· GB

Dover

Dover, Kent, United Kingdom

Dover, located in the picturesque county of Kent, United Kingdom, is a historic coastal town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern amenities for visitors to enjoy. One of the town's most…

#Coastal#Historic#White Cliffs#Port Town#Channel Tunnel

1/9

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Dover.

Top Hotels in Dover

Top Flights to Dover

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Dover.

Tours

Visit Dover Castle

Explore the historic Dover Castle, a major fortress with a rich history dating back to the 11th century.

South Foreland Lighthouse Tour

A guided tour of the historic South Foreland Lighthouse, known for its integral role in maritime safety.

Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery

Discover the rich history of Dover at the Dover Museum, featuring the world’s oldest known seagoing boat.

Western Heights and the Grand Shaft

Visit the Western Heights of Dover, a series of fortifications and the Grand Shaft staircase, a unique triple helix stairway.

Shopping

Shop at St James Retail & Leisure Park

A modern shopping area featuring a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and a cinema.

De Bradelei Wharf Shopping Outlet

Enjoy shopping at discounted prices at the De Bradelei Wharf, offering a range of products from leading brands.

Outdoor

Explore the White Cliffs of Dover

Walk along the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and enjoy breathtaking views of the English Channel. Ideal for nature lovers and hikers.

Hiking in Samphire Hoe

Explore the unique landscape and wildlife of Samphire Hoe, created from the Channel Tunnel spoil.

River Dour Walk

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the River Dour, observing local wildlife and beautiful scenery.

Dover Beach Enjoyment

Spend a relaxing day at Dover Beach, enjoying the sea views and beachside amenities.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Dover.

Currency

£ | GBP | Pound Sterling

Population

Not Available

Languages

English, French, German

Average weather

Dover

Jan

7°2°

Feb

7°2°

Mar

10°3°

Apr

13°5°

May

16°8°

Jun

19°11°

Jul

21°14°

Aug

21°14°

Sep

18°12°

Oct

15°9°

Nov

11°5°

Dec

8°3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Dover.

What people love

Dover, located in Kent, United Kingdom, is a historic town with a lot to offer travelers. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Dover:

White Cliffs of Dover: One of the most iconic natural landmarks in the UK, the White Cliffs of Dover offer stunning views of the English Channel and France on a clear day. Visitors can hike along the cliffs and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Dover Castle: This medieval castle is a must-visit for history buffs. It has a rich history dating back to the 11th century and offers interactive exhibits, underground tunnels, and panoramic views of the town and coastline.
Dover Museum: For those interested in learning more about the history of Dover and its surrounding areas, the Dover Museum is a great place to visit. It houses a wide range of exhibits covering various periods, from Roman times to the present day.
Port of Dover: As one of the busiest ports in the UK, the Port of Dover is an interesting place to visit to see ferries coming and going, as well as to learn about the importance of the port in connecting the UK to mainland Europe.
Dover Western Heights: This historic military site offers panoramic views of the town and the English Channel. Visitors can explore the old fortifications and tunnels, gaining insight into the town's defensive past.
Day trips to France: Dover is a great starting point for day trips to France, as it is located just 21 miles across the English Channel from Calais. Travelers can easily take a ferry or the Eurostar to explore nearby French towns and attractions.

Overall, Dover offers a mix of natural beauty, historic sites, and convenient access to continental Europe, making it a great destination for travelers looking to explore both the UK and beyond.

What to know

Traveling to Dover, located in Kent, United Kingdom, does have some cons to consider:

Weather: The weather in Dover can be unpredictable, with frequent rainfall and cool temperatures, especially during the fall and winter months. This can affect outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities.
Tourist Crowds: Dover is a popular tourist destination, especially during the peak summer season. This can lead to crowded attractions, long lines, and difficulty finding accommodation.
Transportation: Dover is a relatively small town, and public transportation options may be limited compared to larger cities. Getting around may require more planning and time.
Limited Nightlife: While Dover offers some pubs and bars, the nightlife scene is not as vibrant as in larger cities. Entertainment options may be limited, especially during weekdays.
High Cost of Living: The cost of living in Dover can be higher compared to other parts of the UK, especially when it comes to accommodation, dining, and tourist activities.

Overall, while Dover has many attractions to offer, these cons should be considered when planning a trip to the area.

Dover is a historic town and major ferry port in Kent, England. It holds significant historical importance due to its strategic location as the closest English town to continental Europe, just 21 miles from France across the English Channel.

Early History

Prehistoric and Roman Periods: Archaeological evidence suggests that the area around Dover has been inhabited since the Stone Age. During the Roman occupation of Britain, Dover was referred to as "Dubris" and served as a crucial port. The Romans built a fort and lighthouse here, remains of which can still be seen today.

Medieval Period

Dover Castle: One of the most prominent landmarks in Dover is Dover Castle, known as the "Key to England" due to its defensive significance. The castle was originally constructed in the 11th century by King Henry II and played a crucial role in the defense of England throughout the medieval period and beyond.
Cinque Ports: Dover was one of the original Cinque Ports, a historical series of coastal towns in Kent and Sussex that were granted special privileges in return for providing ships for the king's service.

Early Modern Period

Dover Harbor: In the 16th century, under the reign of Henry VIII, Dover Harbor was expanded to improve its defenses and accommodate larger ships. The harbor's development continued into the 19th century, cementing Dover's status as a vital maritime link.

19th and 20th Centuries

Napoleonic Wars: Dover was fortified during the Napoleonic Wars, with the construction of the Western Heights, a series of fortifications to defend against a potential French invasion.
World War II: Dover played a critical role during World War II, serving as a base for the evacuation of British troops from Dunkirk in 1940. The town and its cliffs were heavily fortified and were a target for German artillery from occupied France.

Modern Dover

Port of Dover: Today, the Port of Dover is one of the world's busiest passenger ports, serving as a major hub for transport between the UK and mainland Europe.
Landmarks: Besides Dover Castle, other significant landmarks include the White Cliffs of Dover, a symbol of Britain’s resilience, and the Dover Museum, which houses the Bronze Age Boat, one of the oldest known seagoing vessels.

Notable Figures

Hubert de Burgh (c. 1170–1243): A key historical figure, he was the 1st Earl of Kent and played a significant role in the defense of Dover Castle against a French siege in 1216.
Sir Winston Churchill (1874–1965): Although not a resident, his leadership during World War II is closely tied to the history of Dover, given its strategic wartime importance.

Dover's rich history, marked by its strategic location and significant military and maritime roles, makes it a fascinating place with a deep historical legacy.