Situated at the narrowest part of the English Channel, and twinned with Calais, France, which sits directly opposite it, across the water, Dover has long been the main point of departure of travellers going to and from the continent. The French connection in particular can be seen in some of the town's shops and restaurants, and although Dover has a population of just over 40,000 people, it attracts over 360,000 visitors per year. While many of those visitors are simply passing through, however, those who choose to stay and explore a while will definitely find their efforts rewarded.
Take a walk along the famous White Cliffs
If you arrive in Dover by boat, the first thing you see of it will be the iconic White Cliffs, towering 350 feet above sea level, and made famous by the Dame Vera Lynn song of the same name. A wartime icon, and national treasure, these days the cliffs are looking slightly more green than white in some parts: coastal erosion has made it necessary to allow the greenery to take over again, but there's still enough of the dramatic chalk face to attract thousands of visitors per year. A bracing walk along the cliffs will not only help blow any cobwebs away, it also offers the opportunity to take in some of the wildflowers and other plant life that flourishes in this stunning natural environment.
Visit Shakespeare Beach
If you'd rather look at the White Cliffs than walk along them, Shakespeare Beach, which gets its name from its appearance in King Lear, is one of the best places to do it. Offering panoramic views of Shakespeare Cliff, the beach is located to the West of Dover Harbour, and is also the place swimmers most often arrive or depart from when attempting to swim the channel.
Wander around the Battle of Britain memorial
Located at Chapel-le-Ferne, just outside the town, the memorial is built in the shape of a Spitfire wing, and centres around a wall of remembrance, listing the names of those lost in one of World War II's most famous clashes. Simple, but incredibly moving, there's also a café on site, plus several replica aircraft to explore.
Spend the day at Dover Museum
With free entry, and 3 floors of exhibits Dover Museum is a budget-friendly way to get up to speed on Dover's past, which includes a bronze age boat, plus exhibitions on Channel swimmers and coal mining in Kent.
Discover an abandoned fortress
Part of Dover's Napoleonic defences, the exterior of Western Heights Fortress is free to explore, and makes an interesting addition to a walk in the hills around the town. There are three main areas to see: the Drop Redoubt, which is occasionally open to the public on guided tours, the North Centre Bastion, and the Citadel. From here, you'll also get great views of the town itself, and of Dover Castle, which sits on the opposite hill.
Have a day at the beach
Nothing beats a day at the beach on a sunny day, and while Dover's pebble beach may not be the best known in England, it's still the perfect place for a stroll or paddle, with the new Marina Pier offering another perspective on the town.
Take a stroll at Samphire Hoe
Ever wonder what happened to all of the earth that was dug up during the creation of the Channel Tunnel? Well, Samphire Hoe is the answer. Now a thriving nature reserve, the area is home to over 200 species of plants, 220 species of . birds, and 30 species of butterfly. It's the perfect place for a walk or picnic (there's also a tea kiosk available if you'd prefer), and you can get to it by bus or car from Dover.
Walk the North Downs Way
The North Downs Way is 153 miles long, and stretches from Farnham in Surrey, to Dover. Of course, you don't have to walk it all (It would take approximately 12 days, if you did!), but can join the trail at Dover, and walk for as long as you want, taking in the beautiful Kent countryside, and all it has to offer, as you go.
Have tea at South Foreland Lighthouse
Just a short drive from Dover you'll find the pretty coastal town of St Margaret's Bay, which is the location of South Foreland Lighthouse. It was the first lighthouse in the UK to use electric light, and, as well as being a popular spot for kite flyers, it's also open to the public. Once you've toured the lighthouse itself, stop into Mrs Knott's Tearoom: a 50s throwback serving up a slice of life from a different era.
Explore Dover Castle
If the White Cliffs are the first thing visitors notice about Dover, the castle perched high on a hill above the town is surely the second. There's been a castle on this site since the 11th century, but the remains of the Roman lighthouse pre-date's that, and claims to be Britain's oldest surviving building. For students of more recent history, meanwhile, the tunnels underneath the castle, which were used as a military command centre during the Second World War, offer a fascinating insight into Dover's military history.
Go Underground
Once you've walked along the top of the White Cliffs, why not try a walk under them, too? Fan Bay Deep Shelter is a network of subterranean tunnels which once houses an artillery battery in the Second World War, but which is now open to the public for guided tours. You'll have to wear a hard hat for your journey through this dark, underground space, but will be rewarded by a unique and unforgettable experience.
Pamper Yourself
After a hard day's sightseeing, what better way to pamper yourself than with a spa day with treatments and afternoon tea at one of Dover's most picturesque hotels? The four star Dover Marina Hotel offers a choice of relaxing spa treatments, after which you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at Mr White's English Chophouse: the 'Mr White' in question being renowned chef Marco Pierre White. Enjoy views of the beautiful Kent coast from the restaurant's windows as you recharge, ready for another day of adventure. If you'd rather have dinner than afternoon tea, a spa day with dinner also includes an overnight stay at the hotel.
Admire the Roman Painted House
Imagine uncovering a Roman house, buried deep under the ground! That's what happened to workmen constructing a new bypass in Dover, back in the 1970s: when archaeologists were called in to excavate further, they discovered the remains of a "mansio", dating from around AD 200, which is now one of Dover's most important historical finds. Some of the painted frescos can still be seen on the walls, providing a fascinating reminder of the town's ancient past.
See the town from above
If your on-foot explorations aren't quite enough for you, a glider flight above Dover will surely satisfy your craving for adventure, while offering panoramic views of the town itself, and the surrounding Kent coast. A 15-30 minute flight with a BGA licensed instructor will also give you an opportunity to take the controls yourself - under close supervision, of course!
Climb one of the world's steepest staircases
A staircase might not sound like something that should figure highly in your holiday plans, but Dover's Grand Shaft is a staircase with a difference: the difference being that it burrows 140 feet through the White Cliffs of Dover. It once provided access to the Western Heights Fortress, and is only open on the third Sunday of each month, between March and November, so make sure you check the availability before you go!
Go back in time at Dover Transport Museum
If you're thinking Dover Transport Museum is just a place to view old vehicles, think again: it offers a fascinating insight into Dover life through the ages, with its recreated street scenes and collection of Channel Tunnel memorabilia. Of course, you'll also find a huge collection of historic vehicles, plus a vintage garage and period shops.
Get the ferry to France
While this article focuses on things to do in Dover itself, there's no escaping the fact that one of the town's biggest attractions is its proximity to the European continent. The ferry to Calais takes just one hour and 30 minutes, making it an easy day trip from Dover: or you may well choose to continue on through the rest of Europe! There are 30 crossings per day between England and France, and you can travel either with or without your vehicle.
Things to do in Dover at Night
Dover may not be famous for its nightlife, but a stay in the town doesn't have to mean an early bedtime. Here are some of the best bars and restaurants to round off your day in Dover.
Dine at Dover's oldest pub
The White Horse is located in a 14th century building, the basement of which used to be a mortuary used to store bodies hauled from the sea. It's been an ale house since the 16th century, and is just next to Dover Castle, so expect lots of atmosphere to go with your pint.
Quench your thirst at The Thirsty Scarecrow
Billing itself as "Britain's first micro-cider house", The Thirsty Scarecrow offers a wide selection of ciders, plus beers, wines and more.
Have dinner with a view in Dover
Cullins Yard Restaurant and Wine Bar is located at Dover Marina, allowing you to have dinner and drinks with a sea view. Fresh local ingredients and interesting decor make it one of the town's best eateries.
Get to know the locals
If you want to find the best place to drink, ask a local: and, in Dover, the locals will often direct you to the Crown and Sceptre - a 100 year old bar with a friendly atmosphere and frequent live music.
Dance until you drop at The Funky Monkey
If it's late nights your after, The Funky Monkey is open until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights, and has been around for over a decade, offering up its unique blend of south coast entertainment.
FAQs
Is Dover Castle free?
Dover Castle is run by English Heritage, and entry is free to its members. Non-members can pay at the gate, or book tickets in advance online. If you're not an English Heritage member, meanwhile, you can purchase a membership package at the castle itself, which will give you access to many more Kent-based attractions: the friendly staff on site will be happy to help you choose which ones to visit next!
Can you swim in Dover?
Dover District Leisure Centre has a 25 metre pool, or you can also try cold water swimming in the English Channel - if you're brave enough! Dover is a popular wild swimming spot, and is famous for the many cross-Channel swims that have taken place there: just choose a beach with a lifeguard on duty, and pay close attention to any warnings.
