Dover

About

Known as the ‘Gateway to England’, Dover in White Cliffs Country, Kent is an active, adventurous and authentic English town.  From fascinating history and heritage to beautiful countryside and fantastic coastal views – there is plenty to discover and explore!

Discover 2000 years of history at Dover Castle situated on top of the famous White Cliffs. Immerse yourself in the royal court of King Henry II in the Great Tower or , travel deep inside the White Cliffs to explore the atmospheric Underground Hospital within the Secret Wartime Tunnels, see one of the only remaining Roman lighthouses in the world and explore the new immersive Dover Castle Under Siege.

Explore the magnificent 800-year-old Maison Dieu, Dover’s town hall, which once provided hospitality for pilgrims travelling to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury. See remarkable interiors brought back to life after a multimillion-pound restoration project and discover its fascinating history. 

Visit one of Dover’s many museums, from Crabble Corn Mill to Dover Transport Museum and Dover Museum where you can see the Bronze Age Boat, the world’s oldest known sea-going vessel.
 
Walk along the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover to South Foreland Lighthouse at St Margaret’s Bay.  This was the site of Faraday's work in pioneering the use of electricity in lighthouses and was the first to display an electrically powered signal. It was also from here that Marconi sent the first ship-to-shore radio transmission. Book onto a tour of The National Trust’s Fan Bay Deep Shelter to explore WWII tunnels and learn about sound mirrors.

Get up close to nature with a visit to Samphire Hoe.  This stunning location with wildflowers, birds, sea angling and peace and quiet provides gentle and interesting walks.

Take advantage of our wonderful coastline and experience a unique and exhilarating tour with Dover Sea Safari onboard a purpose-built RIB speed boat.

The new Marina Curve in Dover is a fantastic place to experience its majestic seafront.  Enjoy live music every Sunday during the summer months plus a variety of places to eat and drink.  

There’s a great selection of places to stay to satisfy every taste and budget, from traditional B&B’s and self-catering cottages to quirky shepherds’ huts.
 

More things to see and do in Dover

• Stroll along the clifftops of the White Cliffs of Dover, and take in the beautiful views over the English Channel, watching the sailing boats, fishing vessels, huge ferries and glamorous cruise ships as they enter and depart this world famous port. 
• Take a leisurely walk to Pines Garden tucked behind the cliffs at St Margaret’s Bay, an organic garden and tearooms.
• Discover 2000 years of history at Dover Castle, situated on the White Cliffs and overlooking the Port of Dover - from its Roman Pharos to its medieval re-fortifications to its vital Defence role during the Second World War.
• Take a ride onboard a heritage train with East Kent Railway – a four mile heritage railway running through some of Kent’s most beautiful countryside.
• Experience a unique and exhilarating coastal tour with Dover Sea Safari onboard a purpose built RIB speed boat.
• Visit the Roman Painted House. Discovered in 1970, this exceptionally preserved Roman Villa with its unique murals and underfloor heating displays life in Roman Dover.
• Search the range of hotels, campsites and accommodation including the highly acclaimed Hawthorn Farm Caravan and Camping Park.

Places to visit near Dover

Explore the local area with these villages and towns near Dover

• Folkestone (6 miles)
• Deal (7 miles)
• Elham (8 miles)
• Sandwich (10 miles)

More information about Dover

White Cliffs Country Visitor Information Centre is in Dover Museum on Market Square and where you'll find plenty of information about Dover accommodation, and events. 

For more information visit the official tourism website for Dover.