Step back in time on White Cliffs Country

There’s no better way to explore this spectacular Kent coastline than on foot. 

From a 10th century Pilgrim route to a 21st-century arts and architecture trail, drink in the views and step into the story. 

It is, of course, the scenery that steals the show, and for many the brightest star will be the King Charles III England Coastal path which takes walkers up and over the White Cliffs of Dover.  However, there are many rivals vying for your attention. 

The 2000-km ancient pilgrim way from Canterbury to Rome follows the route of the North Downs Way through White Cliffs Country to Dover seafront. It’s known as Via Francigena (meaning 'the road from France') and is the 1200-mile (2000-km) ancient pilgrim route from England, through France and Switzerland to Rome.  

Starting at Canterbury Cathedral, the first two stages of the walk take you 20 miles (33 km) along the North Downs Way into Dover. This part of the 10th-century route takes you through parkland, pastoral landscapes and picturesque villages, passing through Shepherdswell and skirting Snowdown and Eythorne, and is relatively flat in comparison to the rest of the journey!  

Along the route, you'll come across artworks created for the North Downs Way Art Trail. Once in Dover, it's worth exploring the town's medieval architectural treasures, The Maison Dieu, St Edmund’s Chapel and St Mary’s Church. 

The Saxon Shore Way follows the Kent coastline for 160mi/257km from Gravesend to Hastings via White Cliffs Country.  The Stour Valley walk is a 58-mile (93-km) route through the Low Weald and North Downs taking you through Sandwich and ending at Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve.   

White Cliffs Country’s big attraction is the magnificent coastal scenery, but then there is also plenty of hard landscaping to take your breath away. 

The latest addition to the tourist trail is the Maison Dieu, an 800-year-old Gothic fantasy which was “re-awakened” in May this year after a £10.5 million restoration. Once a medieval hospital, it became a somewhat-neglected part of Dover’s town hall but is now permanently open to the public for the first time since the 12th Century. 

If you’re in Dover, call in at the White Cliffs Country Visitor Information Centre, based at Dover Museum in the Market Square, to have your Pilgrim’s Passport stamped with the crest of St Martin, Dover’s patron saint. You'll meet the friendly and knowledgeable team of staff who can help you with any questions you might have about the area, accommodation, or your onward journey. 

Follow pavement markers around Dover Bluebird Heritage Trail on this fully accessible, self-guided trail to discover the town's historic buildings, sites and monuments. Collect a free guide from the Visitor Information Centre at Dover Museum. 

Dover is part of the “Walkers are Welcome” nationwide initiative, launched in 2007. Undergoing an exciting period of regeneration, the town is an ever-improving hub for walkers looking to explore the town, the coast and the countryside. All of which – and much else – is celebrated during the White Cliffs Walking Week, staged each year during late June/early July. 

The Miners’ Way Trail brings walkers up to the early 20th-Century, taking a route past what remains of Kent’s old coal mines. Opened in the 1920s the mines had a chequered history but the Betteshanger colliery closed as recently as 1989. Today’s Betteshanger Park is an outdoor activity centre. 

CHALKUP21 is an even more recent addition to the White Cliffs walking experiences. Covering a 17-mile (27-km) route between Capel-le-Ferne and Deal, this is an inspiring walk along spectacular coastline passing fine examples of 21st-century art and architecture. It includes excellent examples of coastal architecture built along the Dover Strait this century, many of which have achieved prestigious industry awards.  

The trail includes nine architectural gems, some of which include  'The Wing' at Capel Le Ferne, Samphire Hoe Education Centre, Tonkin Liu's 'Three Waves' on Dover seafront, The North Downs Way START/FINISH line on Dover seafront (where you can also see a new addition, Alma Tischlerwood's 'We Are All Winners') and Deal Pier Café, for that well-deserved brew.

For a slightly shorter walk try Frontline Britain Trail, a 4-mile (6.5-km) circular way-marked route around St Margaret's past the Dover Patrol Memorial and South Foreland Lighthouse. 

Western Heights Walks  are three waymarked walks that can be joined together for a longer walk of approximately 4 miles (6.5 km). Pick up a leaflet at the Visitor Information Centre in Dover Museum. 

If you’re planning the South Foreland Walk, start at the National Trust White Cliffs Visitor Centre and follow the coastal path to the South Foreland Lighthouse at St Margaret's Bay. You can make this a circular trip and walk back to Dover, following the clear paths or continue along the coast path to Kingsdown, Walmer and Deal. Whichever route you choose, you will have panoramic views of the English Channel and, on a clear day, be rewarded with a glimpse of the French coast on a clear day. 

On top of all of this, there are three Royal Geographical Society Walks in the area: The Key to the Kingdom, Invasion Coast and Saved Haven. All walks are free to download as PDF booklets or MP3 audio walks.