White Cliffs of Dover

Last year Stuart learned to drive. We both moved to London when we were 18 to go to uni, and for the past 9 years or so have felt no need to learn to drive or own a car. I still can't drive; never had a lesson and couldn't tell you anything about the highway code, but finally after all these years Stuart decided to do an intensive driving course and get a car. We haven't used the car all that much apart from trips to see each others families so this year we decided to try and get out of London about once a month. This month we choose to go to Dover. It was a last minute choice, we just looked at a map to see what was in driving distance, and Dover won because we knew they'd be something to see (the cliffs) and it was next to the sea.  

It was actually very easy to get to, and only took us about an hour and a half from London. We drove straight to the National Heritage site, and parked at the top of the cliffs (£3 per car).  Armed, with a free map we decided to walk along the cliffs to a lighthouse about 2 miles away. It was a cold, beautiful day, and quite muddy. We were dressed for a stroll in the park in jeans and trainers, whilst there were some serious hikers with boots, backpacks, proper waterproof trousers and walking sticks marching past us. However the walk was relatively easy, and you'd be fine just turning up in sturdy shoes you don't mind getting muddy.  

The Cliffs and beautiful blue sky!

I have to admit, sometimes I get a little impatient with people who are being overly cautious about a bit of mud and when a girl (wearing wellies) was tip toeing slowly (and I suppose safely) round a particularly muddy section I took great pleasure in just stomping past her drowning my trainers in mud! It may be immature, and yes I was the one in the least sensible shoewear on this occasion but it amuses me when people go to the countryside and are worried about a bit of mud. Considering I've once skidded through a cow pat and landed on my arse in the middle of the manure a bit of mud seems like nothing!

Looking back the way we'd came (it was busy up there despite being a cold February).

Stuart getting a closer look at the chalk 

We were heading to the white lighthouse in the distance

And we got there!

Having a well deserved brownie at the lighthouse

Heading back

Had to clean our shoes before we could get back in the car - Stuarts rule!

I would really recommend a trip to Dover, the views (as I hope you can see from the photos) are stunning, and it really was so refreshing to get away from London, get some sea air and just take in the quietness of the place. 

Now to get thinking of where to visit next...