EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES

The White Cliffs of Dover have stood for millennia and have long been regarded for their role in the nation's identity. Both Shakespeare and Wordsworth have written of their beauty and described the cliffs as "A place of savage beauty".

 

ACTIVE

Walking

Roam along the deserted coastline, get off the beaten track and let your imagination loose amongst the rolling green hills of the North Downs - a paradise for walkers.

 

Sea Swimming or Cross-Channel Swimming

In summer, simply laze on the beach in the secluded cove whilst the kids play in the waves. Take a swim across the bay and like many before you dream of swimming across to the coast of France one day; a feat only acheived by the hardiest souls, many of which departed from the pebbled cove at St. Margaret's Bay.

 

Windsurfing, Sea Kayaking, Dinghy Sailing, Surfing & Boogie Boarding

Load up your kit and get out amongst it at St. Margaret's Bay. In close, the wave-cut platform off Ness Point at St. Margaret's Bay kicks up a very respectable surf in the right conditions (look out for a big swell and a North-Westerly). It's been a secret spot for local surfers, kayakers and canoeists for some time, ask Gavin (your host and keen watersports enthusiast) for priceless local knowledge.

For those who like 'big air' St. Margaret's Bay offers a challenging spot from which to launch. With a big South-Westerly, this beach is hard to beat along the whole of the South Coast. Windsurfers regard this beach as a challenging spot, but with the back drop of the White Cliffs it makes for an unforgettable venue.

Running

Follow the tracks along the rolling cliffs for breath-taking views across the Channel. Take the path along the cliff edge (not too close!) for a tougher run with hill climbs and steep descents or follow the path to the lighthouse for a gentler jog. If hill training is your thing, follow the footsteps of mountaineers (Ask Gavin about his training for Kilimanjaro) and hit Bay Hill and 80 metre vertical climb from the beach either up the road or the 212 Bay steps.

Mountain Biking & Cycling

Wallett's Court is less than 1 mile from National Cycle Route Number 1 which runs along the coast between Dover and Deal. CLICK HERE FOR A LEAFLET. Use The Wallett's Court as a base from which to explore the surrounding coast and countryside on your bike. There are a number of local trails ideal for mountain biking which take in clifftop scenery and wooded valleys away from the noise and pollution of traffic, perfect for eeveryone from beginners and children to expert speedhounds.  

 

Climbing

Not for the feint hearted this one. Climbers have been spotted scaling the face of the cliffs with ice axes and pitons. Now, we don't recommend doing this but if you have a screw loose this could be for you.

Base Jumping

Even more 'screwloose' are the individuals who have been caught on video throwing themselves off the cliffs with a parachute attached and 'coming in hot' onto the rocks below. We cannot condone this behaviour, but it is mighty impressive all the same!

Horse Riding

The area surrounding Wallett's Court is criss-crossed by mile upon mile of bridleways, green lanes and tracks perfect for a hack through the country. There are a number of local stables and riding schools within a couple of miles. We can arrange anything from an hour's riding lesson to secure overnight accommodation for a number of horses for a week or more. Give us a call for more details.

Country Pursuits & Clay Pigeon Shooting

Clay pigeon shooting is a thrilling experience, demanding calm concentration, a keen eye and quick reactions. Perfect your aim and time your shots and soon you will be notching up your 'kills'. Of course these are not real birds and no one gets hurt, making it a great sport for all - young and old, men and women alike.

Kelly Country Sports operates in the impressive extended grounds of Wallett's Court Country House Hotel.
Peter, your charming instructor will pick you up from reception and chauffeur you the half mile to the shooting grounds.

From individual coaching sessions to corporate days to a shooting weekend with accommodation and dinner we have the packages to suit your experience and pocket.

TARIFF - Clay Shooting Lesson   £80.00 per person

Many people begin their shotgun shooting by learning on clay pigeons and it is the ideal way to gain experience without committing yourself to a large outlay.
A clay pigeon shooting lesson can be a particularly attractive for those who live in town nearby or are limited in the amount of time that they can give to their sport. It can also be relatively inexpensive, compared with paying for a day's live quarry shooting.

Package includes: Safety briefing, tuition, a practice round from 4 different positions, a competition round, 50 Cartridges and Clays. n.b If you'd like to continue to practice - Extra Cartridges: £40.00 per 50 (Clays free)

Call and speak to Peter on 07714560853 for bookings or for more information.

Gyms & Swimming Pools

Keep in shape during you stay with a visit to THE OXIDE FITNESS STUDIO. Kitted out with state of the art cardiovascular fitness equipment including upright & recumbent cycles, cross-trainers, rowers, treadmills, multi-gyms & free-weights. We can even arrange a personal fitness instructor to put you through your paces.

Golfing

Kent is far more than the home of the breathtaking White Cliffs of Dover and the major link with our French cousins.

It is home to some of the finest landmarks in the country, including the majestic cathedral in Canterbury and the historic towns of Dover, Deal and Sandwich, not to mention some exceptional golf courses that any golfing enthusiast will enjoy.

Obviously, one of the ones that immediately springs to mind when considering the courses on offer in this area of Kent is Royal St. George's in Sandwich, the Open venue on no fewer than fifteen occasions and as recently as 2003 when American Ben Curtis lifted the Claret Jug on the superb Championship course.

That aside, there are plenty other courses to enjoy in Kent. Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club has a truly exceptional Championship standard course, that is long, demanding and littered with challenges that will punish any golfer who gives it anything less than their complete attention. The front and back nines differ greatly so be prepared to have all your golfing abilities tested to the full.

With Sandwich 30 minutes drive, Deal 20 minutes and the unique Walmer & Kingsdwon course atop the cliffs less than 10 minutes drive away, The White Cliffs Hotel makes an excellent base from which to play the many varied courses in this blessed corner of the country.

NATURAL

Rock Pooling & Fossil Hunting

Take a stroll to the beach at St. Margaret's Bay, in the cooler months dip your toes in the icy surf, explore the coastline with its rock pools, caves and fossils. Find crabs, winkles, mussels, anemones, and starfish in amongst the seaweed, rockpooling will keep kids amused for hours (the record number of green shore crabs caught in one session was 103 - bet you can't beat that! p.s. We put everyone of them back, they didn't end up in the raviloi, honest!!!). 

Beach Fishing

Get up early and take your tackle to the beach at St. Margaret's Bay for a bit of big game fishing White Cliffs Style. Catch of the day could be sea bass, mackerel, dogfish or sole. Glean some local knowlegde from the charcters on the beach or hitch a ride in one of the day boats that go out from there or further along the coast on Deal beach.

 

Bird & Wildlife Watching

Bring your binoculars with you (or borrow some from the hotel) and see if you can spy some of the wildlife. Down at the beach the keen-eyed may see Seals, Guillemots, Great Crested Grebes, Little Egrets, even the occasional Dolphin or Basking Shark...

 Wild Flowers & Foraging

On a walk through the countryside surrounding Wallett's Court you can find an amazing array of wild flowers. Remember, don't pick them please, there are some very rare orchids growing wild in these parts. If you fancy yourself as a budding 'survivalist' then we can arrange a foraging course from the White Cliffs Hotel to find local delicacies such as Sea Kale, Fungi and edible Seaweeds. We strongly advise that you take an expert with you on foraging 'missions' those delicious looking mushrooms may be deadly!

CULTURAL

Castles

Dover Castle  - Just 3 miles away from Wallett's Court lies one of the largest castles in the country, strategically located at the shortest crossing point to continental Europe, Dover Castle has played a prominent part in national history. Its origins lie in the Iron Age, and a Roman Lighthouse and Anglo-Saxon church can still be seen within the grounds.

 Walmer Castle - Walmer Castle is around 10 minutes drive from Wallett's Court it was built by Henry VIII in 1539-40 as an artillery fortress to counter the threat of invasion from Catholic France and Spain. It was one of three forts constructed to defend the Downs, an area of safe anchorage protected by the Goodwin Sands.

Deal Castle - Deal Castle, a little over 5 miles away form Wallett's Court, was built by Henry VIII in 1539-40 as an artillery fortress to counter the threat of invasion from Catholic France and Spain. It was the largest of three forts constructed to defend the area of safe anchorage known as the Downs.

Leeds Castle - Set in 500 acres of parkland in the midst of the Kent countryside around 40 minutes drive from Wallett's Court The castle takes it name not from the city of Leeds but from its first owner, a man named Leed, or Ledian, who built himself a wooden castle in 857. The first stone castle was built in 1119 on an island in the lake, and was later rebuilt and extended by Edward I, who added a set of outer walls, a barbican and the 'gloriette', a D shaped tower built on the smallest of the two islands in the lake.

Historical Tours

TOURS OF THE REALM offer privately guided, sightseeing tours of rural and historic Britain to small and exclusive groups of 4 to 5 people.

Tailored to the interests of the client, personalised itineraries allow the time to uncover the hidden treasures and quirky delights of this fascinating part of the country.

With a particular focus on Kent and the South-East of England, discover Gardens, History, Heritage and even Shopping. Three Day tours following the history of Henry VIII or day tours from Dover.

Tours of the Realm is the perfect touring solution for:

Cruise Passengers wishing to take the opportunity to explore rural and historic England by adding a few days ashore at the beginning or end of their seafaring vacation. Transport to and from London Heathrow and London Gatwick available on request.

Ladies travelling alone or with a couple of friends, who have a taste for adventure but want the added reassurance that they will be accompanied throughout their vacation by their own female driver/guide who knows the best places to visit and the most comfortable places to stay.

Honeymoon Couples or simply "romantics at heart" who wish to tour the fairytale castles and gardens of Great Britain at a relaxed pace, stopping for lunch at country pubs or enjoying picnics in picturesque spots. Overnight stays in castles, country houses or intimate B&Bs can be arranged.

For more information contact:

Jane Martin
Tours of the Realm
PO Box 1023
Canterbury
CT1 9GR

Mobile: +44(0)7595 769615   Email:   enquiries@toursoftherealm.com

Arts, Battle of Britain & Hellfire Corner and Museums

 FAMILIES

Older Kids & Teenagers

Newbies & Toddlers

We'll soon have details of family activities here. In the mean time please call us for more information... 

Wallett's Court Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa, Westcliffe, St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe, Dover, Kent CT15 6EW
T: +44 01304 852 424
Freephone 0800 0351628