Medieval town of Rye and magnificent Kent countryside half-day private tour from Dover

Dover is a coastal town in England’s southeastern county of Kent. It’s a major port for ferries to Calais, in France. Built to repel invasions from across the English Channel, medieval Dover Castle overlooks the town and houses the extensive Secret Wartime Tunnels. The iconic White Cliffs of Dover are symbolic safeguards at Britain’s closest point to continental Europe.

Dating from about 1340, the Landgate is the only surviving gate from the town walls built to defend Rye from French attack in the 14th century. Defences included machicolations above the archway, from which stones and other materials could be dropped on attackers, as well as a portcullis, which was removed in 1735.

Mermaid street is one of the most photographed streets in England. Cobbled and lined with crooked timber houses bursting with blooms, it's easy to see why. Walking along this winding laneway transports visitors back in time to a fairy-tale land with treats around every corner. It runs between Strand and West Streets in the ancient town and is home to one of southeast England's most famous Inns-The Mermaid Inn. This grade III-listed historical Tudor inn is adorable, despite its history as a haunt for smugglers. Also here is the family-run The Mermaid Street Café, a perfect spot to relax, indulge in a cake, or full English breakfast, and people watch (either from a window seat inside or an outdoor table). While wandering the street, pay attention to the fun house names-from "The House With Two Front Doors" to "The House Opposite," they're delightful and unique.

Rye Castle Museum consists of two sites: The Ypres Tower and East Street, which is a short walk away. Ypres tower was commissioned by Henry III as part of a defense strategy against French invaders and was later used as the town's prison. The Women's Tower, which lies down a small staircase in the garden, acted as the country's first prison for women. The views from the terrace are lovely. The East Street site, which opened in 1999, provides visitors with an opportunity to view the museum's collections and learn even more about the history of Rye and the Ypres Tower. It's open from April 1st to October 31st. Both locations are kid-friendly and make learning about history a joy for those of any age. At both spots, children are encouraged to get up close and touch many of the exhibits, including interactive maps and an area where they can try their hands at pulling a medieval arrow and lifting a heavy sword.

Rye is a small town and civil parish in the Rother district, in East Sussex, England, two miles from the sea at the confluence of three rivers: the Rother, the Tillingham and the Brede. In medieval times, as an important member of the Cinque Ports confederation, it was at the head of an embayment of the English Channel, and almost entirely surrounded by the sea. At the 2011 census, Rye had a population of 4,773. Its historical association with the sea has included providing ships for the service of the Crown in time of war and being involved in smuggling. The notorious Hawkhurst Gang used its ancient inns The Mermaid Inn and The Olde Bell Inn, which are said to be connected to each other by a secret passageway. Those historic roots and its charm make it a tourist destination, with hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, tea rooms, and restaurants. It has a small fishing fleet, and Rye Harbour has facilities for yachts and other vessels.

For almost 900 years the Parish Church of Rye, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, has dominated the hill on which the old town stands. It has stood through good times and bad. In 1377 when the town was looted and set on fire by French invaders the church was extensively damaged. The roof fell in and the bells were carried off to France. They were recovered the next year when men from Rye and Winchelsea sailed to Normandy and took them back! Today St Mary's is a popular destination for tourists who come to see the oldest church turret clock in the country which is still functioning.