Hi there wonderful forum sages! We don't want to take too much time away from our 6 days in London in July, but are looking at either a day out to Canterbury/Leeds Castle (possibly to Dover Castle as well), or a day out to Hastings and Rye. We will have already visited Windsor (on our way from Bath), we're spending a day in Oxford while in the vicinity of the Cotswolds, Alnwick on our way up to Edinburgh, and 3 days in Edinburgh taking in the castle of course. Also spending two days between Conwy and Caernarfon castles while in N. Wales. Soooo, my question is, are Canterbury Cathedral, Leeds Castle and Dover Castle worth seeing - are they on par, superior or not as interesting/breathtaking as what we will have already visited? Or is a day out better spent in Hastings and Rye? Thank you!
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3895 posts
Canterbury Cathedral, Leeds Castle and Dover Castle worth seeing--yes, absolutely. I would choose these three sights over Hastings and Rye, but that is just my personal preference.
Leeds Castle is one of the most beautiful in England, but has been heavily remodeled on the inside during the twentieth century to make it a suitable residence for an heiress.
Dover Castle overlooks the English Channel, and has a medieval castle/fort, early Roman Britain lighthouse, and tunnels that made it an important World War 2 lookout point.
Canterbury Cathedral is beautiful, and has tremendous history. It is where Thomas Becket was murdered and is buried. It is also the destination of the pilgrims/travelers in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
Canterbury Cathedral would be number one on my list of these three places.
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
I bought a book several years ago and I see there is newer 2015 version.
Ten Best Day Trips from London
I used it a lot when I was in London and wanted to do several day trips to other towns
and cities.
I see that is available at Amazon.com and my local library also has it.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
You can't sensibly see Canterbury, Leeds Castle and Dover Castle in one day unless you just want to drive by the outside! Pick Canterbury and Leeds Castle or Canterbury and Dover Castle. Either of these options will still be a rush.
Dover takes forever to get to from central London, so I would vote for Canterbury and Leeds Castle. There are engineering works being undertaken on the line between Canterbury and Dover to replace a sea wall that was washed away in the winter storms - work due to be completed December 2016, so there is a bus replacement service for part of this rail journey. The castle in Dover is interesting, but the town is a dump.
Rye is one of my favourite places in the south east, but it obviously doesn't have anything on the scale of Canterbury Cathedral. It is very genteel and has a fascinating history. The shops are quaint and mostly run by locals, whereas Canterbury is mostly national multiples that you find everywhere. Personally, I would just visit Rye, then walk down to the very different Rye Harbour a mile away and walk through the nature reserve to the beach. If I did combine Rye, it would be with Lewes rather than Hastings. Hastings (not the site of the Battle of Hastings - that was in Battle) is a seaside town that is being gentrified and whilst the old town is pleasant, it's not very big and is surrounded by more modern, bland architecture. You can have a pleasant walk on the seafront if the weather is fine (as I did 2 days ago) and there are a few small museums and art galleries there, but it is on the whole more forgettable.
Lewes has a castle that is well worth a visit plus Anne of Cleves House. You could spend a full day here. Southover Grange Gardens are worth a visit at any time of year.
If you get chance, visit Holy Island between Alnwick and Edinburgh, but the causeway is tidal, so check that you can cross before you travel. A magical place. If you have a car, also visit Ford & Etal in Northumberland for lunch/afternoon tea at the tea shop/ village store - try a singing hinny - the local version of a scone - for a cream tea.
Posted by
OP
BC, Canada
92 posts
Thanks for the tips! So what I'm hearing is Canterbury and Leeds would indeed be worth visiting along with all the other castles and cathedrals we'll be visiting. It looks to me Rye and Lewes may be saved for another holiday when we can rent a car and spend a few days just touring around the area and seaside. Hubby wants to see Dover Castle, but if we are already visiting Windsor I believe the extra time spent to get to Dover just isn't worth it; we are limited with our time as it is and don't want to be rushing from place to place to try and fit it all in.
Jennifer, we are indeed spending some time on Holy Island as well! We've chosen a day when the tides allow us to be on the island between 12:00 - 8:00 pm. Looks like a beautiful place! And thanks for the tip on other spots to visit.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3895 posts
Lorierae, Dover Castle and Windsor Castle are very different, even though they are both "castles". Dover was always used primarily as a defensive fortress. Read more about Dover Castle here on the English Heritage website:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castle/
Windsor was always used as a Royal residence, as well as being fortified and ready to defend against attack. Windsor is the more interesting of the two, if you are looking for an elegant impressive residence. If you are looking more for a rugged castle-fort, Dover is that.
Since you will be seeing Alnwick Castle on your way to Edinburgh, you could skip Leeds Castle. You may run out of time. Also since you will be seeing Lindisfarne, don't miss the fabulous Bamburgh Castle, overlooking the sea, beaches, and Lindisfarne. My favorite castle in England, Bamburgh Castle.
http://www.bamburghcastle.com/castle.php
If you begin to really run short of time, see York Minster on your way up to Edinburgh, and skip Canterbury, Dover and Leeds altogether. Canterbury Cathedral is unique and historic, but may be out of your way if you must start cutting things on your itinerary.