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239/241 Folkestone Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 9LL, United Kingdom
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A very wet & cold evening in Dover
France with Dover Cruise terminal in foreground
Snowy Saxon church
old roman lighthouse
We (2 of us) are going to be in London at the Flemings Mayfair Hotel 7-12 half moon street with our baggage for several days and will need to get from London to Dover to board a cruise ship. What is the best way to get there and back to the Flemings Mayfair? We are in the US and would like to make arrangements before we leave home. London to Dover 4/28/2009 Dover to the Flemings Mayfair 5/10/2009
Thanks.
Assuming you don't want to pay for a private transfer then the best way is to get the train. Take a taxi to the station in London, and from it to the ship in dover. You do not need to book your London taxi until you are here.
www.nationalrail.co.uk
will give you train times and fares. Trains leave from London Victoria or London Charing Cross, journey time just under 2 hours. Trains from Charing Cross are better, because you will not have to change. Single fare is 26GBP. You do not need to buy tickets in advance online: you can simply buy them at the station.
A cheaper alternative is to take the coach (long-distance bus) from Victoria coach station (and taxis to/from as before). www.nationalexpress.com for times and fares. Journey time around 2.5 hours, plenty of services, one-way fare from 6GBP. It would be sensible to book tickets online before you arrive.
If you do want a private transfer than there are a number of firms offering this service. Google 'london dover transfer'. The dummy quote I requested from one website came up with 149GBP, which I would imagine is a pretty standard price. You will need to book these transfers in advance.
You can find detailed directions at www.walktomycruiseship.com/dover.htm
My favorite thing about Dover was the magnificent castle. Built in the 12th Century by King Henry II, the castle was enlarged and strengthened in later centuries. Including the construction of its curtain walls.
Today, it remains one of the countries largest and most impressive casrle/fortresses. Strength and beauty of Dover Castle.
Stop in Canterbury. See the awesome cathedral and learn of its bloody history. In the cathedral you can see the very spot where Beckett was slain, view the tomb of Edward, Black Prince of Wales and generally become immersed in history for awhile.
Here is the gate, leading into the cathedral.
Dungeness
Dungeness is a promontory to the south of Dover. It is a bleak triangle of land created of shingle that has been thrown up by the sea over many years. The promontory is scattered with a number of chalet-type dwellings, some of which are used for permanent residences and others as holiday homes. It is a popular area for sea-anglers and walkers. The flat arable area of Romney Marsh lies to its north and the River Tillingham at Rye is to its south. When the nuclear power station was built at Dungeness Point it was necessary to construct a new lighthouse, which is the fifth to be constructed here. You can see the black and white lighthouse to the right of the picture. The area also has a large bird sanctuary. The photo here was taken from the top of the old lighthouse and shows the bleak windswept landscape.
Another photo taken from the old lighthouse. The one-third scale Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway (RHDR)is looking even more like a child's model trainset from this view! (For a clearer view, enlarge this photo from the Travelogue).
This shot, obviously taken from the balcony of the old lighthouse, shows clearly the black and white modern lighthouse, which is a concrete structure with no character at all!. The 'old' lighthouse is not really that old at all, having been built in 1901. There have been beacons or lighthouses in this area for centuries and the first permanent structure was built in the reign of King James I (1603-1625). This lighthouse is now privately owned and for a small fee you may climb the 160-odd steps to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view over the Romney Marsh and the English Channel. The nicest way to get to Dungeness is by the RHDR, but do ensure you leave enough time to catch the train back to Romney or Hythe.
Say a little prayer for me? This is the beautiful St Mary's Church located inside Dover Castle. This ancient Parish church was founded in (and around) the year 1100. But it had to be rebuilt sometime in the mid-1800s because the foundations inside were unsafe due to the number of coffins buried under the floor! Hm...
Luggage with wheels is always a good idea, wherever you are travelling. Whether snowy/wet/sunny/warm or cold weather, layer your clothing.
Wear thermal underwear (these are easily bought at the local clothing shops), with warm leggings and a top under a toasty jacket for the cold. I have my trusty grey duffle coat, plus a white snow jacket for this type of weather, and they are a godsend!
Wear flat shoes that have a good grip, as when it is snowing, and afterwards, when it is sludge, it's really difficult to walk and keep your balance!
Always remember to bring a cap/hat that covers your head and neck for when it gets hot, as well as sunglasses. Sunscreen (Factor 35 is the minimum factor I use, no matter what the weather is), headache tablets and usual little things like some plasters for blisters, cotton wool, germolene etc. Your camera, with charger, and a EUROPEAN plug extension. Have a map of the area handy, plus a local bird, flower and tree book. For this you also need a pair of good quality binoculars
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Q: Getting from Heathrow to Dover "Aside from a Taxi, can I take a fast speed train from Heathrow to Dover. How do I get info on the train? Will be staying at the..."
A: "I don't think you want to take a taxi unless you are very rich. I'm not a bus person and so can't advise about that. If I was doing the journey I'd use the..."
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