Dover

Mini guide to Dover

Situated on Britain’s south coast, famed for its white cliffs, the port town of Dover is not only a gateway for sea travel to Europe, but also home to a host of attractions, from beaches and cliff walks to historical buildings, making it an increasingly popular tourist destination.

Without doubt, the stunning White Cliffs are the chief attraction, dazzling whether seen from the sea or a cliff walk. However, there are many other fascinating options, including the fairy-tale Dover Castle, with its Norman Keep, Roman Lighthouse and even secret WW II tunnels, and the well-preserved Roman Painted House, once the official ‘hotel’ for Roman soldiers.

Dominated by views of the Castle, the city centre is vibrant and lively, with excellent shopping and a huge number of historic buildings, including the Maison Dieu, founded in 1203, resplendent with stained glass windows, and now used as the Town Hall. Nearby, Pencester Gardens is a popular place to sit and relax, with a truly stunning view of the castle directly above. Alternatively, you can walk to the Prince of Wales Pier for more great views of the castle, the waterfront and of course, the White Cliffs.

Shopping, eating and drinking facilities all centre around Market Square and Castle Street, with many of the UK’s best-known shops and many bars and restaurants to choose from. The Carlton Shopping Centre on nearby High Street provides yet more options. Market Square is also home to the Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat, the largest and most varied museum in the area.

It’s also worth hiring a car to explore the wonderful countryside, small towns and villages near to Dover. Particularly rewarding day trips include Gazen Salts, a man-made nature reserve with central lake and winding walks, and the town of Deal with its castle built by Henry VIII and fascinating Maritime and Local History Museum.

With rail and coach connections to London’s Gatwick Airport (1 – 2 hours), and the cross channel train and ferry options, Dover is within easy reach of hundreds of cities worldwide.