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Canterbury Beyond the Cathedral: The Stories Hiding in Plain Sight

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 19:39:14 GMT

Think you know Canterbury? Look a little closer.

For centuries, people have travelled to Canterbury in search of stories. Medieval pilgrims came to visit the shrine of St Thomas Becket . Chaucer's pilgrims made the city famous through The Canterbury Tales . Today, visitors arrive from across the world to explore its cathedral, medieval streets and historic buildings…but there is another Canterbury waiting to be discovered.

It is the Canterbury of the small details: the tower that survived when almost everything around it was destroyed, the name of a modern shopping area that reaches back to medieval religious history, the birthplace of one of England's most famous playwrights, and paintings and buildings that can tell surprising stories if you know what to look for.

These are some of the places and stories that make Canterbury such a fascinating city to explore, and why sometimes the best way to discover a familiar place is to look at it through the eyes of someone who knows its history.

1. Start by looking beyond the obvious

Canterbury Cathedral is, quite rightly, one of the city's great attractions. Yet if you spend your entire visit looking towards the Cathedral, you can miss some of the stories happening around it.

Canterbury's historic centre is packed with layers of history, often sitting directly alongside modern shops, cafés and busy streets.

Take Whitefriars , for example.

Today, it is associated with shopping, restaurants and modern Canterbury, but the name is a reminder of what stood here long before the shopping centre existed.

The area takes its name from the former Austin friars' monastery, whose friars were known as the "white" friars. The monastery was dissolved during the reign of Henry VIII in 1538. The site later passed through different uses before eventually becoming part of the modern city.

So next time you're walking through Whitefriars, look around you and imagine the very different Canterbury that once occupied this part of the city. It's a perfect example of Canterbury's history being hidden in plain sight.

2. The tower that survived the destruction of St George's Church

One of Canterbury's most poignant historic reminders can be found just away from the city's most famous sights.

The tower of St George's Church stands where the church once stood, and it has a particularly fascinating connection to one of Canterbury's most famous sons.

Christopher Marlowe , the Elizabethan playwright and poet, was baptised at St George the Martyr on 26 February 1564. His exact date of birth isn't known, but he was probably born only shortly before his baptism. Marlowe went on to become one of the most important dramatists of Elizabethan England, producing works including Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine , but the church where he was baptised is no longer there.

St George's was seriously damaged during the Second World War, with the tower surviving the bombing that destroyed much of the church. Today, that tower remains as a physical link between modern Canterbury and the city Marlowe knew.

It is the sort of place you could easily walk past without stopping, but once you know the story, you see it differently.

3. Follow the footsteps of Christopher Marlowe

Marlowe's connection with Canterbury goes further than a baptism record.

He was born in the city in 1564 and grew up here before eventually heading to Cambridge and beginning the remarkable career that would make him one of Elizabethan England's most famous playwrights.

Canterbury has always been a city associated with writers and storytellers, and Marlowe is one of its most intriguing characters. His life was remarkably short and his death in 1593 remains surrounded by questions and speculation.

In 2026, Canterbury is once again exploring his story through exhibitions and events, including The Making of Marlowe: Poet, Playwright, Provocateu r at The Beaney.

For visitors interested in literature, theatre or history - and for Kent residents who may have walked these streets countless times - Marlowe offers another way of seeing Canterbury.

This isn't simply the city of Chaucer and pilgrims. It's also the city of Marlowe.

4. Go inside The Beaney, but don't just look at the famous building

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is one of Canterbury's most recognisable buildings.

For visitors, it is an easy place to add to a day exploring the city. For locals, it can be tempting to think of it as somewhere you've already seen, but inside are some wonderfully unexpected stories.

One of our favourites is Thomas Sidney Cooper ' s painting “Separated, but not Divorced”, featuring the wonderfully memorable bull known as Charlie.

Cooper was a Canterbury-born artist who became famous for his paintings of cattle and sheep. The Beaney's collection contains a number of his works, but Charlie the Bull is particularly popular.

When Cooper originally created Separated but not Divorced , he included a crow pecking at bones in the bottom corner. He later removed it, perhaps because the image was considered too ominous.

It is exactly the sort of tiny detail that makes a museum visit more memorable.

5. Stop for a cream tea… and perhaps a ghost story

History in Canterbury isn't confined to museums and monuments. Sometimes you can find it over a cup of tea. Tiny Tim's Tearoom on St Margaret's Street is a great example.

On the surface, it is exactly the sort of place you might hope to find during a visit to Canterbury: traditional tea, cakes, scones and a quintessential English tearoom atmosphere, but there is another side to the building.

Tiny Tim's has become known for stories of ghosts and a darker history associated with the upper floors, making it an especially entertaining stop for anyone who enjoys their cream tea with a side of the supernatural. Visit Canterbury itself describes the tearoom as a favourite with both locals and visitors and highlights the mysterious history of the building.

6. Look for the stories in the city's artwork

One of the best things about exploring Canterbury is that you don't necessarily need to enter a museum to encounter something interesting.

Look around the streets and you will find statues, sculptures, plaques and public artworks that tell stories about the people and events that have shaped the city.

One example is the “Be Welcoming” sculpture by Timothy Schmalz , outside St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Burgate.

It is easy to walk past, but stop for a moment and consider what it represents.

Canterbury has welcomed travellers, pilgrims, artists, students and visitors for centuries. The city's identity has always been connected to people arriving from somewhere else.

That makes a piece of public art like this feel particularly appropriate, and it is another reminder that sometimes you don't need to find a grand historic monument to discover something worth talking about.

7. Step into the world of Chaucer

Of course, you can't explore Canterbury's hidden stories without eventually coming back to the people who made the city famous.

Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales turned the journey to Canterbury into one of the most famous stories in English literature.

Today, visitors can experience those tales in a very different way.

The Canterbury Tales Experience at St Margaret's Street reopened in 2026, bringing Chaucer's pilgrims and stories to life using modern technology, projection, animation and immersive storytelling.

It creates an interesting contrast with the rest of Canterbury. Outside, you can walk along streets that have existed for centuries. Inside, you can experience a medieval journey using some of today's most modern technology.

8. The best way to discover Canterbury? Slow down.

Perhaps the biggest secret to exploring Canterbury isn't a particular attraction at all.

It's taking your time.

Don't simply walk from the Cathedral to the next attraction. Look upwards. Read the plaques. Turn down a side street. Notice the names of roads and buildings. Step inside somewhere you have never visited.

Ask questions.

Why is this street called that?

Who lived here?

What was this building before it became a shop?

Why has that tower survived?

What happened here?

Those questions can turn an ordinary walk through Canterbury into a journey through hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years of history. That is what makes the city so rewarding for both first-time visitors and people who have lived in Kent for years.

Canterbury is a city you can keep rediscovering

One of the great things about Canterbury is that you don't have to be a first-time visitor to experience something new. You might have walked down St George's Street dozens of times without knowing the story of Christopher Marlowe.

You might have shopped at Whitefriars without thinking about the friars who once occupied the site. You might have visited The Beaney without knowing the slightly macabre detail hidden within one of its most famous paintings.

That's the Canterbury we love.

Not just the famous landmarks, but the stories between them, because sometimes the best way to explore a historic city isn't to follow a checklist of attractions. It's to follow your curiosity.

Want to discover more of Canterbury's stories?

Whether you're visiting Kent for the first time or you've lived here for years , a guided tour can reveal a very different side of the city.

At Kent Guided Tours, we love sharing the stories, characters and hidden details that can be easy to miss when you're exploring on your own.

So next time you're in Canterbury, don't just look at the city.

Look closer. You never know what story you'll find.

The Complete Guide to Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover…and What Most Visitors Miss

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:29:32 GMT

The Ultimate Visitor Guide to the White Cliffs of Dover: Best Views, Walks, Hidden Gems and Nearby Attractions

For many visitors, the White Cliffs of Dover are one of Britain's most iconic sights. Rising dramatically above the English Channel, these famous chalk cliffs have welcomed travellers arriving from Europe for centuries and have become a symbol of England itself.

However, while thousands of people visit the cliffs every year, many only see a small part of what this remarkable landscape has to offer.

From breath-taking viewpoints and hidden wartime history to nearby castles, coastal villages and spectacular walking routes, there's far more to discover than a quick photograph at the visitor centre.

As a local guide who regularly introduces visitors to this corner of Kent, I'd like to share some of my favourite places, views and experiences around the White Cliffs of Dover.

Why Are the White Cliffs of Dover So Famous?

The cliffs owe their distinctive appearance to the brilliant white chalk that was formed millions of years ago from the remains of microscopic marine organisms.

Standing up to 350 feet (110 metres) above sea level, they have long served as Britain's natural gateway, visible to travellers crossing the Channel from France.

Their significance grew during the Second World War when Dover became known as the "Front Line Town" due to its strategic position overlooking occupied Europe.

Today, the cliffs remain one of the UK's most recognisable natural landmarks and attract visitors from around the world.

The Best Views of the White Cliffs of Dover

1. Langdon Cliffs

One of the most popular viewpoints, Langdon Cliffs offers panoramic views across the Channel on clear days.

This area also contains fascinating wartime remains, including gun emplacements and observation posts that tell the story of Dover's crucial role during World War II.

2. South Foreland Lighthouse

A short walk from the main cliff paths brings you to the striking South Foreland Lighthouse .

This Victorian lighthouse sits in a spectacular position overlooking the coastline and offers some of the finest cliff-top scenery in Kent.

3. St Margaret's Bay

Many visitors never make it to nearby St Margaret's Bay , but it offers a completely different perspective.

Looking back towards the cliffs from the beach provides some of the most dramatic photographs available anywhere along the coast.

4. The Western Heights

For visitors wanting a broader view of Dover itself, The Western Heights provide an excellent vantage point.

From here you can see the harbour, Dover Castle and the White Cliffs stretching along the coastline.

Things to Do Nearby

One of the great advantages of visiting Dover is that several world-class attractions are located within a very small area.

Explore Dover Castle

Often described as the "Key to England", Dover Castle has defended the country for more than nine centuries.

Its medieval Great Tower, secret wartime tunnels and commanding position make it one of Britain's most impressive historic sites.

Discover Wartime Dover

The story of Dover extends far beyond the cliffs themselves.

Visitors can explore sites connected to Operation Dynamo , the Battle of Britain and the extensive tunnel systems hidden beneath the castle.

Visit Deal and Walmer

A short drive along the coast brings you to the charming seaside towns of Deal and Walmer.

With their castles, historic streets and attractive seafronts, they provide a wonderful contrast to Dover's dramatic landscape.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

The White Cliffs can be enjoyed throughout the year, but each season offers something different.

Spring brings wildflowers and quieter walking trails.
Summer offers the best chance of clear views across the Channel.
Autumn provides beautiful colours and fewer crowds.
Winter can create some of the most dramatic coastal scenery.

Early mornings and late afternoons are often the most rewarding times for photography.

Why Explore the White Cliffs with a Local Guide?

Many visitors understandably head straight to the National Trust Visitor Centre , take a short walk and leave.

However, some of the area's most fascinating stories, viewpoints and hidden corners are easy to overlook without local knowledge.

A guided tour allows you to discover not only the famous cliffs themselves but also the castles, wartime sites, coastal villages and countryside that together tell the story of this unique corner of Kent.

Whether you're interested in history, photography, nature or simply seeing the very best of the area, a local guide can help bring the landscape to life. Why not get in touch with us and let us know what you’re interested in seeing and we could plan your visit in Dover.

Final Thoughts

The White Cliffs of Dover are far more than a famous photograph or a stop on a sightseeing itinerary.

They are a place where geology, history, nature and national identity come together in one unforgettable landscape.

Whether you're visiting Kent for the first time or returning to discover more, the cliffs remain one of Britain's most rewarding destinations, and there's always something new waiting to be discovered beyond the well-trodden paths.

Book a guided tour with us now.

Follow the Front Line: A Battle of Britain Tour Through Wartime Kent

Sun, 17 May 2026 09:29:07 GMT

Kent’s peaceful countryside and sweeping chalk cliffs hide a dramatic truth: in 1940, this corner of England stood directly in the path of Hitler’s invasion plans.

Today, this full-day guided tour takes you through the landscapes where history hung in the balance, from the evacuation of Dunkirk to the Battle of Britain and the months when Kent became Britain’s front line.

Travelling through historic towns, RAF locations, coastal defences and wartime landmarks, you’ll experience the story of 1940 where it actually happened, with expert insight bringing the events vividly to life.

Your journey begins with the backdrop of the “Phoney War,” those quiet months after September 1939 when Britain braced for a conflict that had not yet arrived. That calm shattered in spring 1940 when Nazi forces swept through Belgium, the Netherlands and France with terrifying speed. The British Expeditionary Force — nearly 400,000 men — found itself trapped on the beaches around Dunkirk.

What could have been a catastrophic loss was transformed into a miracle of courage and coordination, masterminded from Dover Castle by Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay. The call went out for the “little ships,” and hundreds of small civilian vessels mustered in ports like Ramsgate to rescue stranded troops. Their bravery saved around 320,000 lives and ensured Britain could continue the fight.

With that context, the tour moves into the next chapter of 1940: the Battle of Britain. Just outside Dover, the clifftop memorial at Battle of Britain Memorial offers sweeping views across the Channel — the very skies where “The Few” fought off Göring’s Luftwaffe. Standing here, surrounded by the wind and the white cliffs, it becomes easy to imagine the roar of engines and the desperate dogfights that once filled this airspace.

From the cliffs, the route follows the coastline past Folkestone before turning inland through the Kent Downs. These quiet villages and rolling fields belie the chaos that once unfolded overhead. Hawkinge, just minutes from France by air, was one of the most important RAF fighter stations of the war. Today, the landscape feels serene, but the stories remain powerful.

Arriving in Canterbury, you’ll explore the medieval streets and discover the scars left by the 1942 Baedeker Raids. The city’s rich history and position in the heart of Kent’s wine region make it an ideal stop for lunch — perhaps with a glass of local sparkling wine.

The journey continues through Sturry, Sarre and the Thanet countryside, where the story shifts to innovation and ingenuity. Here you’ll uncover the origins of Barnes Wallis’s bouncing bomb and the early stages of the Dambusters legend. At Manston, once a crucial forward airfield, you’ll learn how its vast runway supported damaged aircraft and later hosted Concorde test flights.

A visit to the Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum brings this history into sharp focus, with real wartime aircraft and even a recovered bouncing bomb on display.

The final chapter unfolds back in Ramsgate, whose Royal Harbour played a central role in the Dunkirk evacuation. Memorials line the waterfront, and the vast Victorian tunnels beneath the town reveal how thousands sheltered, and in some cases lived, during the war.

As the tour returns towards Dover, the remaining Swingate radar masts stand as silent witnesses to the Dowding System that helped win the Battle of Britain.

The day concludes overlooking Dover Castle and the harbour below — the very place where Britain’s fate was shaped in 1940. It’s a fitting end to a journey through courage, innovation and resilience, all set within the dramatic landscapes of Kent’s wartime front line.

Experience Wartime Kent for Yourself

This tour offers far more than a history lesson — it’s a chance to stand in the places where some of Britain’s most important wartime events unfolded. From dramatic coastal viewpoints to hidden wartime stories, every stop reveals another layer of Kent’s remarkable role in 1940.

Whether you’re passionate about military history, fascinated by the Battle of Britain, or simply looking for a memorable day exploring Kent with an expert local guide, this tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

To book your Battle of Britain tour through Kent, or to arrange a private guided experience, contact us now.

Walmer & Deal Castles in Kent: History, Gardens & Visitor Guide

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:40:48 GMT

Discover the history, gardens and coastal charm of Walmer and Deal Castles in Kent, two of Henry VIII’s iconic seaside fortresses.

Visitors to Walmer Castle and Deal Castle today might be surprised to learn that these picturesque coastal landmarks were once part of a formidable 16th-century defensive network.

Built during the reign of Henry VIII , the castles formed part of a chain of seven fortifications designed to protect England’s southern coast from invasion. Constructed at a cost of £25,000 (an enormous sum at the time) they were a direct response to political and religious tensions following Henry’s split from the Catholic Church and his divorce from Catherine of Aragon.

Tudor Castles Built for War

Walmer and Deal Castles were constructed using many materials salvaged from dissolved monasteries and religious houses. As a result, visitors can still spot intricate stone carvings more typical of churches than military structures.

Although the threat of invasion diminished soon after construction, the castles remained strategically important. They overlooked the Downs Anchorage, a sheltered stretch of water protected by the Goodwin Sands. As nearby harbours silted up, this anchorage became vital for ships waiting to enter the River Thames en route to London.

Walmer Castle: From Fortress to Seaside Residence

By the 17th century, Walmer Castle began its transformation from fortress to elegant residence. This shift was driven by Duke of Dorset, Lionel Sackville-West, appointed Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.

Unimpressed by the cold accommodations at Dover Castle , Sackville-West chose to renovate Walmer into a comfortable coastal retreat. He added refined living quarters and improved facilities for the garrison. The surrounding land, known as “the Close”, gradually evolved into the castle’s kitchen garden, now the oldest part of its grounds.

William Pitt the Younger and Garden Design

In the late 18th century, William Pitt the Younger took up residence as Lord Warden. Having been forced to sell his private estate, Pitt used Walmer Castle as a place to host important guests - much like Chequers in Buckinghamshire is used today as a modern prime ministerial retreat.

He commissioned a bridge linking the castle to formal gardens, including the Oval Lawn, still used for events today. One side featured the historic kitchen garden, while the other was planted as an orchard for symmetry.

Pitt’s niece, Hester Stanhope, helped plan further garden expansions. Successive Lord Wardens, including the Earl of Liverpool, Robert Jenkinson and the Earl of Granville, Granville Leveson-Gower , continued these enhancements, adding features such as the Broadwalk.

In 1997, garden designer Penelope Hobhouse revitalised part of the orchard to mark the 97th birthday of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, incorporating a 97-foot pond as a tribute.

A Residence of National Importance

Walmer Castle remains the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and has hosted notable figures throughout history. These include Duke of Wellington , who died at the castle, and Winston Churchill , who occasionally stayed there (but in reality preferred his own Kent retreat, Chartwell). The Queen Mother was also a regular summer guest.

Today, the castle blends historic architecture with beautifully landscaped gardens, woodland walks, and wildflower meadows that support native wildlife.

Deal Castle and the Lost Fortifications

While Walmer evolved into a refined residence, much of Henry VIII’s original defensive network has disappeared. Sandown Castle has been lost to coastal erosion, and the connecting fortifications between Walmer and Deal are long gone.

However, the scenic coastal path between the two castles remains, and is even linked to a local tradition suggesting it marks the landing site of Julius Caesar in 55 BCE.

Unlike Walmer, Deal Castle retains much of its original military character. Though it too underwent modifications for comfort, it remains closer in appearance to its 16th-century design.

During the Second World War, bombing destroyed the captain’s house. It was never rebuilt, leaving the castle with a more authentic Tudor feel - a striking contrast to Walmer’s evolution into a stately home.

Visiting Walmer & Deal Castles Today

Both castles are managed by English Heritage and are open to the public. Visitors can explore centuries of history, from Tudor military engineering to Georgian garden design, all set against the stunning Kent coastline.

Let a local Blue Badge guide set the scene for you. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply a scenic day out, Walmer and Deal Castles offer a unique glimpse into England’s past - where fear of invasion gave way to coastal tranquillity. Book your tour today.

Exploring Roman Kent and the Gateway to Roman Britain

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:16:56 GMT

If you really want to stand where Roman Britain began, and where it ultimately ended, you need to come to Kent.

When people think of Roman Britain, they often think of Bath or Chester.

However, if you really want to stand where Roman Britain began, and where it ultimately ended, you need to come to Kent.

As the closest point to continental Europe, Kent was the true gateway to Britannia. Roman soldiers, traders, engineers and administrators all passed through here. Today, Dover, Richborough and Canterbury still hold remarkable traces of that world - from towering fort walls to hidden mosaics beneath modern streets.

Whether you're arriving on a cruise ship, visiting from London for the day, or you’re a Kent local wanting to see your county through new eyes, here are three extraordinary Roman sites to explore.

1. Dover – Portus Dubris and the Roman Fleet

Today, Dover is famous for its White Cliffs. In Roman times, it was known as Dubris or Portus Dubrae meaning “the waters.”

The town sits in a natural gap in the cliffs at the mouth of the River Dour, the only break in this stretch of coastline. That sheltered gap made Dover strategically invaluable.

By around 130 CE, Dover was home to the headquarters of the Classis Britannica, the Roman fleet that patrolled the Channel.

What can you see today?

The Roman Pharos at Dover Castle

High on the Eastern Heights stands one of Dover’s greatest treasures: the Roman lighthouse within Dover Castle .

Built in the 1st century CE, this Pharos (lighthouse) originally stood eight storeys tall. Today, four remain, making it one of only three surviving Roman lighthouses in the world.

It was constructed using volcanic stone imported from the continent (Kentish ragstone hadn’t yet been discovered) and later adapted as a bell tower for the adjacent church. Stand beside it and you are literally touching first-century Roman engineering.

The Painted House – “England’s Pompeii”

In Dover town centre lies the extraordinary Roman Painted House .

Dating from the 1st century CE, it contains some of the best-preserved Roman wall paintings in Britain. A 3rd-century Saxon Shore fort was built directly over the top of it, sealing and protecting the murals for centuries.

It’s one of Kent’s most underappreciated Roman gems.

2. Richborough – Where the Roman Invasion Began

If Dover was Rome’s working harbour, then Richborough Roman Fort was the symbolic front door to Britannia.

Known to the Romans as Rutupiae, this is widely believed to be the landing site of Emperor Claudius’ successful invasion in 43 CE.

At the time, this wasn’t inland countryside as you see today. It stood beside the Wantsum Channel - a broad stretch of sheltered water that separated Thanet from the mainland. Thanet was once an island.

A monumental welcome to Britain

Around 85 CE, a colossal 26-metre triumphal arch was built here, clad in gleaming white Italian marble. It was the ceremonial gateway into Roman Britain and the start of Watling Street, the great Roman road leading to London via Canterbury.

Imagine arriving by ship and seeing that arch rise above the shoreline, a statement of imperial power!

Although dismantled by the late 3rd century, the foundations remain, marked by a large cross shape in the centre of the site.

The Saxon Shore Fort

By 275 CE, Richborough had evolved into a massive Saxon Shore Fort, part of a defensive network protecting Britain from seaborne raids.

Today, you can walk beside towering 3rd-century walls that still dominate the landscape. There’s also a reconstructed wooden gate tower offering elevated views across the site, a powerful reminder of its importance.

Richborough is also thought to be where the Romans finally departed Britain around 410–412 CE.

In that sense, Roman Britain both began and ended here.

3. Canterbury – Durovernum Cantiacorum

Drive inland and you reach Canterbury. Known to the Romans as Durovernum Cantiacorum, meaning “Fortress of the Cantiaci (the Men of Kent).”

This was a thriving Roman administrative town, connected directly to Richborough by Watling Street.

Much of Roman Canterbury lies several feet beneath today’s streets but look closely and you’ll see its legacy everywhere.

Roman City Walls

Built around 270 CE, large sections of Canterbury’s Roman walls still survive and shape the city today. Five gates once linked to major Roman roads. The walls endured long after the Romans left, later defended by Anglo-Saxons against Viking raids.

The Canterbury Roman Museum

The highlight for many visitors is the Canterbury Roman Museum .

Beneath the modern city lies an intact Roman townhouse courtyard complete with mosaic floor, discovered after bombing in 1942 during the Second World War.

The museum also houses the Canterbury Treasure, a hoard of 5th-century Roman silver likely hidden during the final turbulent years of Roman rule. Standing underground beside that mosaic, you gain a real sense of Roman daily life. Not just soldiers and forts, but homes, colour and craftsmanship.

Why Explore Roman Kent?

Kent isn’t just home to Roman ruins, it’s home to the Roman story of Britain.

The attempted landing of Julius Caesar in 55 BCE
The successful invasion under Claudius in 43 CE
The headquarters of the Roman fleet
The monumental gateway to Britannia
The administrative heart of Roman Kent

And ultimately, the likely departure point when Roman rule ended.

All within easy reach of London and perfectly suited to a day tour from Dover Cruise Terminal.

Explore Roman Kent with a Local Guide

Roman sites can sometimes feel like “just stones” until you understand the landscape, the waterways that no longer exist, and the stories of the people who lived here.

That’s where a knowledgeable local guide makes all the difference.

At Kent and Sussex Guided Tours, we bring these sites to life, explaining why the Wantsum Channel mattered, how Dover’s natural gap shaped history, and what that huge marble arch at Richborough would have meant to a Roman soldier arriving for the first time.

Whether you’re a cruise passenger with one day ashore, a visitor from London, or a Kent local rediscovering your county, Roman Kent offers a fascinating journey into the beginnings of Britain.

If you’re interested in the sound of a Roman Kent tour, contact us today and let’s start planning your journey into the past.

Folkestone: A Coastal Town with Stories in Every Step

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 09:38:25 GMT

Folkestone is the kind of place that surprises people.

At first glance, it’s a charming seaside town on the Kent coast with sea air, clifftop walks, and fish and chips by the harbour. Yet if you look a little closer (or better yet, explore it with a local guide), Folkestone reveals itself as a town shaped by Victorian ambition, wartime resilience, and creative reinvention.

Whether you’re visiting from London for the day, arriving on a cruise, or you’re a local keen to see Folkestone through fresh eyes, this is a town with layers, and plenty of stories to tell.

A Victorian Playground by the Sea

In the mid-1800s, Folkestone was the place to be seen.

The Leas, the elegant clifftop promenade, was laid out by Decimus Burton - the same architect behind Regent’s Park in London. Owned by Lord Radnor, it was designed for “promenading”: a fashionable pastime where people would stroll, socialise, and enjoy sweeping sea views all the way to France on a clear day.

Two grand hotels soon followed: The Grand and The Metropole, built in the late Victorian period and competing to outdo one another in luxury. The Grand, built second, boasted cutting-edge features for its time, including cavity wall insulation and one of the first sprung ballroom floors.

Folkestone quickly became the most fashionable of seaside towns, regularly visited by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). It was glamour with a sea breeze and business was booming.

When Folkestone Became the Front Line

That golden era came to an abrupt halt in 1914.

During the First World War, Folkestone played a crucial role as Britain’s main departure point for the Western Front. An estimated 10 million people passed through the town during WWI with many never to return.

The Grand Hotel became accommodation for officers and a field hospital for the wounded. The Metropole was used to train women for the war effort. Poet Wilfred Owen stayed there, famously describing it as “a place with carpets as deep as the mud of the front line.”

As you walk along The Leas today, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of that history… especially when you reach the Folk Stones .

Created by artist Mark Wallinger in 2011, this powerful artwork consists of over 19,000 stones, each representing a British soldier killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Collected from local beaches, they symbolise the last sight of home for so many men who left from Folkestone.

Heroes, Innovators and Quiet Legends

Folkestone’s story isn’t just about war, it’s also about people who quietly changed the world.

Take William Harvey, born here in the 16th century. He was the physician to Queen Elizabeth I and he discovered the circulation of blood, which was a breakthrough in medical science that still underpins modern medicine today. His statue stands proudly on The Leas, and both the local hospital and school carry his name.

Nearby, you’ll find the memorial to Walter Tull, one of the first mixed-heritage officers in the British Army and a professional footballer for Tottenham Hotspur. Born in Folkestone, Tull broke barriers at a time when the army explicitly excluded non-white soldiers from leadership roles. His story is one of courage, talent, and quiet defiance.

These aren’t just plaques on a wall, they’re reminders that Folkestone has always punched above its weight.

From Ruins to Reinvention

The Second World War hit Folkestone hard. Due to its proximity to France, almost the entire population was evacuated. Bombing raids damaged key buildings, including Christ Church, of which only the tower remains today, standing in a peaceful Garden of Remembrance.

For decades after the war, Folkestone struggled to regain its footing as a seaside resort.

…then came reinvention.

The once run-down Old High Street is now at the heart of the town’s Creative Quarter - a thriving hub of independent shops, studios, cafés and galleries. Backed by long-term regeneration projects and events like the Folkestone Triennial (one of the UK’s most ambitious outdoor art festivals), the town has embraced creativity as a way forward.

Add to that the Harbour Arm which was once a derelict ferry terminal, now a lively space filled with food stalls, events and sea views, and Folkestone feels very much alive again.

Why Folkestone Is Best Discovered on Foot

Folkestone is a walking town.

Its stories live in the spaces between landmarks: under the Step Short Arch , where soldiers were ordered to shorten their stride as they marched to war; along Albion Villas, where Charles Dickens once stayed; or through the Bayle, the site of a long-lost Norman castle overlooking the harbour.

This is why guided walking tours work so beautifully here. You don’t just see Folkestone, you understand it.

Explore Folkestone with Kent & Sussex Guided Tours

At Kent & Sussex Guided Tours, our Folkestone walks are led by knowledgeable local guides who bring the town’s history to life with insight, warmth and a few surprises along the way.

Whether you’re a visitor looking for a meaningful coastal experience, a cruise passenger with limited time ashore, or a local keen to rediscover your town, Folkestone has more to say than you might expect, and we’d love to show you.

Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

ogudmundsson@tripadvisor.com (Sindri Traustason) — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 12:54:22 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Make a list

Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly

Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.