Only 50 miles from London, and easily accessible via train, Cambridge makes the perfect day trip. While you’re there visit the colleges, go punting, stroll The Backs, enjoy a pub lunch and of course some sweet treats. If I’m being completely honest, we skipped the pub lunch and went straight for the chocolates.
First things first…
One of the most unique and idyllic ways I’ve ever celebrated my birthday, was punting on the River Cam. Even if it’s not your birthday this is a most relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Its even better if you’re lucky enough to have friends who will do all the hard work while you sit back and relax.
The River Cam
We may have skipped the pub, but we didn’t miss lunch. We picked up sandwiches from a local grab and go and enjoyed them on the river, and if you’re so inclined and have a good handle on steering your boat, you can grab a Pimms cup from the Floating Cam Bar to go with your picnic! Only £5!
We loved the ducks, and other water fowl, on The River Cam in Cambridge, and they loved us, or at least they loved our lunch, especially the popcorn. At one point I thought they might get right in our punt!
The River Cam
The River Cam
The River Cam
The River Cam
The River Cam
Punting on the River Cam and visiting colleges are essential to any Cambridge visit, but do make sure to take the time to walk across The River Cam, for an alternative view.
Punting on The River Cam
One of the most iconic buildings in Cambridge is Kings College Chapel. You’ll need a ticket to enter, but its worth the price of admission, building started in 1446, just four years after the college was founded with finishing touches completed by King Henry VIII, is there anything in the UK that he didn’t have a hand in?
SAMSUNG CSC
Lucky for me my dear friend, Clare, who is an alumni and a perfect guide joined us for our day out. She made sure we had a lovely day. Check out her guide to Cambridge for more about those pub lunches I mentioned above and other valuable information on how to spend your day in Cambridge.
You’ll feel like you’re on the edge of the world, or at least I did, while exploring the White Cliffs of Dover. Visiting the White Cliffs and the surrounding area was a highlight of our summer vacation, and I know that our experience there will stay with me forever.
White Cliffs of Dover
We spent hours wandering the grassy paths high above the English Channel. Afterwards we made our way to Dover Castle where we explored centuries of fascinating history.
Dover Castle
The White Cliffs
There are various trails of varying difficulties all with breathtaking views, and on a clear day, which we were lucky to have, you can see across to France. Thankfully the trails are just far enough back from the edge, so you won’t feel nervous.
White Cliffs of DoverWhite Cliffs of Dover Trails
If your visit coincides with the low tide you can take the trail, which includes stairs, 350 feet down to the beach below, but keep in mind you’ll have to get yourself back up.
White Cliffs of Dover Trails
White Cliffs of Dover Beach
There is a lighthouse at the end of the trail, and if you’re so inclined they offer a lovely afternoon tea right inside the lighthouse. However we had the castle in mind, so we opted for an ice cream cone to go instead. We were joined by a park ranger along the way who chatted with us about the area’s fascinating history.
Dover LighthouseDover Lighthouse
There is no fee to walk on the Cliff trails, but there is a fee for parking as well as some of the area’s other attractions. Check the official website for more information.
Dover Castle
For over 9 centuries Dover Castle, in one form or another, has stood sentry on the cliffs overlooking the Channel, the gateway to the United Kingdom.
Dover Castle
Exploring inside the castle walls, was one of our favorite part of the day, in some places they are 21 feet thick. You’ll learn about castle life in the 11th century from the wonderful staff who work there, and they’ll share castle secrets and other fun tidbits with you.
Dover Castle Interior
This is the view of the Roman Lighthouse, as seen from atop Henry II’s Great Tower, at Dover Castle. The lighthouse is one of three surviving Roman Era lighthouses in the world and dates back to the 2nd century AD.
Roman Lighthouse &Saxon Church Dover Castle
A visit to Dover Castle is a fascinating journey, which will have you traveling through time as you learn about the Castle’s important defensive role throughout England’s history. You’ll want to allow as much time as possible so you can really explore all the exhibits and the underground war tunnels.
Check the Castle’s official website for opening hours and special events.
Banksy’s Brexit Mural
The search for public art, wall murals and graffiti often plays a large role in my travels, but I admit I practically stumbled upon this very large Banksy piece, while on the road to Dover Castle. As you can imagine I was really excited to see the Brexit inspired piece up close. You’ll find the mural on the Castle Amusements building near the Ferry Terminal in Dover.
I’ve always been fascinated by Tudor history and royal life in general, so I couldn’t have been more excited about our visit to Hever Castle the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. You probably already know, but just in case… Anne Boleyn was the 2nd wife of King Henry VIII and mother to Queen Elizabeth I.
King Henry VIII
Anne Boleyn
Over the course of it’s 700 year history Hever castle has been home to 37 different owners including another of Henry VIII’s wives, Anne of Cleves (wife number four), and William Waldorf Astor who was the richest man in America. It was Astor who brought the castle back to its former glory, and to the state in which its in now.
The Tudor Village at Hever was built by William Astor to accommodate his guests
Our visit to Hever took place during the winter holidays, which meant there were a number of special events going on at the Castle both day and night. Clare, of Suitcases and Sandcastles, and her family are frequent visitors to the Castle, and we were delighted to have them as our guides.
Father Christmas
Our first stop was a visit to Father Christmas in his grotto. The whole experience was really quite magical, and very different from what we’ve experienced here in the United States.
Stepping into the Grotto I felt a bit like we were walking into Narnia. There was an entire forest inside the tent, which from outside looked quite normal. It must have been magic!
After checking in for our appointment* the boys were given markers and paper with which to write their letters to Father Christmas. A very short while later one of the elves came to collect the boys and as we walked through the forest we searched the trees for hidden animals.
After a short chat, my boys are quite shy, Father Christmas gave each of the boys beautifully wrapped presents to take home with them!
The Maze & Gardens
Next up we explored the Castle’s 100 year old yew maze. Built by William Astor, the hedges are 8 feet tall, and with a quarter mile of pathways to explore getting to the center is harder than you might think.
Entering the maze…Elliot & Harry solving the Hever Castle Maze
We split up into groups and after wandering around for a while I found Simon who was much better at navigating the maze than I was, and before too long we made it to the center! Hooray!
The Center of the Maze
Having worked up an appetite solving the maze and exploring the gardens we decided lunch at the Moat Restaurant would be our next stop.
The Tudor Chess Set
Elliot and Edward exploring the gardens
The sun peeked out for a few moments, so we enjoyed our food outside while playing with our gifts from Father Christmas.
View of the Castle from the Moat Restaurant
The Castle
After lunch it was finally time to visit the castle! I opted for the audio tour and really enjoyed it. The Castle isn’t particularly large, and even taking my time, and many photos, I still got through in about 90 minutes.
The Courtyard The Inner HallThe Astor Drawing RoomThe Waldegrave RoomThe Long Gallery
Somehow knowing that at one time Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII stood in the very rooms I was standing in made them seem more real, and less like two characters in a book. Reading about historical figures is one thing, but there is something about walking into their bedroom that really brings them to life. Even 100s of years after their deaths.
Anne Boleyns Bed
Henry VIII would have stayed in this room when he visited Hever.
Artifacts within the castle include Anne’s illuminated prayer books, original letters exchanged between Anne and Henry both during their courtship and at the end of their relationship, and a Jacobite Rhyming Sword.
Anne Boleyn’s Book of Hours
Letter from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn’s Last Letter to King Henry
Jacobite Rhyming Sword
The Castle was dressed up inside and out for the festive season, and each room had a different carol playing with a corresponding Christmas tree and the history of the carol on display.
Holiday Decorations in the “Dog Kennel” Rooms
Christmas Tree in Anne Boleyn’s Room
The Adventure Playground
While I happily wandered inside the castle taking my sweet time the boys took advantage of the daylight and explored the Adventure Playground.
Harry & Elliot atop the battlements at the Adventure Playground
Interior of the Adventure Playground
After a lovely day exploring we went home for tea and a rest before returning for the Castle’s evening festivities.
Hever Castle At Night
When we came back for the evening festivities the Castle grounds were lit beautifully including a magical 12 Days of Christmas Trail. The trail included everything from the Partridge in a Pear Tree to the 12 Drummers Drumming! Night photos without a tripod were near impossible, but we did manage a few!
The Castle’s grounds, including the lake, were lit beautifully.
Two Turtle Doves
Three French Hens
Seven Swans a-swimming
Simon, Harry, Clare and Chris doing a bit of drumming
There was a vintage fairground located just in front of the Castle, which was complete with carousel, fun house, and a Coconut Shy game.
Afterwards, another look through the castle this time with the entire group at a much quicker pace. I was more than a little thankful about my earlier visit.
The castle was lit in rainbow colors.The boys in the Inner Hall
We did get some fun photos with the boys in front of the various holiday decorations, and as we were leaving “snow” was falling in the courtyard.
We’ve got it pretty good these days, you know, with flushing indoor toilets, running water, heat, laundry machines, modern medicine you get the idea, but I do like the idea of walking in the footsteps of history. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to visit some pretty amazing historic places many of them royal and all of them old!
Tips & Advice:
Check the official website for operating hours and special events.
Father Christmas is very popular. For the best experience an advance appointment is highly recommended.
On leash dogs are allowed on the castle grounds, but not in the adventure playground.
Hever Castle is located 30 miles from central London, 3 miles southeast of Edenbridge off the B2026 between Sevenoaks and East Grinstead in the village of Hever.
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