Dover/Canterbury/Margate/Ramsgate
Discussion
I am planning a trip away this weekend and am looking at driving down from London on Saturday morning and returning on Sunday.
I was thinking of driving to Canterbury, which will become base camp, and then going to Dover for the day (to the ships and white cliffs). On Sunday I thought about either spending the day in Canterbury or driving back through either Margate or Ramsgate.
With the exception of Dover, on-route to France one dark evening, I’ve not been to any of these places so your views on whether I can do the three or should stick to two would be most welcome. Any thoughts on spending the night in Dover over Canterbury would be appreciated too and on nice family oriented hotels.
I was thinking of driving to Canterbury, which will become base camp, and then going to Dover for the day (to the ships and white cliffs). On Sunday I thought about either spending the day in Canterbury or driving back through either Margate or Ramsgate.
With the exception of Dover, on-route to France one dark evening, I’ve not been to any of these places so your views on whether I can do the three or should stick to two would be most welcome. Any thoughts on spending the night in Dover over Canterbury would be appreciated too and on nice family oriented hotels.
escargot said:
Dover is a hole mate. I wouldn't even consider staying there unless you have no other alternative.
I lived there for many years. The above poster is correct.Drive to the castle. Have a nice day wandering around what is a very impressive castle. Perhaps take a walk along the cliffs.
Avoid the town. Seriously.
My plans are pretty fluid. My mum is over to stay and she wants to visit the coast so I thought the white cliffs, and some P&O ferries would make her happy! Given that Kent is getting a rough ride maybe I should consider some other place?
I did consider Cornwall but then discounted it as I want somewhere no more than a two hour drive from London.
Does anybody have any other suggestions?
I did consider Cornwall but then discounted it as I want somewhere no more than a two hour drive from London.
Does anybody have any other suggestions?
thebullettrain said:
My plans are pretty fluid. My mum is over to stay and she wants to visit the coast so I thought the white cliffs, and some P&O ferries would make her happy! Given that Kent is getting a rough ride maybe I should consider some other place?
I did consider Cornwall but then discounted it as I want somewhere no more than a two hour drive from London.
Does anybody have any other suggestions?
West Wittering has quite a nice beach, only been there the once but it was a good laugh - especially as we had a BBQ and some excellent weather. I did consider Cornwall but then discounted it as I want somewhere no more than a two hour drive from London.
Does anybody have any other suggestions?
Brighton is surely worth a look in too.
Whereabouts in London are you? If you can get to the M3 easily then Bournemouth, Southampton, Pompey (which has Southsea/Hayling Island) are all within reach. Problem with seaside towns is they are all a bit rough, I guess you just go to the ones you remember from childhood!
I live in south Kent and here are the facts: Dover = hole. The castle is nice and the Alkham valley road is brilliant. Margate and Ramsgate = holes with no redeeming features. Canterbury is nice but isnt masses to do.
May i suggest East Sussex and Romney Marsh? Stay in a town called Rye and ytou can visit some lovely villages in the area, plus if its your thing stuff like Bodiam Castle (great pub opposite) Tenterden is also then close which is nice. Hastings is a bit of a dive but still better then Dover. Plus the roads are good for driving, tho it does get busy. But Rye is beautiful as is the whole area. Avoid Margate. Just. Avoid. It.
Simon
May i suggest East Sussex and Romney Marsh? Stay in a town called Rye and ytou can visit some lovely villages in the area, plus if its your thing stuff like Bodiam Castle (great pub opposite) Tenterden is also then close which is nice. Hastings is a bit of a dive but still better then Dover. Plus the roads are good for driving, tho it does get busy. But Rye is beautiful as is the whole area. Avoid Margate. Just. Avoid. It.
Simon
Welcome to Margate:
...actually, I'm being unfair. It's nothing like as bad as these make it look, and in fact the Shell Grotto is an absolutely amazing hidden treasure - I've never seen anything like it.
...actually, I'm being unfair. It's nothing like as bad as these make it look, and in fact the Shell Grotto is an absolutely amazing hidden treasure - I've never seen anything like it.
snowen250 said:
Tenterden is also then close which is nice.
Tenterden is the epicentre of tiny minded parochial medieval inbred throwbacks. Hateful. Hateful. Hateful.
Superficially pretty, but with a dark, evil, underbelly of curtain twitching stranger-fearing bigotry.
I believe it is against the law there to read any newspaper other than The Daily Mail.
Although the K&ESR steam railway to Bodiam is good.
Apologies to anyone who lives there. Not for what I've written, just that I'm sorry for you. Pity, almost, but massively overridden by the revulsion.
Edited by Justayellowbadge on Wednesday 5th August 11:31
Justayellowbadge said:
Kent, in its tedious, nauseating, entirety, is best avoided.
JAYB's summary could be interpreted by some, as a slightly sweeping generalisation. Edited by Justayellowbadge on Wednesday 5th August 11:00
Canterbury is a nice enough little city assuming you find a parking space. A bit english-high-street-generic in places but enough historic interest. Just avoid the crowds of French school children.
Don't bother with Dover town centre, but take Jubilee Way down to the docks -quite visually impressive if you want to see a working port. Drive to the front, buy an ice cream, lock the car doors and watch some ferry tonnage come in and out. Explain to the kids that the Germans used to lob shells over channel at Dover town. The castle is a good thing to vist. But don't hang around. -Go to Deal which is a pleasant enough little place for a pier wander & lunch. Alternatively St Mary's bay is nice, -next village up the coast for a walk along the cliffs.
Don't bother with Margate/Ramsgate. Broadstairs is nicer and around Thanet there are a few nice sandy beaches if the kids are after that.
Whitstable is my home town and again is a pleasant enough working port/fishing town which became trendy in the last few years. Some interesting little shops and the beach lacks the kiss-me-quick hat culture. Try the harbour for a boat trip to the WWII Maunsell sea forts.
Try Farming World/Howletts Zoo near Canterbury for more family day out stuff. Also see if anything's happening at Lydden Hill if you are allowed to let the Pistonheader in you surface.
I like (East) Kent and I'm a snooty enough tosser.
From a local resident... Dover and Margate are both holes, Canterbury is a lovely city worth spending a day at.
If your down this neck of the woods this weekend it's Folk Week in Broadstairs, it's not an amazing event but the atmosphere is excellent with lots of bars having bands or singers in. It's the best week of the year down here!
Always try to go down in the evenings as theres always something going on. Avoid Margate and Ramsgate though, no redeeming features AT ALL! (Well, Ramsgate Marina is almost ok for a quick look and a drink or to).
If your down this neck of the woods this weekend it's Folk Week in Broadstairs, it's not an amazing event but the atmosphere is excellent with lots of bars having bands or singers in. It's the best week of the year down here!
Always try to go down in the evenings as theres always something going on. Avoid Margate and Ramsgate though, no redeeming features AT ALL! (Well, Ramsgate Marina is almost ok for a quick look and a drink or to).Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff