The Kent Coast to the Capital
On this unique journey from the south coast at Dover to the very heart of London, the richness of England's history and the variety and charm of the English way of life will unravel before you.
Much of the route follows the ancient Saxon shoreline and merchant voyages so it contains old ports, smuggling, maritime history, castles, beaches and oysters all feature. So do the churches and settlements established by the early settlers and pilgrims. Add to those a sunny and sheltered landscape whose bountiful fruit and vegetable farms earn it the description of 'The Garden of England' and your adventure to the outskirts of London will be a fascinating one
Itinerary Summary
Practical information
1 All day
Dover
You won't be needing your car for this trip; we pick you up from Dover Train Station or Ferry Port. We will transfer you to your cosy hotel in a nearby village which affords brilliant views from the cliffs. Relax and enjoy your surroundings!
Dover Castle
2 All day
Dover to Sandwich
Your host will meet you after breakfast with your cycling equipment and run through your tour itinerary. Then you are off - to freewheel down into the old and charming ports of Deal and Sandwich. Cycle adjacent to the shore, take in the castles, and explore the fascinating history of these Cinque port towns. Detour if you wish to explore the old mining villages of the area. Your overnight stop is an old inn right in the middle of the lovely town of Sandwich. 10 miles (16 km) or 20 miles (32 km)
Explore Sandwich
3 All day
Sandwich to Canterbury
Your route today winds its way through orchards and pretty villages. There are some charming pubs and Roman antiquities to discover along the way. You'll be amazed at the fantastic traffic-free cycle path that leads right into the heart of Canterbury, where your hotel for the next two nights awaits you. 17 miles (27 km)
Canterbury Roman Museum
4 All day
Canterbury
Take a day to explore this astounding heritage city with its magnificent cathedral, its abbey ruins and old city walls and its four museums. Enjoy too its cosmopolitan vitality - street cafes, a fledgling arts scene and specialist shops.
The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
5 All day
Canterbury to Rodmersham
This is a fascinating ride that sets out along the old Crab and Winkle railway line to Whitstable. Enjoy the harbour there, sample its famous oysters and dip into the craft shops of its high street. For the rest of the day, you follow some of the old Saxon shore along a remote route which offers the chance to learn about the area's maritime history. Enroute is the market town of Faversham, featuring barges lined along its creek. A warm welcome awaits you at your hotel. 26 miles (41 km)
Pork & Co.
6 All day
Rodmersham to Chatham
This morning you head inland on your bicycle through charming villages and valleys, dotted with orchards and market gardens. Your route then rejoins the coast, which you pedal along until you get to Chatham and its 400 years of maritime heritage at the historic dockyard. This was once the base of the Royal Navy, where numerous famous ships were assembled. You will stay overnight in a former dockyard office, which is now home to a contemporary boutique hotel. 17 miles (27 km)
The Historic Dockyard, Chatham
7 All day
Chatham to London
A short train hop at the start of the day brings you to Woolwich Arsenal near Greenwich on the River Thames. Greenwich is a world heritage site which is full of interesting things to see and do. Stand astride the prime meridian line, visit the National Maritime Museum or explore the clipper ship The Cutty Sark. You then head up river and cycle traffic free along the Thames, past the historic docks which have been developed into modern city buildings. Your hotel is in the heart of London overlooking the Thames. 16 miles (26 km) DAY 8 - Depart London at your leisure. Your cycling equipment will be collected from your hotel.
