White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury, England

Jul 1, 2023 | England, Historical Building, Nature Scene, Religion, Town

The White Cliffs of Dover is the region of the English coastline facing the Strait of Dover and France. Canterbury, a cathedral city in southeast England, was a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages.

White Cliffs of Dover: St Margaret’s at Cliffe, Dover CT17 9HH
Canterbury: Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH

The White Cliffs of Dover are a famous landmark located on the southeastern coast of England, facing the English Channel. These iconic cliffs stretch for about 16 kilometers (10 miles) along the coastline and reach heights of up to 106 meters (350 feet) in some places.

The cliffs are made primarily of chalk, a soft white limestone composed of the remains of marine organisms that lived millions of years ago. Over time, the accumulation of their skeletal remains formed thick layers of chalk. The distinctive white color of the cliffs comes from the high concentration of calcium carbonate in the chalk.

I took a day tour of the cliff and the city of Canterbury.  It was raining that day, which was not good for hiking.

The hike of the Dover Cliffs to South Foreland Lighthouse is about two miles from the visitor parking lot.

I wanted to see the expanse of the cliffs, but since I am on a trail on the cliffs, I can only see a portion of the cliffs at a time.

If I wanted to see the cliffs how I wanted, I would need to see them from the sea on a boat.

Looking back

Sometimes narrower trails go close to the cliffs from the main trail.

Looking back

The lighthouse and the endpoint of the trail

Walking back

Looking back

The building far away on the right is the Dover Castle.

The main square in the city of Canterbury.  It is not far away from the Dover Cliffs.

The Canterbury Cathedral.

Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most famous and historically significant religious sites in England. Located in the city of Canterbury, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of London, it is the cathedral of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England.

The history of Canterbury Cathedral dates back to the 6th century when a small church was built on the site. Over the centuries, it has undergone several expansions, rebuildings, and renovations, resulting in a magnificent architectural masterpiece that combines various styles, including Romanesque and Gothic.

Looking toward the front where the Choir is located

Looking toward the front from the right side

Looking back toward the rear

Walking to the front from the left side

Looking back

Looking toward the front from behind the Choir section

Walking out to the courtyard

Down to the crypt

A chapel in the crypt

Out from the crypt and looking back of the church again

Walking toward the front through the Choir section

The altar

Looking back at the Choir

Walking around the altar to the very front of the church

The altar at the very front of the church

Looking back at the rear of the church

Walking back to the rear side of the church

Exited from the church

The exterior of Canterbury Cathedral is known for its stunning medieval architecture, including elaborate stone carvings, towering spires, and beautiful stained glass windows.

Back to the town square

Then walking around this little town

Walking back to the square

Back at the square and then walk in another direction

A small bridge and a river are here

Back to the square

The squire again

Walking to the tour bus