The White Cliffs of Dover have been nominated in a competition to find Britain's Finest Natural Wonder.
It is competing against ten other Natural Wonders, including such luminaries as Loch Lomond, the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and Cheddar Gorge and is a worthy nomination.
Every one remembers Vera Lynn's wonderful evocative war-time song, There'll be Blue Birds over The White Cliffs of Dover; there was also the 1944 film the White Cliffs of Dover.
The famous cliffs are 300 feet high in places and stand guard at the Gateway to England, with Dover Castle above them. They are seen as a symbol of the Nation's strength and a reassuring sight to returning travellers, but meant more of course, to those returning home during war time.
The White Cliffs of Dover are recognised across the World and the stunning white chalk cliffs have played a major part in our history and that of our geological past.
The cliffs stretch for ten miles, from Folkestone in the West, to Walmer in the East, with six of these ten miles being owned and looked after by the National Trust.
A walk along the top of the White Cliffs will reward everyone with the most beautiful and spectacular views, boasting some of the most diverse wildlife and flora.
The cliffs and walks have been declared a Site of Special, Scientific Interest for their geological and botanic importance as well as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
On one side of the valley of Dover, is The Western Heights, where the most extensive Napoleonic fortifications were built; the Grand Shaft, the Drop Redoubt and the Citadel are amongst the main buildings left and at certain times of the year are open to the public.
Shakespeare Cliff on the coast at Dover, was named after William Shakespeare, but before that it was called Hay Cliff. This 350 foot high majestic hill of chalk, featured in Shakespeare's King Lear.
Whether Dover wins the competition or not, the White Cliffs of Dover and the other historic sites and attractions here, make Dover well worth a short break.
