Family in:site into Black Horse Farm CC Site
The Meek Family
Forum Participant Posts: 336
The Black Horse Caravan Club site is located four miles north of Folkestone, not far from Dover. I suppose it's an ideal stopping point before embarking on a journey abroad but this was not our reason for staying here. We have never visited Kent before, having only passed through on our way to the continent via the ferry terminal so it was good to be able to dedicate some time to exploring the area.
The caravan club site is conveniently located to be able to explore Kent and all that it has to offer. If interested in World War Two, there are many wonderful sites and locations dedicated to this period since Dover and the surrounding area was the point of entrance and exit for Britain. The county offers numerous locations where you can tour underground tunnels, used during the war and the cliffs have remnants of look out World War 2 shelters and gun emplacements.
Here are a few family friendly suggestions that we tried and would recommend:
- Hawkinge crematorium
Take a short trip into the next village and find the crematorium. It is situated on the site of an old airfield used by Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft during World War 2. The "Battle of Britain" film was largely filmed on this site. A stark reminder of the reality of war remains visible on the cemetery gates; you can still see bullet holes shot by a German pilot trying to attack the airfield.
- National Trust White Cliffs
Overlooked by Dover castle, this site provides fantastic views over the famous white cliffs and surrounding countryside. It is also an interesting stopping point to watch the comings and goings of Dover ferry port. On a clear day you see across the channel to France and, with a good pair of binoculars, you can see the ferries leaving Calais. The walk along the top of the cliffs is not only dramatic but informative, dotted with information points along the way revealing facts about the past.
- Dover castle
This is a must visit if in the area. Owned by English Heritage it provides a wealth of information about the castle during the Medieval period as well during World War Two. There is a tour of the underground tunnels which is superbly presented through the use of multimedia. Starting in an air raid shelter you progress through the rooms in the underground tunnels as snippets of information is revealed about the war and how the tunnels were the homes to many. It's amazing to hear that the tunnels were actually carved out by hand prior to the Napoleonic period.
NB Check the opening times; it is closed to the public in the week during the winter period.
- Folkestone to Dover walk
For those who enjoy walking a coastal path is always rewarding. Trains run regularly between Folkestone and Dover so you can leave a vehicle at the Folkestone train station, go to Dover and walk the 10 miles. There are not only some impressive views of the cliff but a stop at the Battle of Britain memorial is a humbling experience.
- Dickens World
Charles Dickens is one Britain's most famous writers and whilst his work is no longer part of the English curriculum, it is well worth finding about this talented author and playwright and his life during the Victorian period. Dickens World really brings it to life in a way the children (and let's face it the adults too) will love; an actor takes on a Dickensian role and guides you around the amazing Victorian set providing entertaining and informative tales.
- Amherst Fort
As the largest Napoleonic fort in Britain, Fort Amherst offers an impressive look into 300 years of military history. You can explore the historic buildings and gun emplacements as well book onto a tour of the underground passageways. Worth a trip - free of charge except for car park costs.
Whilst in Chatham, the docklands are worth considering for a visit. We were unable to do so because of winter closing times but the site is recommended by others.
The caravan club site is conveniently located to be able to explore Kent and all that it has to offer. If interested in World War Two, there are many wonderful sites and locations dedicated to this period since Dover and the surrounding area was the point of entrance and exit for Britain. The county offers numerous locations where you can tour underground tunnels, used during the war and the cliffs have remnants of look out World War 2 shelters and gun emplacements.
Here are a few family friendly suggestions that we tried and would recommend:
- Hawkinge crematorium
Take a short trip into the next village and find the crematorium. It is situated on the site of an old airfield used by Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft during World War 2. The "Battle of Britain" film was largely filmed on this site. A stark reminder of the reality of war remains visible on the cemetery gates; you can still see bullet holes shot by a German pilot trying to attack the airfield.
- National Trust White Cliffs
Overlooked by Dover castle, this site provides fantastic views over the famous white cliffs and surrounding countryside. It is also an interesting stopping point to watch the comings and goings of Dover ferry port. On a clear day you see across the channel to France and, with a good pair of binoculars, you can see the ferries leaving Calais. The walk along the top of the cliffs is not only dramatic but informative, dotted with information points along the way revealing facts about the past.
- Dover castle
This is a must visit if in the area. Owned by English Heritage it provides a wealth of information about the castle during the Medieval period as well during World War Two. There is a tour of the underground tunnels which is superbly presented through the use of multimedia. Starting in an air raid shelter you progress through the rooms in the underground tunnels as snippets of information is revealed about the war and how the tunnels were the homes to many. It's amazing to hear that the tunnels were actually carved out by hand prior to the Napoleonic period.
NB Check the opening times; it is closed to the public in the week during the winter period.
- Folkestone to Dover walk
For those who enjoy walking a coastal path is always rewarding. Trains run regularly between Folkestone and Dover so you can leave a vehicle at the Folkestone train station, go to Dover and walk the 10 miles. There are not only some impressive views of the cliff but a stop at the Battle of Britain memorial is a humbling experience.
- Dickens World
Charles Dickens is one Britain's most famous writers and whilst his work is no longer part of the English curriculum, it is well worth finding about this talented author and playwright and his life during the Victorian period. Dickens World really brings it to life in a way the children (and let's face it the adults too) will love; an actor takes on a Dickensian role and guides you around the amazing Victorian set providing entertaining and informative tales.
- Amherst Fort
As the largest Napoleonic fort in Britain, Fort Amherst offers an impressive look into 300 years of military history. You can explore the historic buildings and gun emplacements as well book onto a tour of the underground passageways. Worth a trip - free of charge except for car park costs.
Whilst in Chatham, the docklands are worth considering for a visit. We were unable to do so because of winter closing times but the site is recommended by others.
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