Enjoy a Seaside Sojourn in Dover

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, you’ll need the energy for your day exploring the best of Dover. And where else could it begin but at the White Cliffs? Drive to St Margaret's Bay car park and take a family stroll along the shingle beach. If you need a pep up, dive into the water for a morning swim.

Fully refreshed, take a stroll to the small but free-to-enter St Margaret’s Museum. Here you can learn a little about the secret operations that took place in the area during World War II. There’s also information on famous local residents, including playwright Noël Coward and James Bond author Ian Fleming.
Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00

Just next door is the organically run Pines Garden, which has a lake, grass labyrinth and edible crops. If the weather’s right, sit out in the sun and enjoy a sandwich filled with ingredients from the estate. The inside is rather pretty too, with a classic British tea room feel, best enjoyed with a cake or scone.
Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 16:00

Hop back in the car and drive to Dover Castle – there’s free on-site parking – to continue your day of learning. The castle itself was commissioned by Henry II in the 1180s to protect his kingdom against foreign invaders. It’s now a fascinating museum, where you can explore secret World War II tunnels, stroll along the battlements and scour the 80-acre gardens.
Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00

Once you’re done, head to Naafi Restaurant, an eatery built into the 1868 Regimental Institute. It was once filled with the soldiers based in the castle, though nowadays it’s more likely to be packed with tourists. Expect simple cafe classics, and take time to admire views of the wartime tunnels and over the English Channel. Alternatively, there’s a cafe in Dover Castle within Henry II’s Great Tower.
Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00

Pile back into your vehicle and take the short drive to Samphire Hoe, a seaside nature reserve sewn with wild flowers. Now a vital wildlife habitat, it was actually created in the 1990s, from chalk excavated in the creation of the Channel Tunnel. Try to spot all the 220 bird species, 30 types of butterflies, and grazing livestock, including rare-breed cattle, that live here.
Monday to Sunday, 07:00 to 19:00

Hop back in the car and return to the Best Western Plus – park in the Bradley Wharf car park – for some of the best fish and chips you’ve ever had. The original Wheeler’s opened in 1856, and this outlet is now helmed by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White. A view over the sea and Dover Castle serves as the perfect accompaniment to your classic cod and chips.
Monday to Sunday, 12:00 to 20:00

It's a fairly long journey for little 'uns, so make a pitstop at Victoria Park, the largest park in Ashford. The star attraction is the Hubert Fountain, a towering orange water feature built in 1862. Take a family selfie with the cast iron gods, goddesses and cherubs that form the decoration.

You'll need one more stop, make it Vinters Park Nature Reserve. It's a great break for children of any change, with more birds species than you can shake a feather at. Highlights include the grey heron, buzzard and kingfisher. The water's full of life too: keep an eye out for toads and tadpoles.