A Day I FOLKESTONE

A Day in Folkestone 

This morning we took the train from Dover to Folkestone. This is a very short rail trip of about 10 minutes. We enjoyed chatting with the conductor and learning about many interesting sites along the coast in this area. One thing for certain is almost everybody recommends going to Canterbury. He provided us with good walking directions so we could easily find town, which we did without a problem.

After a short walk we stopped for a coffee before finding the Christmas market. This is the first year for the Folkestone market and there were about 20 stalls and not all were open. This, I believe, will grow over time. 

We then did a walkabout, finding The Parish Church of St. Mary & St Eanswythe Folkestone. This church is steeped in history dating back to the 1400’s. There are many stained glass windows, mosaics, wonderful floors and yes, the tomb of a knight, Sir John de Seagrave. One stained glass window of note is the Harvey Window, which honors William Harvey, who in 1629 published his great discovery of the circulation of blood. He was born on Church Street very near the church.

We then met up with David and Jeanette (Friends from Blake’s) and were off exploring Folkstone’s narrow streets filled with shops and pubs. We walked to the harbor and then along the coast. It was a beautiful sunny day and France was easily seen across the calm channel. The Channel water almost looked blue rather than the green gray. I must say we have been very fortunate in having great weather.

One interesting bit we saw while walking the coast was a water powered funicular. Sadly it is in a state of disrepair and would be great if it were put back into service. The walkway along the coast is very very nice and coming back to this area to do some walking/hiking is on our list.

We then went to the Pullman Pub for lunch and had a great visit which continued  into the Guild House for another drink. The Guild House has a nice interior decorated with many bits of WWII aviation history.

We walked back to the Christmas market and parted ways. It was such a joy to share the day with David and Jeanette, very nice folks.

We have decided to purchase a case for our journey back home as our neighbor has placed an order for Terry’s Chocolate Oranges. Lucky the Debenhams was having a sale and so we found a case at 1/2 price.     

LYNN"S BIRTHDAY IN DOVER

Lynn’s B-Day in Dover

I must have been really tired as I slept for 12 hours.

We got up and had coffee and pastries for breakfast.

We walked to the Historic Cruise Terminal #1 for the White Cliffs Christmas.  The old terminal has been transformed into a winter wonderland.

The  Historic Cruise Terminal #1 was originally a rail terminal and has had several names. Its historical importance is that from here many of the Dunkirk survivors were transported back to London. There is a magnificent war memorial located inside the terminal dedicated to those lost in WWI and WWII. 

I enjoy the steel and glass which forms the cathedral ceiling, maybe because it is so nostalgic.

Inside we find several craft vendors, several kids carnival  type rides, an ice rink, a pub, and many food vendors. The pub is by the Breakwater Brewery and they were offering a mulled cider, which was very nice. They also had a roast hog which was excellent with sage and onion dressing and applesauce. 

There were some rides for the children and characters for photo opportunities. Yes, one could also visit Father Christmas. 

All is all very festive and fun. 

Our evening was spent in the Cellar of Blakes where Lynn had a fun birthday.  

 

Heading Out for Lynn’s Birthday -

First off, we really enjoy off-season travel for many reasons. First, airfares are great, we have had round trip airfares of $530 to Beijing and for this trip we are off to London for a pinch below $600, cheaper than FL or Hawaii.  Second, the crowds are tolerable offering easy access to venues one wishes to visit. Thirdly, sometimes one can find events only offered during the off-season. Sure the weather may not be pristine, but weather is never a guaranteed.

So,  as Mr. Toad would say:
“Are we on our way to Devonshire, to Lancashire or Worcestershire
I'm not so sure
We'll have to wait and see
Oh, are we on our way to Dover (yes)
Or going merrily over
The jolly old road that goes to Plymouth ho, no”

Our plan is to first visit many of the various Christmas Markets in the Dover area. The day we arrive in Dover there will be a tree lighting on their town square, then the Christmas Market inside the old rail station / old cruise
terminal. There is a good bit of history in that building.  Then a day in Folkestone Christmas Market.  Then return to London for several Markets and Lights, and more. 

We were up early and dropped The Boys at Puppy Camp, were they ever wound up. The drive to DEN was rather foggy with a bit of freezing mist. We were able to not rush our drive and arrived at the Parking Spot for a quick transfer to the terminal.

No check-in was needed as we are traveling light with just carryon. Then to the UAL Club as we had about 4 hours to wait. Better early rather than late. Porridge was good as usual and for lunch there was pulled pork on Hawaiian rolls. It was rather tasty.

It seems the DEN to LHR flight is always late, but it was not too bad this day. The flight was uneventful and we arrived 15 minutes behind schedule. With no bags to gather, we were off to the Underground, Piccadilly line to District and arrived at Victoria Station.

We purchased a sandwich for the rail journey to Dover. I also had to get a Bacon Butty, as one must take advantage of such delights.

As we were early, we were able to take an earlier train. Traveling the UK via rail is very easy and if you repurchase your tickets, one can save a good bit. Also, if one is doing a bit of rail travel, a rail card can be a good value. We use the Two Together Rail Card. 

This pup enjoyed the train ride to Dover, so please don't tell The Boys.

We arrived to find Blue Skies Over the White Cliffs of Dover. A short walk from the Dover Priory Station is our lodging at Blakes of Dover.  What can I say, we found a gem of a place we truly enjoy.  I can not recommend Blakes enough. 

Must see what I can find out about this gentleman.  I remember, he brought back a Polar Bear from the Arctic and it can be found in the Dover Museum. Still must learn more about him. 

Blakes is in the process of a renovation and doing some nice things to the rooms. This stay we are on the third floor in a room that has been renovated. There is a fresh coat of paint and the two twin beds have been removed. In the area where the twin beds were located in a kitchenette. I am sure we are the first to stay here as the mini fridge was not on and the instructions were inside. There is a two burner stove and sink, with plenty of cabinets. This would be very nice for an extended stay.

We first went to Poundland and picked up some supplies for morning coffee and other bits. Then to M&S for some morning pastries.  

At M&S, there was a lady collecting for the local RNLI and we made a donation for their great work and service. A good outfit worthy of support. To learn more about RNLI go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/dover-lifeboat-station?utm_source=various&utm_medium=vanity_url&utm_campaign=station_page&utm_content=dover

Back at the room we unpacked and settled in before heading out to the Dover Town Square for the Christmas Festivities. 

I must say there was a nice vibrant community feeling at the Dover Christmas Tree lighting.

Then to the Cellar at Blakes for some dinner. We split a fish and chips, which was simply excellent. The food here at Blakes is really really good.

During our meal we enjoy music provided by three gentlemen, who played a great variety of songs from Arlo to The Eagles and Whiskey in the Jar.

We had a few drinks as we chatted with folks before calling it a night.