Battle of Britain 80th + 1 Memorial Trek- 3 Days, 2 nights
fromJoin us to commemorate the 80th +1 Anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a Memorial Trek along the English Coastal Path
A challenging yet fascinating two day walk from Sandwich to the Battle of Britain Memorial
Day 1: Arrivals at Kingsdown International campsite chalets
Day 2: Sandwich – Kingsdown 21km
Day 3: Kingsdown -Dover – Chaple-Le-Dale 12km
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Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Activity Level Moderately Challenging, not technical - Trip grade 1
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Battle of Britain 80th + 1 Anniversary Memorial Trek
“Never was so much owed by so many to so few”
Follow the beautiful, history-laden English Coast path
Battle of Britain 2-day Memorial Walk
Start: Kingsdown International Campsite
Meeting time: 9.00am after breakfast
We transfer from Kingsdown to visit the Manston Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum
We then start our 21km trek in the town of Sandwich. From here we follow the English Coast Path around Sandwich Flats & Bay, through Deal and via Walmer Castle on to Kingsdown.
We enjoy a night in a chalet and a local pub dinner.
The following morning after breakfast we transfer to Dover for the start of our 12km trek to Chaple-Le-Ferne and the Battle of Britain Memorial. Transfer and finish at the Battle of Britain Museum.
Key Landmarks on our trek include;
Louis Bleriot Memorial – First person to fly across the English Channel. A memorial in the form of a stone silhouette of Bleriot’s plane is set into the ground at the place where he landed
Dover Strait coastal guns – British and German long-range coastal artillery pieces
Monuments – Trio of war memorials designed by Sir Aston Webb to commemorate the Royal Navy’s Dover Patrol of the First World War
Battle of Britain Memorial – Monument to aircrew who flew in the Battle of Britain. It is sited on the White Cliffs at Capel-le-Ferne
Kent Battle of Britain Museum – Home to the World’s largest collection of authentic Battle of Britain Relics
WW2 Radar Sites
White Cliffs of Dover
Deal Castle
Walmer Castle
Included
- Group rates
- Transport to the start from the finish to reunite with your car at a fixed time and other local transfers as per included the programme
- Contact numbers to arrange alternative transport will be provided should you finish earlier or later
- Information pack
- Battle of Britain museum entry
- Historical presentation
- Certificate
- Guide
- Breakfast on Day 2
- Packed lunch on days 2 and 3
- Dinner on days 1 and 2 at a local restaurant
- Accommodation in Chalets at Kingsdown International Camping
- Transfers to and from the event from your home
- Personal drinks and snacks
- Any transfers outside the itinerary (though we may be able to help as an extra)
- Message for runners…we are happy to do this for you as a self-guided run with all the en route information you need!
- Celebratory dinner on day 3
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Day 1
Arrivals at Kingsdown International campsite
Early evening arrivals in Kingsdown International campsite. You will stay in 6 birth chalets usually containing Two twin rooms and a double in a delightful seaside location.
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Day 2
Manston - Kingsdown - Half Marathon
Manston – Kingsdown – Half Marathon walk
We will collect you at Kingsdown International campsite at 9.30am. You are welcome to travel here in the morning from home or take accommodation in the locality. Please bring with you a packed lunch for the day.
We begin with a visit to the Spitfire/Hurricane Museum & Manston airfield memorials at 10.00am. After the museum visit we will commence walking at 10.30am from Sandwich.
From September 1939 and the outbreak of the Second World War, Manston was firmly on the front line. In that month No. 3 Squadron, under the command of No. 11 Group Fighter Command, flew Hawker Hurricanes from the airfield. In 1940 during the Battle of Britain, Manston was heavily bombed, requiring the dispersal of personnel and resources to nearby safer locations.
In the Middle ages Sandwich was a strategic and commercial seaport of great significance, trading with northern Europe and the Mediterranean and growing prosperous on this business.
From here we follow the English Coast Path around Sandwich Flats & Bay, through Deal and via Walmer Castle on to Kingsdown. We will most likely take lunch in Deal on the beach but as always stay flexible! There will be plenty of opportunity for your guide to provide historical insight and also have the benefit of other experts en route.
King Henry built three artillery castles on the Kent coast, including at Sandown, Deal and Walmer. More than 1,400 workmen complete building works in 18 months between 1539 and 40. Built by the order of King Henry VIII, Deal Castle is one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England, and a must see on your visit to the quirky seaside town of Deal. Consider exploring the castle en route from the storerooms and tunnels below up to the circular rooms above. An exhibition reveals how Henry’s fears for the safety and security of his realm shaped the country’s defences and his own married life.
6-person chalet accommodation is provided at the Kingsdown International Campsite. If you would like a private cabin or hotel/B&B please enquire.
In the evening we will have dinner together in a local pub
Trek: 21km, expected walking time 7-8hours
700m/2000ft Ascent
Night: Chalet
(B,D)
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Day 3
Kingsdown - Dover
The next morning we will start at Kingsdown to start out trek at 9.30am after breakfast
On our journey we will pass:
- WW2 radar sites
- Dover Castle
In May 1940 the greatest rescue of all time took place, masterminded right here deep within Dover’s secret wartime tunnels.
During the First World War, the Dover area was officially designated as a fortress with Dover Castle acting as military headquarters.
We finish today’s trek at the Battle of Britain Memorial in Chaple-Le-Ferne and present certificates. A fitting climax to our walk.
We transfer to the the museum where we have a chance to look around, hear a talk from a local historian and enjoy a well deserved drink and hot food from the cafe.
We will provide transport back to Kingsdown international campsite to reunite with your vehicle. If you prefer to catch a taxi or train back earlier you will be armed with contact numbers to arrange this, and we will assist you.
Trek: 12km, expected walking time 3-4 hours
400m/1200ft ascent
B,L
Set within a stunning 35-acre cliff-top estate Kingsdown Campsite offers visitors a truly memorable camping experience. This beautifully located campsite enjoys panoramic sea views and easy walking access to the beach, golf course, village shops and three popular pubs. We will be staying in beautiful chalets close to the sea.
- Situated on top of The White Cliffs – one of the world’s greatest natural landmarks
- Camping field open from March to October
- Indoor accommodation open all year
- 3 miles (5 minute drive) to Deal
- 6 miles (10 minute drive) to the Ferry Port, Dover, Kent
- 20 miles (25 minute drive) to the Eurotunnel Terminals, Folkestone, Kent
- Village shops & 3 family-friendly food serving pubs within an easy 5-10mins walk
- Over 35 acres of camping space
Yes of course, and there will be stops to relive the Battle of Britain en route with former RAF personnel.
Yes
Yes that’s possible, we have some flexibility in the programme, especially if you are coming as a group of more than 3 people. We can offfer you a rate accordingly.