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It is only suiting that the first destination of my Exploring England series is the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent. We first spotted ivory peaks jetting into the skies on our voyage from Calais to Dover. For any adventurous heart living in England (or even any visitor who wants to explore the countryside), your first online destination should be The National Trust website. To my joy, the White Cliffs are protected by the charity, and I knew it was just the adventure mum would be up for.
Signing our little family up for a National Trust membership was one of my first orders of business moving to the UK, upon my new dear friend Robyn recommending it to me over tea. The charity organisation works to preserve England’s natural and historical beauty for the generations to come. HRH Prince Charles is president (for my royalist readers). We already have an exponentially long list of countryside walks, estates and seasonal events — all owned by National Trust — to explore in our first years of English life.
The White Cliffs of Dover proved to be an excellent first coastal experience and perfect way to reflect on my 2020 resolutions. The paths forked in wild directions, giving us the option to go a bit off the beaten path to get our wellies thoroughly caked in glorious mud and chalky limestone. We let Ami off the lead in the grassy parts, where she frolicked to our dismay in the mud herself (we must get her waterproof situation in order). The views not only stole my breath, but induced bouts of happy laughter. This country is a poem for my romantic soul. I can only imagine how vibrant these cliffs and surrounding grasslands are on a clear day, or when the wildflowers bloom in springtime.
The White Cliffs of Dover overlook the English Channel. There was a moment when I edged too close to the cliff and 02 sent me a message alerting me I was now in France, which is rumored to be visible on a clear day.. The Port of Dover, the keystone of European and British trade and world’s busiest passenger port, is faintly audible during the first fifteen minutes of the walk. The boarding calls, tones and horns are easily carried by the notorious channel winds, reminding us of our own sweet British beginning only a few months ago.
Now, for the most quintessentially English moment of the day. Toward the end of the trail, there is the most darling teahouse nestled next to the lighthouse. By this time, the harsh coastal winds were battering our faces, a thick winter mist rolling across the grasslands — so, what better time than after a three mile walk to indulge in outdoor afternoon tea? We indulged in a classic Victoria Sponge, lush shortbread biscuits and the most perfect lemon zested scones (with a heap of clotted cream piled upon a smear of jam). We shared sweets and laughter over a steamy pot of mint tea, not at all daunted by the fog building on our path back to the car. It was a perfect day.
As for my style on this walk, I feel my wardrobe is growing into a strict capsule of town and country. The closer I near my 30s, the more I deeply adore practical, functional, well-tailored styles. I repeat treasured items often, and select new purchases with tremendous thought. My Le Chameau wellingtons don’t leave my feet on weekends, and this classic Barbour jacket is also an English style staple (also a recommendation from Robyn). My Burberry scarf is the most worn item in my wardrobe during winter and autumn; I’ll have to eventually invest into a second not to wear this one to threads. For my town life in London, it’s a capsule of neutral classics with the investments being made only into coats, bags and various antique jewelry. I’ll be focusing on building a capsule wardrobe and pure English style in 2020, which I’m so very much looking forward to sharing xx
