Deal seafront

Four historic trails

Dover seafront from the pier

Four historic trails

Sandwich quay

Four historic trails

White Cliffs Country contains a wealth of history and heritage from prehistoric times waiting to be explored. Download our detailed maps and follow the four historic trails to discover more about our unique history; all include the 'must see' sites along with an introduction to the history.

From Dover Castle's ancient history, its role in the Second World War and the chronology of Europe's busiest ferry port at Dover, to the fascinating maritime history of Deal, to the medieval origins of the ancient Cinque Port of Sandwich and the origins of our pretty villages - there's history and heritage in abundance in White Cliffs Country.

  • Deal historic town trail

    Smugglers, revenue men, women of the night, murders and shipwrecks: discover Deal’s fascinating and notorious past by following this historic town trail at your own pace. At each numbered site on the map you will find an information panel displaying an illustrated account of Deal’s history.

    Download the trail

  • Sandwich historic town trail

    Sandwich was one of the famous Cinque Ports, which were grouped together by Edward the Confessor to defend the country and its street plan hasn’t changed much at all since the Domesday Book was commissioned. It is said to be one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Britain.

    Download the trail

  • Dover historic town trail

    For centuries, Dover has been the gateway to England and this fascinating port town is steeped in history, from a Roman hotel, to a little chapel dating from the 1200s, to a Bronze-Age Boat now displayed in Dover Museum.  At each numbered site on the map you will find an information panel giving an illustrated account of Dover’s history.

    Download the trail

  • Historic villages trail

    The rural area of east Kent around Canterbury, Sandwich, Deal and Dover is dotted with ancient villages. Over the centuries these little communities witnessed the passage of kings and queens, princes, archbishops, soldiers and sailors. Today, many old churches, half-timbered houses and other monuments stand in these villages revealing the fascinating history of this corner of England.

    Follow the leaflet for an illustrated history of our villages.

    Download the trail