Royal connections in White Cliffs Country

As the world watches the coronation of King Charles III on 6 May 2023 and people across the country celebrate all things royal, there are many local events and special celebrations happening in the towns and villages in White Cliffs Country. Here's a round-up* of where you can experience some of the pomp and ceremony, have a right royal knees-up and learn more about this area's rich regal history. 

Exhibitions and stories

Coronations at Dover Museum - from Wednesday 26 April, the front stairwell will display images from the museum’s archives, showing how the town and people of Dover celebrated coronations past, and a case of coronation-related artefacts.

Cinque Ports & the Coronation at Sandwich Museum - a small display to commemorate the coronation, including a piece of the 1761 coronation canopy, will be shown from Wednesday 3 to Friday 12 May; open 10am-4pm.

A Right Royal Storytime at Sandwich Library on Saturday 6 May from 10.30-11am for children aged 3-7.

Follow in royal footsteps

Wildred's (or Wihtred's) Anglo-Saxon church in Dover in the 7th century, King Charles II returning to England via Sandwich in 1660, Henry VIII's Tudor fortresses and the Queen Mother's Garden at Walmer Castle... Follow in the footsteps of our royal visitors through the ages on our fascinating story maps. 

Celebrate in style!

Friday 5 May

• Book a Royal Coronation Afternoon Tea at the Lodge at Prince's golf course (available until Monday 8 May) between 12 and 3pm. Call 01304 611118 or email reservations@princesgolfclub.co.uk.
• Age Concern in Sandwich is holding an Afternoon Tea from 12pm. Booking essential (£8.50) - call 01304 614237.

Saturday 6 May

• River Parish Council is hosting a royal celebration with food, drinks and music from 7pm and fireworks from 9pm at River Recreation Ground, River, Dover CT17 0LW
• Watch the coronation at the Holiday Inn at Whitfield (Dover) and book a special Coronation Afternoon Tea.
• Book a Regal Afternoon Tea in the Winston Suite at Dover Marina Hotel from 10.30am onwards. 
• The Marquis of Granby Alkham is showing the coronation live in their bar area and serving their new Spring A La Carte Menu for their lunch and dinner services.
• The Dog at Wingham is screening the coronation in their lounge bar from 10am with tea, coffee, pastries, a glass of Gusbourne Blanc de Blanc and coronation canapés by Heatonomy. This is a ticketed event (£30) - advanced bookings only, call 01227 720339.
• Head to Deal Library from 2-3pm for Coronation Coffee and Cake in aid of Macmillan and celebrate the coronation while supporting a good cause. There are also royal themed activity sheets and books for children. 
• Watch the coronation at the King's Head in Deal and celebrate into the evening with Elton Towers (Elton John Tribute) at 6pm and Richie Triangle at 9pm at the Port Arms.
• Join the Coronation Street Party in Delf Street, Sandwich. There'll be live music outside the Fleur de Lis from 12-6pm (from Saturday 6 to Monday 8).
• Celebrate at The Grapevine Cafe, Hawthorn Farm in Martin Mill. Live music from 3-5pm, interactive magic show and balloon modelling from 5.30-7pm, bingo from 7.30pm and a barbeque. 
• Watch the coronation at Houghham Village Hall from 10am-6pm, £8 per person (includes a glass of fizz, sandwiches and tea). Book ahead and dress up for the occasion. 
• The Five Bells in Eastry is holding a Right Royal Quiz from 7pm. Booking strongly advised. The pub will be open from 11am and will be showing the coronation. 
• There's a strong live music line-up at The Lantern Inn from midday-11pm, featuring The Ukelele Rollers, The Arfoud Brothers and Sisters and Hamish and Liv Jekyll. Booking advised.

Sunday 7 May

• St Andrew's Church is hosting a 1-4pm Coronation lunch – bring a picnic and join in the street party within the grounds. Music, entertainment and children’s activities.
• The Port of Dover is hosting 'Music on the Curve' from 1pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy the celebrations on the Marina Curve. 
• Watch the Coronation Concert on TV at the King's Head in Deal from 8pm or listen to live music with Hudson at 6.30pm at the Port Arms.
• Betteshanger Colliery Welfare Band is playing at Deal Bandstand on Walmer Green at 2.30pm. This is a free concert - all welcome.
• Listen to live music from Georgie Taylor at The Royal Hotel, Deal from 4-6pm. 
• There's a street party at St John's Village Hall, Kingsdown from 11.30am-2.30pm. Bring a plate of finger food to share. Refreshments provided by the hall committee.
• Head to Capel-le-Ferne village hall for a street party from 12.30-3pm with live music, face-painting, children's art competition and an opportunity to have your photo taken with a king and queen! Bring your own food or buy at the event. 

The Big Help Out (Monday 8 May)

• Walmer Lifeboat Station is hosting a Brew with the Crew. If you are interested in joining their boat or shore crew, fundraising team or shop volunteers, pop along between 10am and 2pm for tea, coffee and cake. The Atlantic and D Class lifeboats will be on display on the apron in front of the lifeboat station.
• Drop in to Dover Museum in the Market Square between 10am and 1pm to find out about helping to reawaken Dover's Grade I Listed Maison Dieu. The team is looking for volunteers for a unique oral history project (free training will be given). A spoken memory arts group, Pavement Pounders, will also be at the museum recording people's memories of the Maison Dieu, royal memories of Dover and any words of advice for the new king!
• Dover Transport Museum will be open from 10.30am-4.30pm showcasing Mini Girls UK Car Club. You'll be able to see a range of Minis from the earliest versions through to the latest models. The museum welcomes new volunteers - visit to find out how you can get involved. 
• Deal Museum is also looking for volunteers - if you're interested in helping out in some way, please email museum@dealmuseum.co.uk. 

* please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are running an event that is not listed and would like to be included, please email vic@dover.gov.uk.