After 25 December and before the end of the month are, for many, the precious days to relax, catch up with family and friends and generally recharge before it's full steam ahead into a New Year. If you're at a loose end and looking for things to keep you (or any children) occupied, here are a few ideas.
The Boxing Day Dip - a fabulous, if bonkers, gathering on Deal Beach next to the pier (this year will be the 41st Dip!). Sign up here or on the day, dress up and throw yourself into the sea, and help raise money for local good causes. Watch this video to find out about the history of the event and meet some of the lovely people involved.
Adventure golf by the sea - Roman Landings, which opened in Walmer in the summer, is a fun themed course with plenty to challenge you. The course is open from 10am-3pm on Boxing Day, 9am-5pm from 27 to 30 December and 9am-3pm on New Year's Eve. It's even open on New Year's Day from 10am-3pm, so if you fancy a post-party round, head on down. You can book tickets here.
Deal's Boxing Day Dip © Garry Begg Drone Photography
Step back in time - visit Dover Museum in the town's Market Square to learn about the area's fascinating history and see the Bronze Age Boat Gallery on the top floor - a space dedicated to this incredible archaeological find that revealed so much about the Bronze Age. Entry to the Museum is free. It will be closed on Boxing Day but open from Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 from 9.30am-5pm and on New Year's Eve from 9.30am-4pm (last entry 3.30pm). Closed on New Year's Day.
Explore Dover Castle - if you've not visited before, this is a great time of year to explore the castle. Built soon after 1066 high above the English Channel, the castle has been a site of great historical importance in English history throughout the ages. Admission is free on Boxing Day from 10am-4pm, but please note that the Secret Wartime Tunnels and the Great Tower will be closed that day. All areas will be open again on Tuesday 27 December until Sunday 1 January from 10am-4pm. Book online to receive discounted entry.
For amblers and ramblers - a stroll by the sea can be enough to shift any possible post-Christmas sluggishness and there are fully accessible paths all along the seafront at Dover and Deal with cafes en route if you need warming up. There are also lovely gardens to wander round - Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens just outside Dover are ideal for families with younger children as there's a playground and ponds with swans and ducks. The cafe will be closed on Boxing Day, open from Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 December from 10am-2pm and closed on 31 December and New Year's Day. Goodnestone Park Gardens, often described as among the loveliest gardens in Kent, are closed on Boxing Day but open from 10am-4pm from Tuesday 27 December to Sunday 1 January. Please note the on-site Dairy Cafe is closed until 4 January but nearby The Fitzwalter Arms is open.
Wildlife encounters - Wingham Wildlife Park is open from Boxing Day onwards from 9am-4pm and you can encounter amazing animals such as chimpanzees, red pandas, tigers, meerkats and penguins. There are free arts and crafts activities on Thursday 29, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 December and Sunday 1 January. See the park's website for details and to book tickets.
For further suggestions, take a look at our top 10 things to do in White Cliffs Country in winter and explore other pages on the website. Don't forget to tag @visitdover in any Instagram posts about your time here and use the hashtag #whitecliffscountry.
Whether you're out and about or keeping cosy by the fire, we hope you have a thoroughly good time and look forward to welcoming you to White Cliffs Country in 2023.