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Below you will find just a selection of some of the experieinces and activities availble ithin just a few miles of First Light Coast & Country.
Castles
Dover Castle
Just a few miles along the cliffs from First Light Coast & Country lies one of the largest castles in the country, strategically located at the shortest crossing point to continental Europe, Dover Castle has played a prominent part in national history. Its origins lie in the Iron Age, and a Roman Lighthouse and Anglo-Saxon church can still be seen within the grounds.
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Walmer Castle
Walmer Castle is around 10 minutes drive from St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe. Originally built during the reign of Henry VIII as part of a chain of coastal artillery defences against Catholic attack from Europe,Walmer Castle has evolved over time into an elegant residence.
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Deal Castle
Deal Castle, a little over 5 miles away from St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe, is one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England. It is among the earliest and most elaborate of a chain of coastal forts, which were built 'with all speed, and without sparing any cost' between 1539 and 1542 by order of King Henry VIII, who feared an invasion by European Catholic powers.
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Nature & the Outdoors
Samphire Hoe
Samphire Hoe is an amazing place, made from the material dug to create the Channel Tunnel, with something for everybody:a stunning location, wild flowers, birds, sea angling, peace and quiet, painting or walks.
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Goodnestone Park Gardens
Considered to be one of the best gardens in the South East. 14 acres including woodland area and walled garden. Fine trees, large collection of roses and herbaceous plants. Connections with Jane Austen who frequently visited.
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Whinless Down Nature Reserve
This Local Nature Reserve is a gateway to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a good place to see the wild flowers and butterflies of ancient chalk grassland, with dramatic views over Dover.
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Western Heights Nature Reserve
Western Heights Local Nature Reserve and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) surround the extensive fortifications dating from the earthworks 1779, 1804-1815 fortifications and from the 1850's. There are fine views over the English Channel, Dover Castle and the White Cliffs of Dover.
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Heritage & Museums
East Kent Railway
4 mile round trip to Eynthorne on vintage trains. Extended ride on miniature railway. Model railway carriage with 3 gauge layouts. Small railway museum. Buffet.
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Deal Maritime & Local History Museum
The maritime and local history of Deal and Walmer, with displays of real and model boats, figureheads, lifeboats, life saving, the boatmen and Deal Pilots, the Cinque Ports, three Castles, Royal Marines, local life, local famillies and social history objects. Special exhibitions and changing 'in house' displays throughout the season.
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Dover Museum
The district's largest and most varied museum has a range of fascinating real objects, models and original pictures showing the history of Dover. Included in the admission charge is entry to the award winning Bronze Age Boat Gallery with interactive exhibits, computers and microscopes.
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Dover Transport Museum
Road vehicles of all types from bicycles to buses. Model Railway and tramway. Local transport history. Hundreds of models, Kent Coalfield items, Maritime Room, Bygone shops and 1930's garage. See exhibits being worked on. Tearoom open Sundays.
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Deal Timeball Tower Museum
Video, static and interactive displays cover 3 centuries of involvement in signalling, the fight against smuggling and as a vital link in safe navigation of distant oceans.
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Deal Pier
Built in 1954 the pier was the first seaside pleasure pier of any size to be built since 1910. Deal Pier continues to be a significant local landmark and public amenity. The pier has international recognition as an angling venue.
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