Dover

Travel Guide

Dover showing a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a fountain
Dover showing landscape views, rugged coastline and a house
Dover which includes a coastal town, general coastal views and heritage architecture
Walmer Castle and Gardens which includes heritage architecture, a garden and wildflowers
Dover Beach which includes street scenes, a city and heritage architecture

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.

Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa
Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Dover Waterfront, Waterloo Crescent, Dover, England
$123 nightly
The price is $147 total per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
$147 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Dover. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (573 reviews)
"Beach is the front of the hotel so me wearing my pajamas @ 05:30 am. Love it"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa
Holiday Inn Dover by IHG
Holiday Inn Dover by IHG
4 out of 5
Singledge Lane Whitfield, Kent, Dover, England
$114 nightly
The price is $136 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$136 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Dover. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room service in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (996 reviews)
"Close to the port"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Holiday Inn Dover by IHG
Dover Town Rooms
Dover Town Rooms
2.5 out of 5
5 Eastbrook Place, Maison Dieu Road, Dover, England
$98 nightly
The price is $109 total per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
$109 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this vacation home in Dover. Enjoy a garden. Popular attractions Dover Castle and Dover Eastern Docks Ferry Terminal are located nearby.
8.2/10 Very Good! (64 reviews)
"Convenience"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Dover Town Rooms
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.
Dover Town Rooms
Dover Town Rooms
2.5 out of 5
5 Eastbrook Place, Maison Dieu Road, Dover, England
Stay at this vacation home in Dover. Enjoy a garden. Popular attractions Dover Castle and Dover Eastern Docks Ferry Terminal are located nearby.
8.2/10 Very Good! (64 reviews)
"Convenience"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Dover Town Rooms
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 and a garden. Popular attractions Dover Eastern Docks Ferry Terminal and Dover Castle are located ...
"I have pictures of our disgusting dirty room with spider webs & uneven flooring. Smelly moldy rooms with wet stains on the walls and ceiling. The Wi-Fi didn’t work and neither did the TV. There was a tea kettle, but no tea or coffee. This looked nothing like the picture you showed!!! I would like ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2023

Large flat in Regency property next to Dover Port and White Cliffs with parking
Well Equipped Family Holiday Home With Garden In A Quiet rural location.
Well Equipped Family Holiday Home With Garden In A Quiet rural location.
Sutton
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Dover. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions White Cliffs of Dover and Dover ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (104 reviews)
Garlands Retreat
"If you're looking for peace and quiet. This is the place. If you want security for your doggies, brilliant! Also you won't need to bring anything but yourselves."

Reviewed on May 23, 2025

Well Equipped Family Holiday Home With Garden In A Quiet rural location.
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%
4 - Good
17
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

It is a beautiful town full of history.

4/5 - Good

Cary

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

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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