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Explore the Kent Downs AONB north of Dover by walking a section of the Via Francigena, a 2,000km pilgrimage from Canterbury to Rome. Take time to relax and contemplate the centuries of history at St. Edmunds Chapel in Dover and All Saints Church in the Kent Downs at Waldershare.

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Pilgrimage Crusade from Dover

Explore the Kent Downs AONB north of Dover by walking a section of the Via Francigena, a 2,000km pilgrimage from Canterbury to Rome. Take time to relax and contemplate the centuries of history at St. Edmunds Chapel in Dover and All Saints Church in the Kent Downs at Waldershare.

AM

St. Edmunds Chapel

Just off the North Downs Way, close to Pencester Gardens, in the heart of Dover town centre is St.Edmunds Chapel. 

Possibly the smallest chapel still in regular  use in Britain, this building is a fascinating find. The guides at the Maison Dieu have a key to this ‘miracle church’. It has survived the Dissolution of the monasteries, the Second World War and a recent plan to demolish the church due to a road widening project. It is the only church still in existence which was dedicated to one English saint by another. 

http://www.stedmundschapel.co.uk/

Lunch

The Bell Inn

Travel by Train to Shepherdswell to enjoy your lunch at The Bell Inn. This pleasant country pub is situated on a small peaceful village green directly across from St.Andrew’s Church.

(No Website, Bell Inn only has a Facebook page)

North Downs Way Sign
PM

3 Miles of the North Downs Way

Walk a 3 mile section of the North Downs Way and Via Francigena from Shepherdswell following the Explore Kent route notes (written by Hannah Fone, not yet live!) Journey through the Kent Downs passing Waldershare House to All Saints Church where you can explore inside while you wait for your bus which will return you to Dover.

Bus Route 89 at Waldershare Park Gates on Sandwich Road.

https://www.stagecoachbus.com/routes/south-east/89/dover-canterbury/xfao089.i

Tea/Dinner

The Smugglers Inn in St.Margaret’s-at-Cliffe

Venture east for a delicious dinner in St.Margaret’s-at-Cliffe at The Smugglers Inn. Producing high quality traditional British dishes, it is easy to see why this English Pub has recently been presented with a Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award. 

https://www.thesmugglers-inn.co.uk/

Pint of Beer
Alternative Option

Breakwater Brewery

Breakwater Brewery

https://www.facebook.com/breakwaterbrewery/

Accommodation Options

Maison Dieu Guesthouse or Greenhill Glamping

Complete your visit to Dover by staying at the aptly named Maison Dieu guesthouse. Winning Trip Advisor and AA awards this centrally located B&B is both convenient and comfortable.

https://www.maisondieu.co.uk/

 

Enjoy a luxury Glamping experience at Greenhill Glamping. Situated just outside Dover in the Kent Downs AONB you will enjoy the feeling of escaping into the wild combined with the comforts of home in a fully restored vintage shepherds hut.

Travel

Train Trains run from Dover Priory to Shepherdswell.

Bus Route 92 takes you to Eythorne which is 2 miles from Shepherdswell.

 

Route 89 takes you from Waldershare House Gates to Dover, Pencester Road Bus Station.

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