South East News

News from White Cliffs County

Wrap up warm for crisp coastal air, dramatic seascapes and wintry walks. Whether you’re planning a half-term adventure, a romantic seaside break or a peaceful day by the sea, make the most of a warm welcome in Dover, Deal and Sandwich this February.

Cocktails in the countryside

Set within the idyllic grounds of award-winning hotel and restaurant Updown, new Bar Vita draws inspiration from classic Roman cocktail bars and is an ode to their glamour and bustle. The bar is housed in one of the former stable blocks at Updown with seating for up to 30 guests, a long marble bar with stools and banquette seating on the ground floor. There’s a mezzanine with a semi-private snug and in the summer there will be a large, covered terrace for another 20 guests. A deep appreciation for the classics is the MO; the menu includes ice cold martinis, fig leaf negronis, shakertos with clementine, plenty of grappa and some choice wines from the Updown cellar, plus a simple snack menu.

Updown is also running a fantastic guest chef series this year, welcoming culinary heavyweights, including Margot Henderson, Lee Tiernan and Aaron Potter, for unforgettable evenings of bold flavours, open-fire cooking and hyper-seasonal menus. Check out their website to find out more.


Snowdrop season

English Heritage’s magnificent Walmer Castle & Gardens on the coast near Deal has been granted National Plant Collection status for its collection of 'Greatorex doubles' snowdrops growing here alongside more than 80 other rare snowdrop varieties. The garden is a lovely location for a walk to see these winter beauties and they’re at their best in February.

The beautiful eight-acre garden has been selected as an RHS partner garden this year. Free RHS member days are weekends until 15 February and 1 November to 20 December and Thursdays and Fridays from 20 February to 30 October.

In other news, the castle and gardens team have also been awarded a Platinum Green Impact Award, part of a UNESCO programme, plus an Excellence Award for their pioneering Walmer Wildlife Walks, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and English Heritage team here.

Opening times in February are from 10am to 4pm at weekends and every day during half term. Tickets are free for English Heritage members. If you’re not a member, book in advance online to receive a 15% discount.

Half term in White Cliffs Country

Head to Dover Castle for a jam-packed day out this half term. Explore the medieval tunnels and the Secret Wartime Tunnels, climb the Great Tower, see the Castle Under Siege exhibition and try out the trebuchet in the play area. For families with older children, try The Bunker – a fully immersive escape room experience inspired by the castle’s Cold War history. Can you escape before the time is up?

Young explorers will love Betteshanger Park’s Dino Hunt. Track down dinosaurs hidden in the park's beautiful trails and woodlands. This exciting, family-friendly activity combines outdoor fun with educational discovery, perfect for busy bees during the holiday. Other activities at the park include fossil hunting, walking trails, play areas and cycle paths. There’s plenty of space for a picnic or head to the on-site café if you need warming up.

Don't let cold weather put you off a beach trip. The coast here is wonderful in winter; dogs are allowed on the beaches and there are far fewer people. Burn off some energy, do a spot of beachcombing and search for natural treasures along the shore, then fill up on the freshest fish and chips from a nearby chippy afterwards – this is stuff that memories are made of.

Love is all around

Looking for a special place to spend time with your favourite people on Valentine’s Day? Many excellent cafes, bars, restaurants and pubs here will be serving themed menus or hosting themed events on Saturday 14 February but do book in advance where possible. How about the pop-up event at Jenkins & Son Fishmongers in Deal where chef Petra Halstrum will be creating fabulous sushi and handcrafted pasta (7-10pm, £45pp)? Or a Greatest Circus Afternoon Tea at The Lane in Deal which is running until 22 February (from 12pm daily £40pp)?

For time away from the everyday, dog-friendly Whitemills Lodges near Sandwich are hosting Valentine’s stays complete with a rose-petal outdoor bath, a stay in a luxury lodge, and a legendary breakfast in their on-site Kitchen/Bar. Nearby, luxury small hotel The Blue Pigeons in Worth has a set Valentine’s menu with two courses for £50 and three for £55. Make a weekend of it and stay in one of their eight guestrooms (from £180). Overlooking Dover harbour, Dover Marina Hotel and Spa, Tapestry by Hilton, has rooms from £159 for two people for Saturday 14 February and will be serving romantic cocktails from 6.30pm.


Nature views in Haikus

Poetic souls will love the new initiative at Gazen Salts Nature Reserve in Sandwich. Everyone who visits the reserve this year is encouraged to write a haiku and each month a winning entry will be chosen and published on the Gazen Salts Instagram account and on the noticeboard at the reserve.

The haikus will be judged by the trustees and submissions are welcome from humans of all ages (please give your age if you are under 16) and even from AI if you lack inspiration (but we doubt you will). A haiku has three lines (5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables), so do visit the reserve, get your creative juices flowing and take part in this charming competition. Please email your entries to gazensaltsnaturereserve@gmail.com.

The Walker Cup comes to Sandwich

Golf fans take note... Prince’s Golf Club, with views over Sandwich Bay, is to stage the 53rd Walker Cup between Great Britain and Ireland and the USA in 2030. The renowned venue on the glorious Kent coastline will host the biennial team contest for the first time.

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said, ‘The Walker Cup provides the opportunity for elite amateur golfers to perform on a world-class stage and Prince’s will certainly continue that rich tradition in 2030.

‘It is a venue which boasts an impressive pedigree, from the facilities off the course to the challenge on the wonderful links, and it promises to be a fantastic occasion when the match is played there.’

The exact dates for the competition will be confirmed at a later date.

Betteshanger news

The Betteshanger Bike Project takes over cycling facilities and trail management at the popular country park between Deal and Sandwich from mid-February. Mountain bike trails will reopen in phases, beginning with the 8km Blue Route, which will be the only trail available initially while further trail improvements continue. Bike hire will also reopen, making it easy for visitors to explore the park on two wheels, whether you’re a regular rider or trying mountain biking for the first time.

Kent Mining Museum, located at the park, has created a new heritage walking trail around the park, The Colliers' Way. Learn about the Kent Coalfield from the prehistoric Coal Age to the coalfield's present-day legacy. Collect a map at reception and enjoy a stroll through 250 acres of rewilded land (formerly Betteshanger Colliery). Afterwards, visit the museum where you can hear some first-hand experiences of former Kent miners. The museum is free to visit and is open on Wednesdays to Sundays from 9.30am to 4pm.




White Cliffs Country Visitor Information Centre, Market Square, Dover, CT16 1PH

Tel: 01304 201066  Email: vic@dover.gov.uk  

Website: www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk