• The White Cliffs of Dover - The guide will greet guests at the entrance of Canterbury West station. From there, they will be driven through the picturesque Kent countryside to the White Cliffs at Dover’s Western Heights, a journey of no more than 30 minutes. This excellent vantage point offers breathtaking views of Dover Castle, the harbor, the English Channel, and, on clear days, the nearby French coastline. It is the perfect spot for photography and to experience this iconic landmark, as well as to reflect on the historical threat of Nazi invasion in 1940. This secluded location, inaccessible to large tour groups, allows guests to see three original gun emplacements and a machine gun post built in 1940 as part of Britain’s coastal defenses.

• Battle of Britain Memorial - Guests will be driven for 15 minutes to Capel-le-Ferne to visit the iconic cliff-top Battle of Britain Memorial, which offers uninterrupted views over the English Channel. Here, visitors can see the Memorial Wall, which lists the names of all aircrew known to have flown at least one sortie with an accredited squadron or unit of the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain, including those who survived the war. Names are listed alphabetically, without rank or decoration, emphasizing that every member of the Few contributed to the RAF’s victory. The focal point of the site is the evocative statue of a fighter pilot overlooking the English Channel, wearing an Irvin jacket to conceal his rank, nationality, and whether he was an ace or a pilot lost on his first sortie. Replicas of a Spitfire, Hurricane, and Stuka are on display. A well-stocked shop offers books and souvenirs, and a café provides refreshments with stunning sea views.

• Kent Battle of Britain Museum - A 15-minute drive from Capel-le-Ferne takes guests to the Battle of Britain Museum at Hawkinge (or Manston if visiting between November and February), located on the site of the former Fighter Command aerodrome. Several original buildings remain open to the public, including the original Watch Office. The museum houses the largest private collection of Battle of Britain artifacts in the world, much of which was discovered by aviation archaeologists in the 1970s and 80s. Visitors can see the remains of numerous Spitfires and Hurricanes, as well as personal artifacts from the pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain and were shot down or crashed in Kent. The expert guide will explain the fighter pilots’ experiences in action, including waiting to be scrambled, engaging in combat, the skills needed to survive, and how they coped and carried on. The guide will also share stories of several pilots whose effects are displayed in the museum.

• The Jackdaw - After leaving the museum at Hawkinge, guests will be driven through areas of outstanding countryside to the charming village of Denton. Here, they can see The Jackdaw pub, featured in the classic 1968 film, ‘The Battle of Britain’. This pub was the location where actor Christopher Plummer, playing Squadron Leader Harvey, drove to meet his wife, played by Susannah York. Guests will have a 15-minute stop for photographs.

• Canterbury Cathedral - After departing Denton, guests will be driven through the scenic country lanes and villages of Barham and Bridge (a journey of no more than 30 minutes) before arriving in the beautiful and historic city of Canterbury. Here, they can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Canterbury Cathedral (admission £17 not included), which chronicles over 1400 years of British history, including how Christianity was introduced to the country by St Augustine in AD 597. Visitors can also see nearby St Martin’s Church, the oldest in England (AD 587); enjoy a walk or a punt along the River Stour; and explore charming and characterful places to eat and drink, including a medieval timbered pub mentioned in Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales’. Guests can also sample a variety of beers and other drinks from Britain’s oldest brewery, founded in 1698.

• Private transportation
• Expert local guide
• Air conditioned vehicle
• Admission to the Battle of Britain museum
• Access to historical materials (e.g., copies of original combat reports of fighter pilots from 1940)
• Parking fees

• Gratuities
• Lunch
• Entrance fees

Would you be interested in a small, high-quality, private tour of Britain’s three most iconic and inspiring sites in the South East, guided by a local expert? Dr. Anthony Medhurst will accompany up to seven guests in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to the evocative White Cliffs of Dover, the historic city of Canterbury with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cathedral, and the World War II Battle of Britain sites. These locations tell the compelling story of how the country was saved from Nazi invasion by the Spitfire and Hurricane pilots of the RAF. Visitors will enjoy unparalleled views of the battle sites, experience the sights and sounds of an original fighter station, and visit an unchanged pub once frequented by aircrew in 1940. Here, guests can enjoy a drink and reflect on the precious moments of respite for those who survived the day’s battles. Finally, gain expert insight into the perilous situation faced by Britain and its pilots as the nation stood alone in the summer of 1940.

• The site at Dover Western Heights has uneven ground, is overgrown in places, and has concrete war time structures. Care needs to be taken when walking around the site.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.