In search of the real James Bond
This exciting tour takes in some of Kent’s most beautiful spots, whilst stopping off at some of the lesser-known places associated with Ian Fleming, the creator of 007. During the day we will learn about the real Ian Fleming and soon come to realise how his life bore an uncanny resemblance to that of his most well-known character, James Bond.
Our search takes us from the golf course where Auric Goldfinger played James Bond to the home of Sir Hugo Drax; from the missile site below the cliffs where the Moonraker was launched to the village of Pett Bottom, where the young James was raised by an aunt! It is all right here in Kent! We will also see two of Ian Fleming’s real homes and head inland to visit one of his favourite pubs, where it is claimed he wrote ‘You Only Live Twice’. A must for all 007 fans!
Check out our ‘007 in Kent’ Blog …
Dover Castle and White Cliffs Walk
Admire the views extending across the English Channel to the nearby French coast as we take a walk along the famous chalk cliffs of Dover. The highlight of the tour is a visit to Dover Castle itself. This is the largest and finest example of a Norman Castle in Britain, and is often described as ‘The Key to England’. Inside the Great Tower you can immerse yourself in a medieval palace like no other. Discover centuries of history from the Romans to the Cold War and delve deep within the cliffs to visit the Secret Wartime Tunnels which housed a military hospital and the HQ for Operation Dynamo in WW2.
Kent Coastal Experience
This tour concentrates on the natural beauty of our area. We start our experience on the fabled White Cliffs of Dover, where we take a scenic walk, whilst your guide will tell you stories about the Cliffs and the treacherous English Channel below. After learning about the impressive Dover Patrol Monument, we walk down the Leas enjoying stunning views of the Cliffs and picturesque St Margaret’s Bay.
After a coffee break in St Margaret’s Bay, we drive past the majestic Castle of Dover, often referred to as the ‘Key to England’, and soon reach Samphire Hoe, a unique nature reserve where the rangers have kindly agreed to share some of their expert knowledge and give our visitors an introductory talk on what is England’s newest and most surprising piece of land.
Hellfire Corner
Learn exactly how it was to spend the war years on the Front Line of England in ‘Hellfire Corner’ as it was then known. The experience begins with a guided walk through Folkestone, a peaceful seaside resort from where millions of soldiers crossed over to France in both World Wars. For them, its harbour was the last sight of home.
We will then visit the amazing Battle of Britain Museum, located on the former site of RAF Hawkinge, the nearest airfield to France from where Spitfires and Hurricanes took off in WW2.
After lunch, we will continue to Dover Castle, originally built by the Normans in 1180. We will focus our visit on the actual tunnels used during WW2 as the HQ for ‘Operation Dynamo’ or the evacuation of Dunkirk. Later on in the war, the tunnels were extended to form an underground hospital for badly wounded military personnel.
Read our blog ‘Life in Hellfire Corner 1935-1945’…