Delays at Dover cause holiday misery

BRITISH holidaymakers heading to France via Dover are being warned to allow extra time –a great deal of extra time – for their journey to the port amid long delays caused by heightened security checks.  

There have been major tailbacks on the M20/A20 since Friday with some motorists complaining of being in queues for up to 14 hours. 

The delays, at the start of the school holidays, are being worsened by tighter security checks by French border police at Dover and Eurotunnel following recent terror attacks in France. 

Tourists are being advised to try to avoid the M20/A20 and use the M2/A2 where possible. 

On Sunday morning, the Port of Dover was warning of waiting times of three to 3.5 hours from Roundhill Tunnels.  

Dover MP Charlie Elphicke said it was a 'very serious situation' with families 'suffering out there in massive tailbacks'. Other MPs said the tougher security checks introduced by the French were understandable and necessary, but that more police were needed to make them.

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This coast is made for walking

WALKERS can enjoy 66 miles of new and improved National Trail with the launch of the first stretch of the England Coast Path in Kent and East Sussex.

The continuous route between Camber and Ramsgate is the first section of the England Coast Path to open in the south-east of England. It gives unbridled views of coastline, including the White Cliffs and the unique areas of Dungeness and Pegwell Bay, popular for birdwatching, and their landscape and summer flowers.

Natural England is establishing a 2,700-mile path around the entire English coastline by 2020 and work is already under way on 60 percent of the route. When completed, it will be the world’s longest continuous coastal walking route.

Speaking at the National Trust’s White Cliffs centre, the chairman of Natural England, Andrew Sells, said: ‘I am delighted to be here for the formal opening of this 66-mile section of the England Coast Path – the most significant rights of way project for a generation. This beautiful and iconic stretch will allow walkers to enjoy amazing views, fabulous wildlife, and places with significant cultural and historical value – all from a high-quality footpath. It will also connect coastal communities and encourage walkers to visit more of the coast, bringing an added economic boost to the region.’

The route provides a link between communities and towns along the coast including Camber and Lydd, Greatstone and Hythe and Deal and Sandwich. It includes areas and features of heritage, such as the supposed landing site of Caesar at Walmer, embarkation points on the River Stour at Richborough used by soldiers and horses in the First World War, Napoleonic Martello towers, and extensive Second World War defences at Dover.

Three miles of new path have also been created at Sandwich, giving access around the peninsula for the first time.

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Command of the Oceans display opens in Chatham

COMMAND OF THE OCEANS, a permanent display at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, has opened. It tells the story of the dockyard’s pivotal role in British naval history, from the 16th century when Francis Drake learned his skills at Chatham to its golden period of the Age of Sail from 1700-1820 when dockyard built ships that transformed the British Navy into the world’s most powerful sea force.

The attraction is built around the 260-year old skeleton of the Namur, preserved where she was discovered and still lies. The Namur was one of the Royal Navy’s most significant warships of the Age of Sail and was discovered by chance in 1995 during routine conservation work at the dockyard’s wheelwrights’ shop.

The exhibition includes objects from the Invincible, a French warship that was captured by the British in 1747, taken into the Royal Navy, and sunk by accident in 1758.

Dan Snow, TV historian, said: ‘The Namur is the ship that defined the course of British history. Her remains enable us to better understand the shipbuilding ingenuity at Chatham which was crucial in developing British naval dominance which in turn helped to extend Britain’s influence around the world.’

www.thedockyard.co.uk

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Picture Credit: By Nilfanion - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,commons.wikimedia.org 39285912

Kent tops trending UK & Ireland destinations list

TRAVEL search site momondo.com has done an analysis of its search data in order to make its UK domestic travel predictions for 2016. The data showed that domestic destinations accounted for 10% of all searches made on the site in 2015.

Kent topped the list of the seven trending destinations they expect to see growing in popularity this year. Waterford in Ireland and Dundee in Scotland came second and third respectively. Searches for Cambridge were up by 288%, Bournemouth by 200%, Guernsey by 149%, and Kerry by 89%.  

Lasse Skole Hansen at momondo.co.uk, said: ‘Our findings suggest that cultural breaks may be on the up for Brits. This is due to a rise in interest for specific domestic destinations known for historical tourism.

‘For example, in Kent, Canterbury was once itself a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, and Dundee in Scotland is home to the 15th century Broughty Castle. Cambridge is home to arguably the world’s best university.

‘It seems many Brits do still like a view, though, as scenic destinations County Kerry and Guernsey, which both boast striking coastal terrain, are both also trending destinations.’

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Picture Credit: www.flickr.com/photos/65272231@N00/10625980414">Cathedral in Canterbury</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin

Kent – England’s garden of delights

HEAD just a little way south-east of London to discover castles, moated manors, and perfect gardens and villages. 

The county of Kent acquired the nickname of the Garden of England, a provider of fruit, flowers, and hops. Here are five of its must-see highlights: 

• The Boleyn family home of Hever Castle played its part as the backdrop of Henry VIII’s romance with Anne Boleyn, one of the greatest love affairs in history. See Anne’s bedroom, and take a boat on the lake. 

• Whitstable is known for its oysters and maritime history. Sup a local ale at the Old Neptune pub on the beach and see how the building has stood up to many a storm with its wonky window frames and sloping floor. 

One of Britain’s most striking beaches, Botany Bay is recognized for its tall chalk stacks and stretching sandy shores that Turner captured on canvas. 

Then head to Margate, where you can watch those famous Turner sunsets. 

• Lovers are powerless to resist the romantic allure of Leeds Castle, surrounded by its own reflections in the moat. The interior is an art deco dream. 

•  The 14^th century Scotney Castle (pictured) has acres of woodland to explore, complete with a secluded picnic area. 

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Picture Credit: "Hever Castle & cottages over moat". Licenced under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons; "Cliffs at Botany Bay, Kent 3" by Nilfanion - Own work. Licenced under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons; "Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent" by Brian - originally posted to Flickr as Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent. Licenced under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Seaside rollercoaster restored

BRITAIN’S oldest wooden rollercoaster – built in 1920 and now Grade II listed – has been restored and is back in action on the seafront in #Margate, Kent. 

The scenic railway fell into disrepair when the town’s Dreamland amusement park closed in 2006, and was destroyed in an arson attack in 2008. But leading restoration experts have spent more than a year re-building the roller coaster, retaining its original character while ensuring it meets 21st century standards.

Its restoration marks the completion of the new amusement park at #Dreamland, a £28 million development project with more than 17 restored rides and amusements recalling the golden age of the British seaside.

Eddie Kemsley, CEO of Dreamland, says: ‘The opening of the UK’s oldest wooden rollercoaster is another fantastic reason for people to come to Margate and to visit Dreamland. This historic milestone comes after the enormous success of the opening of the park, which contributed to a 55% increase in hotel stays in Margate, year on year.’ 

The rollercoaster – operated by a full-time brakeman – comprises more than 320 tons of timber, 100,000 screws, and a mile-long track.

www.dreamland.co.uk

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Picture Credit: The Parade, Margate by Poliphilo - Own work. Licensed under CC0 via Wikimedia Commons 

Gatwick bus link for Kent

NATIONAL EXPRESS is to start a 24-hour, straight-to-the-terminal Gatwick bus service from locations across Kent. 

Starting in December, the dedicated service will serve both terminals from locations throughout Kent eight times a day, with journey times taking as little as an hour.

Pick up and drop off points will include Canterbury, Chatham, Gillingham, Maidstone, Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate. National Express claims travel times will be up to 45 minutes quicker than their rail alternatives, all of which involve at least one change.

Online fares start at £5 one-way.

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Tee off in Kent

THE historic estate of Hever Castle in Kent is the latest property to link up with #Golf in Kent to promote the county as an all-round #golfing destination in England. 

Golf in Kent, run in association with Visit Kent, promotes the county a golfer’s paradise in the Garden of England, thanks to its many coastal links and inland courses, a wide range of accommodation, and its off-course cultural and historical attractions.

#Hever Castle has a 7,002-yard, par 72 championship parkland course, comprising the Kings and Queens 9-hole courses, plus the nine-hole Princes Course and a Tudor-style clubhouse.

The Kent Open and Kent PGA Championships have been staged at Hever.

www.golfinkent.co.uk

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/54238124@N00/8006903252">Hever Castle - Kent.</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

WW2 tunnels in Dover’s white cliffs open to the public

A NETWORK of forgotten WW2 tunnels inside the #WhiteCliffsofDover has been opened to the public by the #National Trust. 

The Fan Bay Deep Shelter was carved out of chalk in just 100 days in 1940 on Winston Churchill's orders as part of Dover's connected offensive and defensive gun batteries, aimed attacking German shipping in the English Channel.

At 75ft below the Kent coastline, the 3,500 sq feet of interconnecting tunnels, which are reinforced with iron girders and metal sheeting, accommodated 200 men.

The shelter – which was inspected by Churchill in 1941 – was decommissioned in the 1950s and filled in with rubble and soil during the 1970s.

The National Trust say the well-preserved tunnels are a time capsule, giving insights into war-time life, with graffiti-covered walls, discarded ammunition, and even a football pools coupon found in them. 

Tons of rubble and soil were removed by hand from the tunnels in an 18-month project involving more than 50 National Trust volunteers, archaeologists, mine consultants, engineers, and a geologist.

Jon Barker, visitor experience manager at the White Cliffs, said: ‘This re-discovered piece of the country's Second World War heritage is a truly remarkable find. There has been no public access to the tunnels for more than 40 years, and so they remain much as they were when they were abandoned.

‘We've carried out extensive conservation work to preserve both the natural decay and authentic atmosphere of the space."

The shelter was carved out of the chalk by Royal Engineers from the 172nd Tunnelling Company, and had a hospital, secure store and five large chambers providing bomb-proof accommodation.

Tickets are not available at the tunnel entrance. Book a space at the visitor reception centre before walking the 1.5 miles to the tunnel entrance and the 125 steps down into the network.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/87920827@N06/8044663115">Dover Cliffs</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license), National Trust

Fun week for the folks

BROADSTAIRS FOLK WEEK (August 7-14) has more than 500 events, including concerts, workshops, dances, parades, a craft fair, a children's festival, and Morris dancers in venues ranging from the 600-seat concert marquee in the town's park to the sailing club on the seafront.

Highlights include Cajun dances and the opportunity to English clog dancing.

The #festival campsite is close to the town centre of town, where there will be a panic Circus on-site.

Festival tickets are on sale now.

www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk

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Picture Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/65882683@N03/14679132173">Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival 2014</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license),http://www.flickr.com/photos/59262395@N00/673921554">Ron</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Kent top spot for family holidays

KENT is Europe's top spot for a family holiday, according to the compilers of Lonely Planet's Best in Europe 2015, with County Kerry in Ireland in second place. Two other UK destinations – the island of Skomer off the Pembrokeshire coast and nearby Marloes Sands – were combined by the compilers and took ninth place in the top ten list.

Singled out in #Kent was Broadstairs, the White Cliffs of Dover, and #Margate which has become 'gentrified without losing its personality'.

Lonely Planet also drew up a list of the ten best beaches in Europe, with two UK beaches in it. In sixth place was Bantham Beach near Kingsbridge in Devon, and in seventh place was Sandwood Bay, in Sutherland, Scotland.

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Picture Credit: Leeds Castle -Kent -England by Martin Pettitt - originally posted to Flickr as Leeds Castel Kent 3 July 2007-102. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons 

Hotel up in the trees

PORT LYMPNE Wild Animal and Safari Reserve, near Hythe, Kent will be opening its Treehouse Hotel in June. High above the 600-acre reserve, its glass fronted suites will offer views of sunset over the English Channel … and roaming rhino below. 

Guests can take a VIP safari with animal encounters along the way, while other activities include; archery, fishing, and cycling.

www.aspinallfoundation.org/short-breaks/treehouse-hotel

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Picture Credit: www.aspinallfoundation.org

The pleasures of Margate

AN addition to the delights of Margate, Kent, this year will be the Dreamland Pleasure Park which, say its promoters, ‘will re-invent the classic seaside experience’.

A 16-acre, vintage-themed leisure complex, it will have all-weather attractions, including a re-built Grade II-listed scenic railway, the UK's oldest roller coaster, plus a collection of fairground rides from 1910 to the present day.

The opening date has yet to be announced. Get more info - www.dreamland.co.uk

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Easter in Kent

FROM feeding newborn lambs to cracking clues in Easter egg hunts, Kent has much to entertain young and not-s0-young at Easter.

Visitors to Howletts Wild Animal Park (near Canterbury) and Port Lympne Reserve (near Hythe) are guaranteed a cracking time. 

Activities will be held every day from April 2 to April 19. On Easter Monday, visitors at Port Lympne can watch the gorilla family taking part in their own Easter egg hunt. www.aspinallfoundation.org.uk

There will be new lambs at the Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch, Ashford this spring, Easter chicks and piglets are expected too. www.rarebreeds.org.uk

Spring will be in bloom at Leeds Castle, with an Easter egg hunt through the Woodland Walk, circus-themed characters to find and jesters' japes at the castle during the Easter weekend. Children can learn circus skills in the grounds, where jesters will demonstrate stilt walking and perform juggling shows. You can also have your face painted and have a go at archery. www.leeds-castle.com

Activities are on offer at Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, as the venue celebrates the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta. 

Follow a family Magna Carta trail to discover just how wicked King John was, and learn why the barons revolted. www.penshurstplace.com

Experience the fun of the fair at the Festival of Steam at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham. The two- day festival on Easter Sunday and Monday features a steam funfair, street entertainment, live music, and walkabout acts. Steam trains will be in motion and hundreds of classic cars will line the streets. www.thedockyard.co.uk/steamandtransport 

Explore the World Garden at Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford. Set within 120 acres of Kent countryside, the castle is one of England's oldest family estates. 

It opens its doors for the 2015 season on April 4 with a grand Easter egg hunt. www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk




Tractor rides through Kent orchards, Easter egg hunts, and a chance to pet baby animals will all be available at Brogdale this Easter. Home of the National Fruit Collection, Brogdale will hold its annual Easter celebration on Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Sunday. The Brogdale Barn will be full of calves, lambs, goats, and chickens, and families can meet the animals and the farmers who care for them. www.brogdalecollections.co.uk

Chartwell will take visitors on a journey around the grounds and woodland of Winston Churchill's family home. Follow wartime bunny rabbits along the route and find items the bunnies have lost on their way. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

ww.visitkent.co.uk


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Picture Credit:"Flickr - law keven - Feeling Ruff...HBWE Everybody..-O))" by Keven Law from Los Angeles, USA via Wikimedia Commons; "Magnat Carta fragment" GoHoliday via Wikimedia Commons; "World Garden of Plants, Lullingstone Castle - geograph.org.uk - 214919" by Danny Robinson via Wikimedia Commons

Westwood on show

THE impact of 18th century art and design on the work of distinguished British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood will be highlighted in an exhibition at Danson House, Bexleyheath, Kent, this spring.

Vivienne Westwood: Cut from the Past brings together for the first time a number of her ground-breaking designs, and explores the collections that proved to be her turning point both critically and commercially.

The exhibition – www.dansonhouse.org.uk - which runs from April 1 to October 31 – highlights Westwood’s seminal work of the 1990's, which was influenced by 18th century artists.

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Ramsgate walks

THREE walking routes on the Kent coast have been created to help visitors to Ramsgate see as many of the local attractions as possible … as easily as possible:

The Contra Trail – Ramsgate to Pegwell Bay: A royal harbour with the common touch, an English monument to a Viking invasion, and a nature reserve.

Distance: 6.1 miles one-way

Sea It All – Ramsgate to Broadstairs: From Italian gardens to views across Viking Bay.

Distance: 5 miles circular

Ramsgate Town Rounders – Regency, Royal & Riviera: A stroll through historic Ramsgate. With two circuits, numerous attractions and an impressive list of cafés, bars, shops, and places of interest to explore.

Distance: Loop 1, 1.4 miles; Loop 2, 2 miles

The routes can be downloaded from:

www.ramsgatetown.org/activeramsgate/walking-kent-coast.aspx

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Picture Credit: "Ramsgate Harbour 2" by Benutzer:Elb-Sohn via Wikimedia Commons; "Replica Viking ship" by Ron Strutt via Wikimedia Commons

Win a holiday in Kent

TO highlight how much the Garden of England has to offer at this time of year, Visit Kent is running a competition to win a warming winter break.

The prize includes accommodation, free entry into any three National Trust properties in Kent.

To enter – and for full terms and conditions – visit www.visitkent.co.uk/things-to-do/winter/competition

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Picture Credit: 'Leeds Castle, Kent' by Diliff (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons

Tee off in Kent

GOLFINKENT.CO.UK has been launched to promote the Garden of England as a golfer's paradise.

Kent has more than 100 courses, many of which offer magnificent views of the county’s orchards and Channel coastlines - www.golfinkent.co.uk


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Book early for a ride with Santa

THE Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden is celebrating four decades of Santa Specials this year. New for 2014 will be later trains for visitors to enjoy the Christmas lights at its stations and in Tenterden.

Early booking – through the website (www.kesr.org.uk) or by calling 01580 765155 –is recommended to secure chosen dates.

All prices include an hour and ten minute train ride to meet Santa, a present for each child, and a photograph with the Snow Queen.

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Picture Credit: "Train on Kent and East Sussex Railway, near to Tenterden, Kent" by David Anstiss via Wikimedia Commons

Art by the seaside

Pablo Bronstein, 4 Alternate Designs for Lighthouse, 2013, courtesy Herald Street

Folkestone Triennial 2014 – a public arts project founded in 2008 with the aim of regenerating the seaside town through art and creative activity – runs until November 2, making it a lively spot for a coastal get-away.

Internationally recognized artists have been invited to make contemporary artworks that will be exhibited throughout the town’s public spaces. What makes the Triennial unique is its lasting legacy – many of the works from each exhibition become permanent additions to the town, creating Folkestone’s own public art collection. 

Works in the existing permanent collection include those by Cornelia Parker and Tracey Emin. Artists commissioned for this year’s Triennial include Yoko Ono, Andy Goldsworthy, and Pablo Bronstein.

Highlights include a sustainable rooftop food-themed installation, a wind powered lift that will carry people to the top of Folkestone’s Victorian viaduct, and a monumental beach hut in the style of 18th century architect Nicholas Hawksmoor.

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