‘Dastardly Deal’ – picture credit: Ink Field Media for The History Project
White Cliffs Country – the tourism and visitor economy arm of Dover District Council – has announced inspirational new visitor experiences in Deal, Dover and Sandwich which are now ready for visitors and residents to book this summer.
The announcement comes after the UK Government’s lifting of most remaining Covid-19 restrictions in England and as school summer holidays begin – during which time a “staycation boom” of domestic holidaymaking is expected.
The new bookable visitor experiences, which follow visitor trends for personalised, local tourism and which have been developed to engage visitors in the post-Covid world, include:
- “Dastardly Deal” – historic street theatre in the heart of Deal’s ‘Smugglers’ Town’, just a pebble’s throw from Deal beach, inspired by the smuggling history of Deal. This original theatrical production has been written and produced by ReShake Theatre and The History Project, a Community Interest Company based in Deal that brings history to life through immersive tours, public talks, school engagement and community events. Dates are available to book throughout July and August
- Coastal foraging tours by bicycle, including Wild Oysters By Bike, from The Wild Kitchen based in Deal. This tour features a six mile cycle ride along White Cliffs Country’s coastline, stopping for edible molluscs and seaweeds, before exploring inland for wild edibles and followed by a gourmet feast with mussels cooked on the beach and sparkling botanical cocktails. Book via The Wild Kitchen events page online
- New guided tours of White Cliffs Country from England Plus Tours: “Kent Coastal Experience”, which focuses on the unique natural features of the destination, its flora and fauna, the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, the English Channel and Samphire Hoe nature reserve; and “In Search of the Real James Bond”, which takes in the beauty of White Cliffs Country and some of its lesser-known connections with Ian Fleming, the creator of 007 – from the golf course where Auric Goldfinger played James Bond, to the home of Hugo Drax, to the missile site where Moonraker was launched. Bookable via the website.
These new and exciting visitor experiences have been progressed through the EXPERIENCE programme launched by Visit Kent and part-funded by Dover District Council, which aims to boost sustainable tourism and promote visitor experiences that meet the growing demand for experiential tourism.
Tim Ingleton, Dover District Council’s Head of Inward Investment and Tourism, said: “It’s fantastic that these exciting new visitor experiences, which celebrate the unique history, coastal landscapes and food and drink of White Cliffs Country, are ready to book for visitors and residents this summer, as we emerge from a period of restrictions and enjoy a summer of domestic holidays. We look forward to further visitor experiences launching this autumn, embracing the opportunities of the season and augmenting White Cliffs Country’s all-year-round tourism offer. This supports our continued effort to reboot and rebuild our local tourism industry, which will in turn boost our visitor economy, recognised as one of the district’s most important assets.”
In addition to the White Cliffs Country EXPERIENCE projects, rural tourism businesses within White Cliffs Country have been developing products for Kent Downs AONB’s Countryside Experience Development Programme. The Countryside Experiences are due to launch later this year.