St Margaret’s at Cliffe - good views over the harbour from there if it will still be light..


I have left lots of things out as there is only so much you can do in a day!

Barbara

Hi Barbara,
That's a great suggested itinerary. Thank you. Do you think 10 hrs would be enough to cover all? Do you know how far is the drive to Canterbury?
thanks so much
ann

Hello again Ann

Direct route using Motorway is probably the shortest about 70 miles/.
From Canterbury to Dover 20-ish.

You can check distances and travel times out on:-

www.viamichelin.com

- use options to state miles or kilos, motorways or other etc.

Barbara

Sorry - I should have added Yes, in theory you certainly could do this in 10 hours but it would be quite tiring and a bit of a rush. You will be driving in just about the busiest, congested area in the UK so need to allow for meal/comfort stops and travel delays - particularly if you are planning to catch a ferry or cruise ship in Dover!

I think I would look at all the options, list priorities, work out comfortable travel, visit and meal stops and take it from there....

Best. Barbara

Thanks Barb, i'll plan my day accordingly. I never thought that traffic would be an issue from Gatwick to Dover - pardon my ignorance. I thought it applies only to the city of London? We will be driving on a Sunday and we will stay in a B&B for the night before hopping on the cruise ship the next day.
Some travelers had very nice shots of the White cliffe, is that where you mentioned - St. Margaret's at Cliffe?
thanks

Well - Sunday will be a much better day to be driving around this area than a working- commuting day!

The best views of the White Cliffs of Dover are actually from aboard ship as you leave port. At St Margaret's you are a'top the cliffs. There is a cafe up there in an old lighthouse near the rather stark memorial to the WW2 Dover Patrol.
Sounds as trhough you have your B&B sorted but do get back if you have further queries.
Barbara

take a look at Igtham Mote if you can. it is off the beaten track for tourists but you won't be disappointed if you are looking for Olde Worlde and there is a very nice pub just up the road for lunch etc.

seljohn

Good to know that the best view of the cliffe is from the cruise ship, we can save the trip running up to the St. Margaret if time is tight.

Ightham mote looks lovely, how did you know i like all kinds of manor houses?
We're also looking for a fish & chip place along the way, maybe around the Leeds castle, any good suggestions? thanks..in less than a month, we'll be there so exciting!