Located in theextreme south of England, the charming town of Dover, considered a sort of trait d'union between Great Britain and the rest of the Old Continent thanks to its strategic position, is one of the most 'alternative' destinations to visit if you plan a stay in the land of Queen Elizabeth that does not necessarily include cosmopolitan London.
Cliffs, fortresses and reminders of Roman times make this location truly fascinating. So let's find out together what to see in Dover with this guide with practical tips on the town!
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10 Things to see in Dover
1 - White Cliffs
The White Cliffs, original name White Cliffs of Dover, are Dover's number one natural attraction and the jewel in the town's crown of tourism! This imposing chalk natural wonder overlooks the English Channel and is targeted by photographers, cyclists and nature lovers. It is the ideal location for taking breathtaking postcard photos and learning about the local flora and fauna.
To best discover this wonderful area, we recommend visiting the National Trust's Gateway to the White Cliffs Visitor Centre. Finally, don't miss the opportunity to walk inside the Fan Bay Deep Shelter, a network of underground tunnels built during World War II!
One of the best times to visit the cliffs is at sunset, when the sky turns red and the colours reflect not only on the sea but also on the white cliff faces.
How to get there: from the centre of Dover there is a scenic walking route along the coast (2.3 km, 30 min). Alternatively, by car via A258 and Upper Road (3.7 km, 9 min). On-site parking fee (per vehicle £5.00/€5.50) - Get directions
Hours: cliffs always accessible / National Trust's Gateway to the White Cliffs Visitor Centre daily 7am-7pm
Ticket cost: cliffs free / Fan Bay Deep Shelter full price £10.00 (€11.00), concessions £5.00 (€5.50)
2 - South Foreland Lighthouse
At the end of the route to discover the White Cliffs is the South Foreland Lighthouse. This white lighthouse stands out among the green grass and blue sky and is one of the most popular family attractions! Children's games are often organised and a kite can be hired free of charge.
The lighthouse is open to the public and you can climb to the top. From here, on a clear day, you can even see the French coast in the distance! On a guided tour, you can discover its history and the important role it has played over the years.
Finally, here at the lighthouse you can enjoy another typical experience: sipping tea like a real Englishman! In fact, the lighthouse has a Tearoom, ideal for relaxing while the children play outside!
How to get there: Upper Rd, St Margaret's at Cliffe. Accessible on foot from the centre of Dover by following the path along the coast (5.2 km, 1 h 13 min). By public transport, bus route 80 from Pencester Road to Bay Hill (20 mins), then walk to the lighthouse (1.5 km, 18 mins) - Get directions
Hours: vary by day and period, in summer months generally 10am-5pm, closed in winter months. Check official website before visiting
Ticket price: full price £6.00 (€6.60), concessions £3.00 (€3.30)
3 - Dover Castle
Close to the old town is Dover Castle, a fortress of majestic proportions that has stood for centuries. Strategically located at the top of the hill, it has always played an important defensive role. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the entire coastline!
Thehighlights of the manor are the interiors, which are clearly reminiscent of medieval times, and the labyrinthine underground tunnels, built during World War II. Another must-see inside the castle is the Great Tower. The building is close to other important historical attractions: the remains of a lighthouse and St Mary in Castro Church.
How to get there: on Castle Hill Road. Walking distance from the centre of Dover (1.2 km, 19 min). By public transport, from the town centre bus line 81 stops directly in front of the Castle (10 min) - Get directions
Hours: daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., but times may vary. Check official website before visiting
Ticket price: Full price £17.00 (€18.80), concessions £10.20 (€11.30). Family tickets and passes available, see official website
4 - Church of Santa Maria in Castro
The Church of St Mary in Castro, original name Church of St Mary in Castro, is a small church located within the Dover Castle complex at its highest point. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the sea and its surroundings!
TheChurch is not easy to visit inside: it is only open for Sunday morning Mass at 11 a.m. or by taking part in a guided tour of the castle, which allows you to admire its interior for a few minutes.
Right next to the Church is the Dubris Lighthouse, or Roman Lighthouse, much older than the medieval castle and the Church, as it dates back to Roman times. Despite some obvious signs of time, the condition of the lighthouse is still quite good.
How to get there: on Castle Hill Road, inside Dover Castle. Within walking distance of Dover town centre (1.2 km, 19 mins). By public transport, bus line 80 from Pencester Road which stops directly in front of the Castle (10 min) - Get directions
Hours: Sunday mornings at 11:00 am during Mass
Ticket price: free
5 - Dover Museum
Photo by mari. The Dover Museum is an institution in the town and is located in the historic centre. The museum tells the story of the town, from the Neolithic to the present day, through archaeological finds and artefacts found in the area. It is a visit not to be missed to learn more about this ancient town!
The museum is spread over several floors, tracing the history from the earliest years through the Roman 'contamination' to the Saxon era. The highlight of the entire museum is definitely the Dover Bronze Age Boat gallery, which houses the remains of the world-famous Dover boat, one of the oldest boats in the world, dating back to the Bronze Age.
The museum is a great attraction for families! During the school holidays, so especially in summer, there are Family Days here, days with free activities and workshops for children to discover and enjoy.
How to get there: in Market Square, in the centre of Dover. Within easy walking distance of the Roman Painted House (350 m, 4 min) and the seafront (450 m, 7 min) - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Sun 9:30am-5pm
Ticket price: free
6 - Roman Painted House
Photo by Stephen McKay. The Roman Painted House is a museum unlike any other! It is run by volunteers who want to show visitors how the Roman era influenced the city's history and merged with English civilisation. The location is certainly unusual: it is located inside a former 1960s bunker, built on the remains of a house dating back to 200 AD.
Inside this museum you can admire some well-preserved rooms dating back to Roman times. There are no fewer than 26 panels depicting Bacchus, the god of wine, and perfectly preserved Roman-era plastered walls.
Directions: 25 New Street in the centre of Dover. Within easy walking distance of Dover Museum (350m, 4 mins) and the seafront (750m, 9 mins) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-4pm
Ticket price: full price £4.00 (€4.40), concessions £3.00 (€3.30)
7 - The Pines Garden and St. Margaret's Bay
Photo by Kenneth Yarham. The Pines Garden is a wonderful green oasis overlooking St Margaret's Bay, located not far from the centre of Dover, where the South Foreland Lighthouse is located. Here you can stroll through six acres of gardens, a fabulous waterfall and an elegant tea room, The Pines Garden Tea Room & Museum.
We also recommend that you take The Margarets Bay coastal walk, from which you can admire spectacular scenery! At the end is St Margaret's Beach, a small beach nestled between rock walls, which is very atmospheric and worth visiting in the warmer months!
How to get there: Beach Rd, St Margaret's at Cliffe, St Margarets Bay. From Dover, bus line 80 from Pencester Road to Bay Hill (20 min), then walk to museum (800 m, 9 min) - Get directions
Hours: gardens daily 10am-5pm / The Pines Garden Tea Room & Museum daily 10am-4.30pm
Ticket price: free bay / The Pines Garden Tea Room & Museum based on consumption
8 - Blériot Memorial
Photo by Nilfanion. On the same hill as the Castle is the Blériot Memorial, the memorial dedicated toFrench aviator Louis Blériot. In 1909, Blériot accomplished a major feat: he managed to cross the English Channel in a heavy aircraft. The pilot took off from this very spot on Sunday 25 July 1909.
For this reason, Dover decided to create a tribute in memory of Blériot, dedicating this simple but moving memorial to him. The plaque is not very easy to find, but the location is very picturesque, in the middle of the woods of Northfall Meadow.
Always accessible on foot from Dover Castle by following Upper Road through the woods of Northfall Meadow - Get directions
9 - Marine Parade and Dover Marina
Photo by Stephen McKay. Being a city by the sea, you can't miss Dover's Marine Parade, the city's seafront promenade, which is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. Especially worth visiting at sunset, this is a very relaxing place frequented by locals, intent on strolling or jogging. In addition, there are some important memorials on the Marine Parade, such as the British Legion War Memorial, the Channel Dash Memorial and the Matthew Webb statue.
If you walk all the way along Marine Parade, you can reach Dover Marina, which is the city's marina, while the larger harbour is only accessible to port authorities, those arriving on a cruise or needing to use the ferry.
Easily accessible on foot from the centre of Dover, such as the Roman Painted House (750 m, 9 min) and the Dover Museum (450 m, 7 min) - Get directions
10 - Connaught Park
Connaught Park is a large city park in the northern part of the city, on the hill next to Dover Castle. It dates back to Victorian times, with manicured gardens and a small lake at its lowest point.
It isideal to visit with the kids to let them have some fun in the many playgrounds. It is also a dog-friendly park, so if you are travelling with your four-legged friend you can safely bring him here. The park is infinitely equipped with various areas for sports, such as the tennis and football fields, which are always crowded during the summer.
How to get there: on Connaught St, in the northern part of Dover. Easy walking distance to Dover Castle (400 m, 7 min) and Dover Museum (1.5 km, 20 min) - Get directions
Hours: daily 7am-9pm
Ticket price: free
Other nearby attractions, things to do and excursions
If you have more time available, you can visit other attractions in and around the city. For example Deal Castle (from Dover 13 km, 15 min drive, £7.90/€8.70), a petal-shaped fortress built by Henry VIII in 1540. Also not to be missed is the Richborough Roman Fort And Amphitheatre (from Dover 23 km, 26 min drive, £6.90/€7.60), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the area's Roman history.
Also within easy reach are several Kent seaside towns, such as Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate (all about 30 km from Dover), the latter known for Ramsgate Tunnels, a labyrinth of caves and tunnels used during the war. Also worth seeing are Leeds Castle (in Maidstone, 67 km away), or the city of Canterbury (20 km away)
Staying in the city, you can discover the various viewpoints of the surrounding hills, and not only that of Dover Castle. For example, you can admire a splendid view from the Western Heights Of Dover (free) or from the Detached Bastion, where you can also see ancient ruins (free).
5 things to do in Dover
Boat Excursion: from Dover marina, several boat excursions depart to admire the beautiful cliffs directly from the sea, an experience not to be missed! You can find all the info on the official Dover Sea Safari website
Samphire Hoe walk: walks along the Samphire Hoe nature reserve, just outside Dover town centre. Best time of year is summer, with a higher chance of finding sunny days
Taste the local cuisine: there are plenty of places in the town, especially in the old town, where you can sample typical Dover cuisine, to make the most of your trip - https://www.travel365.it/dover-cosa-mangiare.htm
Have a tea in Russell Gardens: Russell Gardens are gardens in the northernmost part of the town, which are built around Abbay Lake. Here you will find a beautiful Tearoom, where you can taste typical teas and relax.
Visit a farm: If you are travelling with children, you cannot miss a visit to a typical English farm. In Dover you can find Broadlees Farm, which organises various activities and animal encounters. All info on the official website
What to see in a day
Dover is usually visited on day trips from London or Brighton. It is therefore best to rely on an organised itinerary. But if you prefer a do-it-yourself solution, we suggest you organise the various stops as follows:
10:00 - Dover Castle and St Mary's Church in Castro
15:00 - White Cliffs and South Foreland Lighthouse
19:00 - Dover Marina and Marine Parade
Plan your stay in Dover: info and tips
How to getthere: Land at London's Gatwick and Heathrow airports(from £60.00), then proceed by train (from £50.00/€55.30), by bus (from £28.00/€30.90), or by day trip
Where to stay: For accommodation, we recommend staying in the centre of Dover(hotels and b&b's from £60.00), which allows you to enjoy the evening nightlife and get around mainly on foot, which is the best way to see the city!
Gettingaround: Cars and taxis are not recommended within the city, better to get around on foot, by bike or by bus (daily ticket from £4.00/€4.40). For the surrounding area use trains and ferries.
When to go: The city is liveliest in summer, which is the best time to plan a trip: the lighthouse is open and various activities take place, the days are sunny and there are various events in the city!
