The "White Cliffs of Dover: Battle of Britain Private Tour" offers an immersive experience for history enthusiasts. Led by an expert guide, you will explore key sites crucial to Britain’s defense during World War II. From the iconic White Cliffs to the historic Hawkinge airfield, this tour provides unique insights into aviation history and Britain’s wartime legacy. With comfortable transportation and personal attention, the tour promises a memorable journey through a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.

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Key Points

This private tour focuses on the historical significance of the White Cliffs of Dover and their role in the Battle of Britain during World War II.
The tour includes guided visits to key sites such as Folkestone, Hawkinge airfield, and a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery.
Participants will receive personal attention from an expert local guide with a Cambridge PhD specializing in Battle of Britain history.
The tour offers unique access to sites not available on other tours and provides interactive experiences with original combat reports from pilots.
Comfortable transportation is provided, including pickup and drop-off from locations within 20 miles of the Port of Dover.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour is titled "White Cliffs of Dover: Battle of Britain Private Tour" and is priced from £895.00 per group, with up to 4 participants.

It lasts 1 day and is conducted in English. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve now and pay later to secure their spot.

The tour includes pickup from Canterbury, Dover, or Whitstable, and visits to the White Cliffs of Dover, Folkestone, Hawkinge, a local bar, and a Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery.

An expert guide with a Cambridge PhD specializing in Battle of Britain history leads the interactive experience, providing access to unique locations and original artifacts.

Looking for more options in Folkestone? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a guided tour of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Next, the group travels to Folkestone for a 30-minute guided tour.

The highlight of the tour is the 2-hour guided exploration of Hawkinge, a crucial Battle of Britain site.

The 2-hour guided exploration of Hawkinge, a crucial Battle of Britain site, is the highlight of the tour.

During a break, the group visits a local bar for an hour-long guided tour.

The tour concludes with a visit to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, where participants can pay their respects to the airmen who lost their lives during the Battle of Britain.

Tour Features

An expert local guide with a Cambridge PhD specializes in Battle of Britain history, leading the tour.

Offering unique access to sites not available on other tours, the experience is highly interactive with personal attention from the guide.

Participants can view copies of original combat reports from pilots, providing an immersive and authentic glimpse into this pivotal moment in history.

The tour is designed to engage visitors, with the guide’s engaging storytelling and deep knowledge of the subject matter delivering unparalleled insights throughout the day.

Transportation and Comfort

Participants are transported in a comfortable, air-conditioned car for the duration of the tour. Pickup and drop-off are provided from a pre-arranged location within 20 miles of the Port of Dover, ensuring convenience for all guests.

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The transportation and comfort features of this tour are designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring the White Cliffs of Dover

Towering over the English Channel, the iconic White Cliffs of Dover offer a breathtaking backdrop for the tour’s first stop.

Visitors are guided along the dramatic chalk formations, learning about their geological history and wartime significance. The guide shares captivating stories of the Battle of Britain, bringing the cliffs’ role in this pivotal conflict to life.

From the clifftops, sweeping views stretch across the Channel, allowing visitors to imagine the aerial battles that raged overhead.

Sweeping views across the Channel allow visitors to envision the aerial battles that once raged overhead.

This intimate, guided experience provides unique insights into the White Cliffs, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for this iconic landmark.

Discovering Folkestone’s Battle of Britain Legacy

After exploring the dramatic White Cliffs, the tour continues to the historic town of Folkestone, where the guide delves into the region’s crucial role in the Battle of Britain.

The tour highlights three key facts:

Folkestone’s proximity to the English Channel made it a prime staging ground for RAF fighter squadrons during the battle.
The town’s airfield at Hawkinge was a crucial base, providing a frontline defense against the Luftwaffe’s onslaught.
Many of the brave pilots who defended the skies over Britain are buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in Folkestone.

Taking in Hawkinge’s Aviation History

As the tour progresses, the group delves deeper into Hawkinge’s rich aviation history.

The guide leads them through the former RAF Hawkinge airfield, now a museum, where they learn about its crucial role during the Battle of Britain.

Visitors explore original Nissen huts, view historic fighter planes, and hear firsthand accounts from pilots who once flew from this base.

The guide’s expertise brings the past to life, captivating the group with vivid tales of aerial combat and the heroic efforts that shaped the outcome of the battle.

This immersive experience leaves a lasting impression on the participants.

Paying Respects at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery

The tour culminates with a visit to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, where the group pays their respects to the airmen who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Britain.

The guide leads the visitors to the serene cemetery, explaining the significance of the site. The group takes a moment of silence to honor the fallen heroes, reflecting on the courage and sacrifice that defined the historic battle.

The experience evokes a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made, leaving a lasting impression on the participants. The tour offers a poignant conclusion to an immersive journey through history.

The visit to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery provides a somber and meaningful conclusion to the tour.
Paying respects to the fallen airmen deepens the participants’ understanding of the human cost of the Battle of Britain.
The experience leaves a lasting impression, fostering a greater appreciation for the sacrifices made during this pivotal moment in history.

Things To Know

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is up to 4 participants. The tour is priced from £895.00 per group, indicating it is a private tour with a small group size.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized to meet the group’s interests and preferences. Guests can work with the operator to adjust the itinerary and focus on specific aspects of the Battle of Britain history.

Are Refreshments or Meals Provided During the Tour?

The tour includes a 1-hour break at a local bar, where participants can purchase refreshments at their own expense. Meals are not provided during the tour, but the guide allows time for participants to grab a bite if desired.

Can Participants Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, participants are encouraged to take photographs during the tour. The guide will provide information on the best spots for capturing scenic views and historical details along the way.

Is There Any Historical Film Footage Shown During the Tour?

The tour does not include the viewing of historical film footage. Instead, the expert guide provides engaging storytelling and shares copies of original combat reports from pilots to immerse participants in the history of the Battle of Britain.

Sum Up

This immersive tour offers history enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore the iconic sites that played a pivotal role in Britain’s defense during the Battle of Britain. Led by an expert guide, you will gain unparalleled insights into the region’s wartime legacy, from the majestic White Cliffs to the historic Hawkinge airfield. With comfortable transportation and personalized attention, it’s a must-visit experience for anyone seeking to explore Britain’s wartime history.