Arthur's Hall

Arthur's Hall sits just outside Dover, a small museum that punches above its weight if you're interested in local heritage. The building itself is Victorian - all red brick and period charm - and inside you'll find displays covering the area's past, from Roman times through to the modern day. It's the kind of place where you actually learn something without feeling like you're being lectured at, which is rarer than you'd think.

The collection focuses on Dover's role as a port town and fortified position, so there's plenty about medieval life and the town's connections to broader historical events. The scale is intimate rather than overwhelming - you can get through it in an hour or so without rushing, or spend longer if a particular exhibit catches your attention. Kids won't find it overstimulating, though under-tens might lose interest without a specific reason to visit.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Parkdean Resorts St Margaret's Bay Holiday Park is just 2.4 miles away, or Hawthorn Farm if you prefer something smaller - Arthur's Hall works well as a rainy day activity or a quieter morning before heading elsewhere. Dover itself has plenty going on with the castle and white cliffs dominating, so this museum is genuinely useful for understanding the everyday story of the place rather than just the big monuments.

Information on admission fees and opening hours isn't readily available online, so ring ahead before visiting.