Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims in White Cliffs Country
Via Francigena (Road from France) is the 1200 mile (2000 km) ancient pilgrims' route from England, through France and Switzerland to Rome. Starting from 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 7th century route passes through the villages and beautiful countryside of White Cliffs Country in the ‘Garden of England’ – and is relatively flat in comparison to the rest of the journey! The path takes you through parkland and pastoral landscapes which skirt the picturesque villages of Shepherdswell, Snowdown and Eythorne.
Once you reach Dover, why not explore some of the town's medieval hidden gems, before crossing the channel to France for the onward journey?
The Maison Dieu
Dover’s Grade I Listed town hall was founded by Hubert de Burgh, Constable of Dover Castle, Earl of Kent and Justiciar of England, in 1203 to provide hospitality for pilgrims travelling to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury, and for the care of wounded and destitute soldiers. Many pilgrims still pass through Dover today, walking the ancient Via Francigena from the nearby cathedral city of Canterbury, through France and Switzerland, to Rome.
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St Edmund's Chapel
One of the smallest working churches in England, Dover’s Chapel of St Edmund of Abingdon is also the only church still in existence that was dedicated to one English saint by another. It was consecrated in 1253 by Richard, Bishop of Chichester, who dedicated it to his friend St Edmund, Archbishop of Canterbury, who had died in 1245 and was canonised in 1247; Richard himself was canonised in 1262.
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St Mary's Church
The parish church of St Mary-the-Virgin, situated in the heart of Dover just along from the Market Square, is nearly 1000 years old. Dating from Saxon times, it was originally built by the secular canons of St Martin Le Grand and rebuilt by the Normans. St Mary’s is one of the three Dover churches mentioned in the Domesday Book.
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White Cliffs Country Visitor Information Centre
A more modern gem, White Cliffs Country Visitor Information Centre in Dover is where you can have your Pilgrim’s Passport stamped with the crest of St. Martin, Dover’s patron saint. You'll meet our friendly and knowledgeable team of staff who can help you with any enquiries you might have about this unique destination.
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