Our first tea stop on the way to Dover was at The Teapot Island in Yalding on the river.
Being a hot day, everyone was making the most of the water
The Teapot Island Restaurant had a very interesting sideline… they made ceramic teapots. But ceramic teapots in all shapes and sizes – from dancing figurines to the queen’s head…
Next stop at the local farm stall near Chilham, called Badgers Hill Farm & Cidery. They had some unusual animals around and about, and a very quaint farm stall.
We could not resist buying a pint of their local cider – although I don’t think we got much beyond one glass each.
Now, Canterbury was a REAL treat. This town made me feel like we were back on the continent exploring old crooked villages. This is a truly authentic little town and great to explore.
The MOST crooked house I have come across
The last stop of the day was Dover before heading to our B&B in Deal. We had dinner at the docks, followed by a stroll along the top of the cliffs.
Colin was so inspired that he got up at Sparrow’s Fart to try to catch the sunrise on the cliffs – unfortunately it was an overcast morning so the trip was not a total success.
Our B&B in Deal was alongside the sea shore, so after breakfast in the morning, we took a stroll along the beach and out onto the pier. The village was very beautiful, all in bloom.
The other treat of the journey through Kent, was sampling the world famous Kent cherries and strawberries. At each farm stall, we would stock up on berries (and usually polish them off before we were back in the car)
Our journey from Deal took us back past Dover and then around the coastline past some very beautiful towns, including the historic village of Rye. Unfortunately, we zoomed past this one too fast, that it is on my list of places to revisit and spend a few more leisurely hours in.
Finally, we went through Hastings and then back up to Battle to visit Battle Abbey where the battle of 1066 took place during the Norman invasion.
But first! Cream Tea! (for the uninitiated, this is not a cup of tea with a dollop of cream – these are scones with jam and Devonshire Clotted Cream with tea – YUM YUM!!)
This is the front view of the Abbey which is alongside the battle field
And this is the girls doing “The Turkey”.