The Kent Downs National Landscape and the Caps et Marais d’Opale Regional Nature Park are delighted to invite you to the second edition of the Cross-Channel Geopark Festival, set in the historic and spectacular location of Dover Castle. Explore a shared landscape shaped by geology, nature, and human history. Discover how the cliffs, chalk downs, valleys, and coasts of Kent and northern France have influenced settlement, farming, trade, and culture for centuries. Through immersive walks, interactive workshops, storytelling, and performances, you’ll experience first-hand how the land beneath our feet continues to shape lives, identity, and shared heritage today.
Festival Programme
The Cross-Channel Geopark Festival 2025 brings together Geoambassadors, partners, and visitors for celebration of geology, culture, and community:
Discover the Dover Castle
Dover Castle, a Geosite within the Cross-Channel Geopark, is perched atop the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. One of England’s most celebrated historic sites, it provides a fitting venue for the second Cross-Channel Geopark Festival. Its location at the edge of the English Channel reflects both separation and connection, offering a physical and symbolic link between two countries. The castle is a landmark that has witnessed centuries of cultural, military, and geological history.
A fortress shaped by time 
The origins of Dover Castle trace back to the Roman era, when a lighthouse (pharos) was built around AD 130 to guide ships across the Channel. Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, a motte-and-bailey castle was established on the site, making Dover a centre of military and political power.
In the 12th century, King Henry II commissioned the construction of the Great Tower, reinforcing the castle as a royal fortress and key defensive site overlooking the shortest Channel crossing. Over the centuries, the castle has evolved, with additions reflecting medieval, Tudor, and modern military architecture, each layer narrating England’s relationship with the continent.
Experiencing Dover Castle
Visitors can explore grand interiors, walk along ramparts with panoramic views, and delve into the Secret Wartime Tunnels. For the festival, these spaces will host exhibitions, workshops, performances, and family activities, offering a unique opportunity to experience the castle in a way that highlights both its natural setting and its historical significance.
Dover Castle stands ready to welcome visitors for the Cross-Channel Geopark Festival 2025, offering an immersive experience where the history of the land, sea, and people converge.
About the Cross-Channel Geopark: A Vision for UNESCO Global Recognition
The Cross-Channel Geopark is an exciting initiative that unites the Kent Downs National Landscape in the UK and the Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’opale in France. This cross-border project is working towards achieving the prestigious UNESCO Global Geopark status, recognising areas of outstanding geological and cultural significance.
A Shared Geological Treasure
Spanning two countries but connected by millions of years of geological history, the Cross-Channel Geopark tells the story of landscapes shaped by ancient seas, dramatic cliffs, and powerful natural forces. From the iconic White Cliffs of Dover to the stunning Cap Blanc-Nez of northern France, this region provides an exceptional window into Earth’s past. But it’s not just about the rocks—it’s also about how people have interacted with these landscapes, shaping communities, cultures, and industries that continue to impact the modern world.
What is a Geopark?
A UNESCO Global Geopark is an area recognised for its unique geological heritage and how this heritage is used to promote sustainable development, local culture, and education. The Cross-Channel Geopark aims to foster cross-border collaboration, encouraging conservation, sustainable tourism, and education centred around the region’s natural and cultural treasures.
Connecting People and Nature
The Cross-Channel Geopark is about more than just preserving landscapes; it’s about connecting people with the environment, fostering a deeper understanding of our natural world, and creating a platform for cross-border cultural exchange. Our Geopark Ambassadors—a network of educators, guides, and community leaders—play a vital role in promoting these values, helping both locals and visitors engage with the region’s rich history.
By working together, the Kent Downs and the Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’opale aim to enhance our region’s economic, environmental, and social vitality. Whether you’re a resident, a visitor, or a partner, you can be part of this exciting journey towards UNESCO recognition.
