Cliffs of Dover

The Cliffs of Dover are a striking natural landmark located on the southeastern coast of England, rising majestically to heights of up to 350 feet. Known for their iconic white chalk formations, these cliffs stretch for about 8 miles along the English Channel, providing stunning views of the sea and the French coastline in the distance. 

Historically significant, the cliffs have served as a symbol of British resilience, especially during wartime, and are often associated with the phrase "the white cliffs of Dover." Visitors are drawn not only to their breathtaking beauty but also to the rich history and wildlife that thrive in the surrounding areas. 

Whether viewed from land or sea, the Cliffs of Dover remain a captivating sight, steeped in both natural wonder and cultural heritage.

For more photographs of the Cliffs of Dover click here or view on You Tube

Maidstone

Maidstone in Kent is situated on the Medway which links it with nearby Rochester and the Thames Estuary. 

Maidstone was once a centre for industry with brewing and paper making being the most prominent industries. Maidstone today has a number of Hi Tech Industries and a lively town centre with two large shopping centres at Fremline Walk and The Mall.

The town has an abundance of good restaurants, bars and coffee shops with a mix of independent and well known high street retailers.

Royal Tunbridge Wells

Often referred to as Tunbridge Wells for short this large town in Kent is just 40 miles from London. It is a popular destination for those wanting to 'get out of the smoke' and its history as a Spa Town means that it has an abundance of fine buildings and architecture.

This is a very affluent town and it has an abundance of good cafes, restaurants and bars. The streets are a delight to walk through and there are plenty of independent shops. 

For more photos of Royal Tunbridge Wells click here or view on You Tube

Dover

Dover is a large ferry port town in Kent. It is situated at the closest point between France and England with Calais being just 21 miles away across the English Channel.

The White Cliffs of Dover are the first thing that most people see when approaching England from the sea. These famous chalk cliffs overlook the harbour and stretch for some miles along the coast.

The Port of Dover benefits from tourism although it is more of a transit town than a holiday destination in its own right. Dover has an impressive castle and the white cliffs of Dover house a labrinth of military tunnels used in the second world war.

For photos of Dover click here or view on You Tube

Canterbury

Canterbury is an old historic English town in Kent. It is situated on the River Stour and is home to one of the most famous religious structures in the world - Canterbury Cathedral. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site there are parts of the city that are of significant importance in English history. The city wall was built in Roman times and rebuilt in the 14th century. Canterbury is also home to one of the oldest schools in England - The King's School.

Once one of the most influential cities in England Canterbury has a history dating back to prehistoric times. The Celts, the Romans and Medieval Britain would all have been familiar with Canterbury. Popes, Kings and Queens and Mahatma Ghandi have all visited Canterbury.

During the 17th century out of a population of 5,000, there were 2,000 French speaking Protestant Hugueonots fleeing persecution and the war in Holland. The lease for the famous ship The Mayflower was negotiated in Canterbury in 1620 prior to its use to transport pilgrims to America.

Canterbury today is a very popular tourist destination. In the summer months the streets are thronging with visitors from all over the globe. It is one of the most visited cities in the UK. With an abundance of good restaurants, cafes and bars the city is heavily dependent on tourism.

For more photographs of Canterbury click here or view on You Tube

Sandwich

Sandwich is a very old and established town. With its medieval buildings and narrow streets it was here in 1192 that Richard Lionheart landed after his release from Germany. The River Stour provides an important link with the sea although since it has silted up larger ships can no longer enter the harbour. During medieval times Sandwich was the main port for Kent. 

This is one of the best preserved medieval towns in England. There has been a settlement here since Roman times. The name of the town is thought to mean 'sandy place' or 'place in the sand'. 

Canterbury and the Port of Dover are not far away and during the summer months Sandwich receives its fair share of tourists who come to look at tis ancient buildings and spend time its pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Chatham

Chatham in Kent, near Rochester, is full of maritime history. Once an important and strategic naval dockyard it is now home to the historic dockyard and museum where various ships, maritime equipment and a history of the area is recorded in detail at this popular visitor attraction.

The town of Chatham is adorned with many objects depicting its naval history. The town is located on the Medway and has clearly seen better days. Apart from the brand new bus station the town itself looks a little shabby in places and has a very varied ethnic mix which can be seen in the colourful local independent shops.

Looking over the town is the Chatham Naval Memorial commemorating the 18,500 members of the Navy who lost their lives in World War I and World War II. The local town hall which is a grade II listed building was completed in 1900.

Chatham has a good mix of restaurants and cafe's and many languages can be heard in the busy high street area during the rush hours. A distinctly multi cultural town with a proud history.

For more photographs of Chatham on The Medway click here or view on You Tube

Rochester, Medway

Rochester in Kent is known best for its cathedral and castle which are right next to each other. Often referred to as Rochester-upon-Medway it has in recent times been an important strategic military city. Despite several websites indicating otherwise Rochester is lost its city status through error and council mergers and it is now just a mere town.

The town of Rochester with its tea rooms, cafes and restaurants is a quaint little place nestling by the Medway. The impressive bridge over the Medway was built in 1915. The castle grounds are definately worth a visit and give you some good views over the landscape. 

For more photographs of Rochester click here or view on You Tube

Russian Submarine - Medway

Visitors crossing Rochester Bridge might be shocked to catch a glimpse of a large Russian 
submarine moored in the river. Rusting and neglected she definitely needs some tender loving care. However, in the half light of an evening sunset it does cut a strange silhouette on the Medway skyline.

Purchased by the Russian Submarine company it had previously been moored in London and finally Folkestone before finding its way to the Medway. The problem with any vessel this size is finding a suitable mooring spot for it. The B49 submarine was retired from service in 1994 after her decommission and 23 years under the command of Captain Vitalij Burda from the Russian Naval base in Riga.

Built in 1967 the vessel would have served in the Baltic seas. In later days it was used to train 
friendly nations forces and to play cat and mouse military games with NATO warships and submarines. Known as the "Black Widow" ex Russian Foxtrot B-39 (U 475) this is a Hunter Killer Class Submarine. 

Tonbridge

Tonbridge is an historic town on the River Medway. It is famous for its castle and public school. The 13th century Motte and Bailey Castle is situated near the River Medway and just off the main high street. The parkland around the castle adds a pleasant backdrop to the busy high street and is a great place to relax and enjoy the open air. Many events are held in the castle grounds throughout the year.

Along the high street visitors will notice many timber framed buildings and weather boarded houses from the 18th century. Tonbridge has been a busy market town since the 13th century. Today there is still a Saturday Market near the railway station although the cattle market is no longer in operation. Tonbridge is often spelt incorrectly as many people think it should be Tunbridge. However, it is recorded in the Domesday Book as Tonebrige ( possibly town of two bridges ) and in later years it was actually spelt Tunbridge. In 1870 the name was changed to Tonbridge to avoid confusion with 

nearby Tunbridge Wells.

Tonbridge is just 4 miles from Tunbridge Wells and only 29 miles south east of London. The Tonbridge Public School which dates back to the mid 16th century stands in its impressive buildings at the top of the High Street.

Tonbridge has an abundance of good restaurants and cafes and very few major brand names. The high street is always busy with traffic since this is the main route into and out of the town.

For more photographs of Tonbridge click here