Dover

Travel Guide
Dover showing landscape views, rugged coastline and a house
Discover the “Lock and Key to England” with its iconic white cliff coastline, charming gardens and historic castles.

The busy port town of Dover sits among the immense White Cliffs that historically represented England in times of exploration and war. Located just 21 miles (34 kilometers) from continental Europe, Dover is the ancient gateway to England from the sea. People from prehistoric, Stone and Bronze ages through to Roman, Saxon and medieval times have called this area of outstanding natural beauty home. Dover has the busiest passenger ferry port in the world and offers a wide range of natural, coastal and historic attractions.

Kick off your shoes and dip your toes in the English Channel at Dover Beach, a scenic beach sheltered on either side by the harbor walls. The beach is located a 15-minute walk from Dover town center and features stylish seafront restaurants, cafés and a picturesque harbor promenade. Follow the network of footpaths and bicycle trails that meander along the River Dour to the White Cliffs of Dover.

Pack a picnic and wander along the cliff tops to the South Foreland Lighthouse. Marvel at the breathtaking views that span across the English Channel. On a clear day, catch a glimpse of the coast of France. Spot the diverse range of birds that live among the white chalk cliffs and see beautiful wildflowers blooming in summer.

Medieval history comes to life in Dover Castle, the incredibly well-preserved 12th-century fortress that has views over the town and out to sea. Experience the royal court life within the ancient battlements and discover secret tunnels used in World War II. Drive 20 minutes north of Dover and you can explore another fortress at Walmer Castle and Gardens. Discover more about Dover’s rich heritage at the Dover Museum.

Dover is in Kent County, in southeast England. The town is included in the Southeastern train network and buses conveniently serve East Kent. Dover’s picturesque seaside scenery is best enjoyed in the warmer months, as the cooling coastal winds can be prevalent in winter. Enjoy plenty of indoor attractions when the famous English drizzle sets in. The cliffs are astonishingly beautiful year-round.

Holiday Inn Dover, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Dover, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Singledge Lane Whitfield, Kent, Dover, England
Fully refundable
The price is $94 per night from Jun 25 to Jun 26
$94
per night
Jun 25 - Jun 26
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Dover. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (992 reviews)
"Our room was very nice. They offered a great breakfast. Our only complaint is that there are stairs that we had to carry our luggage up/down. There were only a few, but that seems like a lot with multiple heavy bags."

Reviewed on Jun 7, 2023

Holiday Inn Dover, an IHG Hotel
Best Western Plus Dover Marina Hotel & Spa
Best Western Plus Dover Marina Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Dover Waterfront, Waterloo Crescent, Dover, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $112 per night from Jun 25 to Jun 26
$112
per night
Jun 25 - Jun 26
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Dover. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Overall very good locat. I was disappointed in the restaurant. I though the food could have been better at dinner."

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2023

Best Western Plus Dover Marina Hotel & Spa
Marquis Of Granby
Marquis Of Granby
5 out of 5
Alkham Valley Road, Dover, England
The price is $141 per night from Jun 11 to Jun 12
$141
per night
Jun 11 - Jun 12
Stay at this 5-star luxury inn in Dover. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the WiFi and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (241 reviews)
"Loved. Loved. Loved this property. It was simply Fabulous!! What a find! Would definitely stay here again!! Unique rooms. Fabulous food. Nestled in a beautiful village in the countryside near the coast!!"

Reviewed on May 19, 2023

Marquis Of Granby
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pinewood Camping Pods - At Port Lympne Reserve
Pinewood Camping Pods - At Port Lympne Reserve
3 out of 5
Port Lympne Reserve, Nr. Ashford, Hythe, England
Stay at this 3-star campground in Hythe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Port Lympne Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Wild ...
Pinewood Camping Pods - At Port Lympne Reserve
Stylish and Modern Apartment close to Dover Port!
Stylish and Modern Apartment close to Dover Port!
Kent
Stay at this apartment in Dover. Enjoy WiFi, 2 bathrooms, and 3 bedrooms. Popular attractions Connaught Park and Crabble Stadium are located nearby. Discover ...
Stylish and Modern Apartment close to Dover Port!
Large flat in Regency property next to Dover Port and White Cliffs with parking
Large flat in Regency property next to Dover Port and White Cliffs with parking
Dover
Stay at this apartment in Dover. Enjoy a beach locale, WiFi, and a garden. Popular attractions Dover Eastern Docks Ferry Terminal and Dover Castle are located ...
3.6/10 (4 reviews)
Awful. Refund promised..never recieved.
"Booked a 2 night weekend stay. Arrived at 4pm, was made to wait hours before room made available lste at night. I was desparate for a room so toom it. The room was substandard with no running water in the bathroom tap (was stuck) , shower didnt have hot water, and no curtains for the bedroom. Pus ..."

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2021

Large flat in Regency property next to Dover Port and White Cliffs with parking
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Dover

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
13
" "5 - Excellent 38.23529411764706%
4 - Good
17
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 11.764705882352942%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 11, 2019

Small town feeling with a huge Castle. If you don’t go to Dover you have missed a major portion of what England is all about. Diver is a must visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 29, 2019

It is a beautiful town full of history.

4/5 - Good

Cary
Aug 28, 2019

I think really dover is based around the cliffs and the journey over from France. Can't miss the cliffs though

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Aug 24, 2019

Dover was actually a little bigger than I expected but still small. People were friendly wherever we went. White Horse pub is worth going to. Everything was walk-able. Stay 2 days... it is worth it.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 21, 2019

The convenience of the train station and accessible cabs made this an easy trip for travelers without a car.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 17, 2019

Dover is a port town and perhaps not at "quaint" as one may expect, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The people are great, there is so much to see and experience, but remember, since it's a major port, there is a LOT of truck traffic!

Cities near Dover