The White Cliffs of Dover
The Sun reappears! Clouds make way for blue skies, and everything the Sun touches looks better! The Cliffs of England are more grand. Whether you’re anticipating a visit to Dover or growing in curiosity, our blog will explore the Cliffs ‘location, how it came to be, its history and its popularity as one of Britain’s pride.
The white, chalky, high cliffs that edge the surface of Great Britain hold a great identity. More than its natural beauty, the iconic “White Cliffs of Dover” has a well-deserved place in British history. Though on the edge of Britain’s waters, it was once a central part of England’s history. For many visiting Britain, even the city of London – It’s a bucket list destination to visit for the day or part of a day trip from London.
Perhaps you’ve noticed the towering cliffs in a movie appearance, on Instagram as a photographer takes a stunning landscape image. Maybe you’ve heard it in conversation with a family friend in America as they talk about their holiday experience in London. Whatever your experience or knowledge, let’s briefly look at why The White Cliffs of Dover are famous.
Where are the white cliffs of Dover located?
The first question many people ask is, where are the White Cliffs located? Some may say, “If you walk long enough you’ll reach the edge and find the white cliffs!”. A more serious answer, the Cliffs of Dover is in Kent. Within the Town of Dover, surrounding the great site are; Dover Castle, Dover Port, Deal Castle, Walmer Castle and the Medieval town called Sandwich just to name a few.
How did the famous Dover Cliffs come to be?
It’s been said, that Rome wasn’t built in a day but neither was the White Cliffs. The simple explanation of the grand sight becoming what is today began millions of years ago. The remains of dead Algae and other sea animals with calcium carbonate shells would form together, making deposits on the seabed. Whilst pressure, forms diamonds on this occasion, the pressure upon the marine deposits would produce the chalk we say today, or perhaps on social media.
So we know how it was formed, but how does its grand scale measure up? Well, the heights reach up to 110 meters. For comparison, that’s greater than the height of the Big Ben Clock Tower. So when you visit London and tour its capital city, you’ll be reminded of how great in height the White Cliffs of Dover are. Lastly, for length, the cliffs span 8 miles in distance.
Dover Castle, White Cliffs and Canterbury Guided Day Tour from London
Take a day trip from London to Canterbury and tour inside the Cathedral. Go to Dover and see the White Cliffs of Dover. And lastly visit Dover Castle including the secret war tunnels. Experience history, nature's beauty and religious design.
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The White Cliffs of Dover in Wartime
Now if you find yourself, doing a few minutes of Google research into the cliffs or visiting it on a day trip, you’ll notice the war history of the lands and cliffs. Namely both World War 1 and World War 2.
In WW1, the great height above sea level with a view miles into the distance helped Britain’s war efforts in 4 ways. An observation into the English Channel for a possible attack from enemy shifts, signalling with other coastal towns, defence fortifications from sea and air attacks and lastly, an impressive morale booster for the country.
WW2 saw Britain utilise more of the vast white cliffs with more advanced technology. From Radar stations for air defences, command centres for military operations, hospitals and accommodation. Significantly, some of these were underground tunnels, thereby playing a protective role. Famously, the White Cliffs of Dover is linked to Operation Dynamo in 1940 where troops returning from Durkirk would find a haven. Find out more here, 7 Important War Decisions Made in Dover Castle’s Secret Wartime Tunnels.
The Popularity in movies and the arts of the Cliffs
So you know how it came about, and you know how vast it is, and how iconic it’s been in history during Britain’s darkest hour. What about its depiction in film in culture? As a symbol of England’s pride, resilience and culture – Star appearances have been in Dunkirk (2017), Pride & Prejudice (2005), and a national favourite TV series, Doctor Who – “Exterminate!”. Famous English Poets like William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens would reference the cliffs in the “King Lear” & “Great Expectations”. There’s much more to dive into, more literary examples and cultural references, but a whistle-stop tour will suffice for now!
Relieving the history, touring the White Cliffs of Dover.
Key parts of the coastline have special designations which seek to preserve the natural beauty that is the White Cliffs. Thanks to the National Trust, who conserve and protect many great sites and lands all over England for generations to enjoy and be inspired by.
Have you enjoyed and been inspired by the White Cliffs of Dover yet? Perhaps by this blog, the geography, the history but lacking is the personal experience. To say, I was once there and relived its history. Let’s get that sorted and save the hassle of doing so! Come along to our popular Canterbury and Dover Tour where you can experience, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle and the White Cliffs as well as the Tunnels used in World War 2. All aboard from London, there’s much to experience from the Capital!
Day trips from London & Private Group Tours
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