Dover
Country: United Kingdom · Region: British Isles · Currency: Pound Sterling
Dover is a major English Channel port town in East Kent, famous for Dover Castle and its iconic white chalk cliffs, located just 21 miles from France.
Top sights
Dover Castle, White Cliffs of Dover, Roman Lighthouse, Battle of Britain Memorial, Roman Painted House, South Foreland Lighthouse
Things to do
- Dover Castle
- Known as the 'Key to England', the castle contains 2,000 years of history including a Roman lighthouse, Saxon church, Norman keep, and underground casements from which Operation Dynamo was planned.
- White Cliffs of Dover
- Iconic white chalk cliffs at Langdon Cliffs accessible via footpath from East Cliff with scenic views and National Trust facilities.
- Battle of Britain Memorial
- Memorial dedicated to those who fought and died in World War II's Battle of Britain, featuring replicas of vintage military aircraft.
- Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery
- Free museum containing Roman remains and a 3,500-year-old wooden boat preserved in mud, plus other archaeological finds.
Beaches
- St Margaret's Bay
- Scenic beach a few miles east of Dover with a small hillside village, parking, and eateries including the Coastguard Pub.
- Samphire Hoe
- Nature reserve built on Channel Tunnel spoil heaps under the White Cliffs with wheelchair-accessible paths, rare chalk grassland flora and fauna, and café facilities.
Where to eat
- Marine Court Brewers Fayre
- Seafront pub with views of Dover serving modern pub food.
- Cinque Ports Arms
- Dover pub at Western Docks serving freshly prepared sandwiches, jacket potatoes and snacks to order.
Bars and nightlife
- The Hoptimist
- Friendly pub in the town centre serving local beers.
Getting around
Dover is small enough to explore on foot, with Stagecoach East Kent buses available for longer trips to nearby towns like Deal, Folkestone, and Canterbury.
What to eat
Marine Court Brewers Fayre on the seafront serves modern pub food, and the Cinque Ports Arms offers freshly prepared sandwiches and snacks.
Tips
Allow time to walk the scenic cliff-top 6-km walk from the Eastern Docks to St Margaret's Bay or visit Samphire Hoe nature reserve under the White Cliffs.
Best for
History, Castles, Coastal Walks