Kent

Cinque Ports

Choose a town or city below to view all business in that area

Overview

Before we had a standing Navy these ancient ports provided ships in return for tax concessions. Start from Dover and make for Bekesbourne before arriving on the coast at fun filled Margate. Take in the sea air at Broadstairs and Ramsgate before tracing the coast back towards Sandwich and enjoying the views at Deal before arriving back at Dover.

Dover

Explore the White Cliffs of Dover, Britain’s gateway to Europe. Visit Dover Castle, home to Secret Wartime Tunnels, that overlook the town below. Or maybe spend some time in one of the museums – Dover Museum, Dover Transport Museum or the Roman Painted House.

Bekesbourne

Just a few miles from Canterbury the little village of Bekesbourne historically linked to the cinque port of Hastings and enjoying many of the privileges is also home to the many endangered species that reside at Howletts Wild Animal Park. On the way see the Fredville Oak considered the best in the UK.

Margate

A timeless seaside resort, you can stroll the sandy beach at Margate and visit Dreamland, home to historic rides and side shows. Relax and tour the internationally famous Turner Contemporary. Enjoy the café culture and maybe take in the Hornby Visitor Centre or Shell Grotto with its shell lined passages.

Broadstairs

The seaside town of Broadstairs is full of old world charm where you can wander the sandy bays and beaches or browse the chic shops. Don’t forget to grab an ice cream at one of the retro parlours. Check out one of the galleries or visit Bleak House or the Dickens House Museum.

Ramsgate

Five minutes, 41 seconds ahead of GMT the historic cinque port of Ramsgate has its own meridian and is almost another world with its bustling marina and vibrant atmosphere. Visit the Maritime Museum, explore the history of the home computer at The Micro Museum or check out the Ramsgate Tunnels.

Sandwich

See Sandwich through the ages at the local Guildhall museum and ancient courtroom. Wander the Salutation Gardens or visit The White Mill Rural Heritage Centre, housed in a 1760 windmill. Slightly further afield is Rutupiae – Richborough Roman Fort.

Deal

Explore the history of Deal with Deal Castle built during Henry VIII’s reign, the Tudor Walmer Castle and Gardens and the museum of time and maritime communications at Timeball Tower on the seafront where the telescopes provide great views over the downs.

Child FriendlyCyclingFree to Do+4 more

Overview

1

Dover

2
15.3 miles

Bekesbourne

3
19.1 miles

Margate

4
3.4 miles

Broadstairs

5
2.0 miles

Ramsgate

6
8.3 miles

Sandwich

7
6.6 miles

Deal

What to see and do…

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Willows Bird of Prey Centre

Coolings Green and Pleasant, Main Road, Knockholt, Kent, TN14 7LJ

Warbird Experiences Ltd | Kent

Building 204, Churchill Way, Biggin Hill Airport, Kent, TN16 3BN

Leeds Castle | Kent

Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL

Elham Treehouse | Kent

Elham Treehouse, Upper Park Gate Farm, Elham, Kent, CT4 6NE

Franciscan Gardens Canterbury | Kent

60 St Peters Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BE

Eastbridge Hospital Canterbury | Kent

Eastbridge Hospital, 25 High Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BD

Goat Walking at Wild Woodland Retreat | Kent

Hawes Farm, Clavertye, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6YE

Wild Woodland Retreat | Kent

Hawes Farm, Clavertye, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6YE

About the Cinque Ports Trail

Distance:55 miles
Cities / Towns:7
Number Of Businesses:30

Have you ever passed through but not stopped to explore the town of Dover? With its iconic white cliffs, museums and Dover Castle overlooking the town it is well worth pausing and enjoying Britain’s “gateway to Europe”. Head north through Bekebourne to the coastal resort of Margate to take in the sights and sounds of this traditional town. Explore the charm of neighbouring Broadstairs before dropping into the seaside town of Ramsgate. Make for Sandwich and then track the coast to Deal for great views across the Channel to France before arriving back in Dover.

Child Friendly
Cycling
Free to Do
Pet Friendly
Shopping
Sporting
Wheel Chair Access

Historic Ports

Trace naval history back over 1000 years and explore the historic harbours of the Confederation of Cinque Ports on the Kent coast where men first provided a fleet for use by the Royals.

Seaside Towns

Take in the fun at traditional British resorts such as Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs. Combine the sights and sounds of the seaside with the chance to explore the local history. Relax with a bite to eat in one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants.

Great Views

Take in the Kent countryside and splendid views across the English Channel towards the French coast. Walk the cliff tops to relax, be at one with nature and enjoy the fresh air – and if you are feeling energetic climb castle steps to see even further!

Also Nearby

Willows Bird of Prey Centre

Coolings Green and Pleasant, Main Road, Knockholt, Kent, TN14 7LJ

Warbird Experiences Ltd | Kent

Building 204, Churchill Way, Biggin Hill Airport, Kent, TN16 3BN

Leeds Castle | Kent

Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL

Elham Treehouse | Kent

Elham Treehouse, Upper Park Gate Farm, Elham, Kent, CT4 6NE

Franciscan Gardens Canterbury | Kent

60 St Peters Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BE

Eastbridge Hospital Canterbury | Kent

Eastbridge Hospital, 25 High Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BD

Goat Walking at Wild Woodland Retreat | Kent

Hawes Farm, Clavertye, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6YE

Wild Woodland Retreat | Kent

Hawes Farm, Clavertye, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6YE

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