White Cliffs of Dover and Medieval Rye Town Coach Trip (2 places in 1 day)

IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THE COACH PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF POINT HAVE CHANGED (DUE TO UNPLANNED WORKS BY TRANSPORT FOR LONDON). THE NEW PICK-UP POINT IS 'BELVEDERE ROAD' WHICH IS 5-10 MINUTES FROM WATERLOO UNDERGROUND TUBE STATION. WATERLOO UNDERGROUND STATION IS SERVED BY FOUR LINES - THE BAKERLOO LINE, JUBILEE LINE, NORTHERN LINE AND WATERLOO + CITY LINE. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR A MAP TO THIS LOCATION AND A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE EXACT MEETING POINT.

For a point of reference, note that our new coach pick-up point is near the London Eye (also known as the Millennium Wheel). In the unlikely situation that you can't find the pick-up point, please just head for the London Eye by the river. Take my number and I can then meet you at the London Eye (I can walk there from our meeting point in less than 90 seconds). Mobile 0757 8360117. Ensure you arrive by 8:45 AM for the 9:00 AM pick-up. We'll also be holding up green and white hand flags to help you recognise us.

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Join us on a private coach trip to the historic medieval town of Rye and the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover (two places in one day). Rye will be our first destination which is widely regarded as one of the best preserved and most picturesque medieval towns in England. It's a truly charming and peaceful small town that almost seems to take visitors back 700+ years in time.

We'll then make our way to the beautiful St Margaret's Bay on the outskirts of Dover - this is the best location to view the White Cliffs of Dover from land. The beach at Margaret's Bay is literally located beneath the White Cliffs. These iconic cliffs provide a beautiful backdrop to the beach itself. This area also provides the closest point to France from the UK, which is only 22 miles away. On a clear day you can usually see the French coastline in the distance.

We've privately hired an executive coach just for our meetup group. This month my brother and I spent two separate days in both these locations specifically to ensure the careful planning of this day trip.

Please scroll down past the beautiful photos of Rye and St Margaret's Bay below to read the full plan, detailed itinerary and what's included in the price:

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An Introduction to Rye Town:

The coach will collect us at 9:00 am from Central London and our first stop will be to Rye - one of the best preserved historic towns in the UK (approximately 2 hours from London). The majority of our day will be spent in Rye.

Historic Rye is located on a hilltop at the confluence of three rivers in East Sussex. Its stunning architecture, red-clay roofed houses and cobbled streets attract tourists from all over the world. Within its confines are many historic buildings including; Rye Castle, Ypres Tower and Lamb House (the former home of famous American author Henry James). Rye also contains a wealth of independent shops, eateries and pubs - all preserved to reflect the character of this medieval town.

We've already arranged a private guided walking tour of Rye for our group when we arrive. We have booked two tour guides (so the group will then be divided in two - although only for the duration of the 90 minute guided tour).

We'll also be visiting the Rye Heritage Centre. Here we've booked a private showing of 'The Story of Rye - a Town Model Sound & Light Show'.

The 'Story of Rye Show' attracts thousands of visitors each year, bringing seven hundred years of Rye’s rich history to life, centered on the beautifully crafted town model. As the stories unfold, the commentary is enhanced by dramatic sound and light effects, all of which combine to capture the imagination in a way that is sure to echo in your mind as you explore the cobbled streets and passages of Rye. Shows last approximately 20 minutes and are a perfect way to learn about the historic town of Rye.

An Introduction to the White Cliffs of Dover and St Margaret's Bay:

At 3:10 pm the coach will take us from Rye to our second destination - St Margaret's Bay (approximately 1 hour from Rye). This is the best vantage point for viewing the White Cliffs of Dover from land. This area is also the closest point in mainland Britain to continental Europe. Mobile phones often change to the French Network on the beach, and if your not careful you may find yourself paying 'international roaming rates'. The cliffs have great symbolic value as they are often the first or last geographical location seen by those crossing the channel, including cross-channel swimmers who start from here.

St Margaret's Bay, including its shingle beach, is peaceful and unspoiled. It's almost entirely free of any commercial outlets which adds to it's charm - with just a small cafe kiosk and a beautiful pub on the beach itself.

This is truly one of the most iconic destinations in the UK.

Optional London Night-out when we arrive home at 8:00 pm:

We'll then leave St Margaret's Bay at 6:00 pm and arrive back in London at approximately 8:00 pm. Then attendees have the option of joining us at a great Central London pub for a night-out. This will give everyone the chance to continue socialising, discuss their day trip experience and continue making friends over a few drinks.

Full Plan/Itinerary and what's included in the price:

9:00 am - Coach pick up point at Belvedere Road, Central London, SE1 7NA. The pick-up-point is near Waterloo Underground Station (Scroll down to view both a map and photograph of the exact location). We'll be travelling to both locations by an air-conditioned/heated executive coach (included in the price). Please can everyone arrive by 8:45 am. The coach will only wait for a few minutes and we will be on our way at 9:10 am.

11:00 am - Approximate arrival time in Rye. The coach will drop us off at the main car park (this is a relatively central point near the Railway Station). After a short 5-10 minute break, our private guided walking tour of Rye will begin. The guided tour will take approximately 90 minutes - (it's included in the price).

12:45 pm - After our guided tour, members will have free time for lunch and to continuing exploring Rye. On past day trips the majority of members have spontaneously divided into small groups for lunch, although some members prefer to explore locations by themselves

2:00 pm - An optional meeting point for those who want to see 'The Story of Rye - a Town Model Sound & Light Show'.(description contained above) . The entry fee is normally £3.50, but we've managed to arrange a group discount which will cost members just £1.50 per person to be collected on the day. We will meet outside the main entrance of the Rye Heritage Centre where this show is taking place. Watching this show will be a great choice but is not compulsory. Members can alternatively use this time to continue exploring Rye.

2:55 pm - Everyone must meet back at the coach in the car park once again to be ready for our journey to St Margaret's Bay. After a maximum 5-10 minute wait the coach will leave for St Margaret's Bay.

4:10 pm - Approximate arrival time in St Margaret's Bay. The coach will drop us off at the top of the hill and we will then walk to St Margaret's Bay. It's a 5-7 minute walk down to the Bay via the main public pathway. Please note that while this is the main public footpath to the bay, it is quite a steep coastal path. Please ensure you wear appropriate footwear with a firm grip.

After exploring the bay, we'll meet again at 5:30 pm and make the walk back up the hill (approximately 15 minutes walk).

6:00 pm -The coach will leave St Margaret's Bay for our return journey to London.

8:00 pm - Approximate arrival time in London. The coach will drop us off at Belvedere Road (the same location from where we were originally picked-up at the start of our journey).

8:10 pm - Optional night-out at a great pub in Central London. Walking to the pub will take less than two minutes from the drop-off point.

Please note that all attendees will receive a printed copy of the full plan/itinerary for this trip as soon as they arrive at the start of the day.

Included in the price:

• Privately-hired, executive return coach travel from London to two separate locations - Rye and St Margaret's Bay.

• 90 minute Private Guided Walking Tour of Rye.

• Fully planned Day Trip with very detailed itinerary and numerous optional meeting points and activities throughout day. Also including an optional hosted night out at a great London pub when we return to London.

The price doesn’t include:

• Entry into 'The Story of Rye - a Town Model Sound & Light Show'. You can tell us on the actual day whether you want to visit and we will then collect the money. We have pre-arranged an 'open-number' group booking. We've also arranged a special group-entry discount which will cost only £1.50 per person (the usual cost is £3.50 per person).

• Meals, drinks and personal expenses.

SAFETY AND APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR:

The town of Rye has many cobbled streets and hills. Also, when we arrive in St Margaret's Bay we'll be walking up and down the main public coastal pathway which is quite steep. Therefore please ensure you bring appropriate footwear with a firm grip. You should also consider these factors if you do have difficulties with mobility as you may decide this trip may not be suitable for you. Please feel free to ring me (Martyn) if you want to discuss the matter further and I'll be more than happy to help - 0757 8360117.

Emergency mobile phone numbers to contact during the day:

Please take these two mobile phone numbers that you can ring during the day (please only ring if it is absolutely necessary). My number is 0757 8360117 (Martyn). My brother's number is 078466 39420 (Terry). We will also be unable to delay the coach arrival/departure time or other planned events as we have to adhere to a tight schedule.

Pick up Location Photograph and map Below - Belvedere Road, London, SE1 7NA. Note: this location is near the London Eye.

(Also see map link above)

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Payments:

All payments are to be made online via PayPal in full if you decide to RSVP (you will be taken to the payments page after you RSVP).

Please note you do not have to have a Paypal account to pay via Paypal. If you do not have a Paypal account, choose the option to 'pay with a debit or credit card' and fill in your card details, address, email etc as directed by the screen.

Please 'click here' (https://www.meetup.com/organize/pages/HOW_TO_PAY_ONLINE_WITHOUT_A_PAYPAL_ACCOUNT/) to view an organiser's meetup group set-up with instructions and screenshots on how to pay without a Paypal account.

Payments are non-refundable unless the trip is cancelled or rescheduled. However, if you have booked on the trip and can no longer attend, we will refund your money only if the meetup is full and someone else takes your place (and pays for the place) from the waiting list. If you have booked and can no longer attend, please ensure you email me first before changing your RSVP to 'no'. Please note though that no refunds will be issued after the RSVP's close at 6pm on the day before the event.

Included in the price of £35 will be a contribution to my brother and I for organising this day trip.

Option of bringing Packed-Lunch to maximise sightseeing time:

As with any day trip, our time will inevitably be limited at our destinations. Many attendees will enjoy sampling the local restaurants/cafes etc. However, sitting down, ordering and enjoying a meal does take time. Therefore, some members alternatively prefer to use the time to see as many sights as possible. If this is the case, then attendees are more than welcome to bring a packed-lunch to maximise sightseeing time. Please note though that hot food and hot drinks can not be consumed on the actual coach.

Finally:

If you have any queries then please do not hesitate to contact us. We'll be more than happy to answer any queries. You can contact us at any time via email (click on organiser photographs for the 'send email' option) or by mobile phone after 6pm (0757 8360117).

kind regards
Martyn and Terry