London Day-3 (Anthem Cruise 2024)

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May 12th, 2024 (London Day-3)

Today's adventure was a Day tour of the White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle, and Canterbury. We purchased the package on GetYourGuide.com.

We got up early, about 6 a.m., to get breakfast and make our way to the meetup location at Rudds Bar near Blackfriars Underground Station. It was only about a 30-minute walk from the hotel to the meetup location. 









We loaded the bus and left on time at 7:30 a.m., heading toward Dover. About halfway there, we made a pit stop for drinks and a bathroom break. We found this chocolate "caterpillar" in the store. 

It took about two and a half hours to get to the White Cliffs and Dover Castle.  The White Cliffs of Dover are a striking natural feature located on the southeastern coast of England, known for their distinctive chalk white façade that faces the Strait of Dover. These iconic cliffs have stood as symbols of British resilience and defense, especially during historical conflicts. Rich in flora and fauna, they offer spectacular views across the English Channel towards France.







We stopped at the White Cliffs first for about 45 minutes, and then part of the group went over to Dover Castle to tour the castle while the remaining stayed to tour the rest of the cliffs. 

Dover Castle, perched strategically above the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent, UK, is one of Britain's largest and most historically significant fortresses. Dating back to the 11th century, the castle has been described as the "Key to England" due to its defensive importance throughout the centuries, especially during such periods as the Napoleonic Wars and World War II. The site features a well-preserved medieval castle, Roman lighthouse, and a network of underground tunnels used extensively during wartime. Visitors to Dover Castle can explore its extensive grounds, historic buildings, and interactive exhibits, which bring its rich history to life. The castle's commanding views over the English Channel have made it a popular tourist destination and a symbol of British national pride. We had about two hours to tour the castle and grounds, which was not enough time. 















































After we met back up at 12:45 p.m., we left for a 50-minute ride to Canterbury. Canterbury, is located in the county of Kent in southeastern England, is a historic English cathedral city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its stunning Canterbury Cathedral, which is the headquarters of the Church of England and a prime example of Gothic architecture. The city's rich history includes a blend of Roman and medieval influences, making it a fascinating destination for both history enthusiasts and cultural tourists. Canterbury's charming streets are lined with well-preserved medieval buildings, boutique shops, and quaint cafes. The city also gained literary fame as the setting for Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," a landmark of English literature. 













We left Canterbury at about 4:10 p.m. and started the two-hour drive back to London. By then, everyone was tired, and many people slept on the way back. We arrived back in London just after 6 p.m. and walked the 30 minutes back to the hotel to relax the rest of the day. We have a very long day tomorrow, flying back home to Salt Lake City. 

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Day-3 Facts 

Weather: Temps in the 70's and hazy but sunny skies
Miles Walked: 7.9 Miles

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