Things to do in Dover

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A fountain in a square with historic buildings, including Lloyds TSB and Dickens Corser.
A rocky beach with a white cliff and a house.
A historic castle with a tower, surrounded by lush green hills and a body of water.
A garden path leading to a historic building with a tower.
A street with pedestrian crossing signs, a large tree, and a building with a castle-like structure in the background.

Dover Attractions

It's little wonder so many tourists return to Dover again and again. This enchanting city is packed with wonderful things to do. Whether you're interested in sightseeing or having a go at more exhilarating activities, you'll never have a dull moment here.

Find out what makes Dover tick with the very best tours & day trips. Check out our top {39 fun activities in Dover fun activities in Dover}, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

front exterior of Leeds Castle in Kent, England

Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover & Greenwich Boat Ride

$142
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover & Greenwich Boat Ride
Leeds Castle, Canterbury & Dover Tour with Admission

Leeds Castle, Canterbury & Dover Guided Tour from London

$140
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Leeds Castle, Canterbury & Dover Guided Tour from London
Iconic Cliffs of Dover & Kent from London

Iconic Cliffs of Dover & Kent from London

$178
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Iconic Cliffs of Dover & Kent from London
Canterbury: Walking Tour with Green Badge Guide

Canterbury: Daily Walking Tour with Green Badge Guide

$21
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Canterbury: Daily Walking Tour with Green Badge Guide
Picture 9 for Activity Battle of Britain Memorial Entry Ticket

Battle of Britain Memorial Entry Ticket

$8
per adult
Battle of Britain Memorial Entry Ticket
Lords of the Ring: A Self-Guided Canterbury City Walls Tour

Lords of the Ring: A Self-Guided Canterbury City Walls Tour

$10
per adult
Lords of the Ring: A Self-Guided Canterbury City Walls Tour
Canterbury: Guided Sightseeing Running Tour

Canterbury: Guided Sightseeing Running Tour

$27
per adult
Canterbury: Guided Sightseeing Running Tour
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Dover must see attractions

1. White Cliffs of Dover

The dramatic and distinctive White Cliffs of Dover are a symbol of national pride for the English. Wander atop the immense white chalk cliffs to experience this historic and beautiful area at your own pace.
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A coastal area with a pebbly beach, green algae-covered rocks, and cliffs with houses in the background.

2. Dover Castle

Dover Castle sits grandly on top of the White Cliffs of Dover and has been Great Britain’s front line against invasion for more than 20 centuries. Medieval chambers, complex military defenses and secret wartime tunnels await explorers of the largest castle in England. Founded in the 12th century, the “Key to England” has had a long and dramatic history. Its informative tours bring the past into the present day.
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A stone tower with an arched entrance on a hillside.

3. Dover Beach

Dover Beach is a picturesque stretch of pebbly beach sheltered by the walls of a harbor and tucked in between the White Cliffs of Dover. The beach and its surrounding harbors are a hive of activity year-round with tourists and locals enjoying the fresh sea air. Stroll along the esplanade and take in the view of Dover Castle up on the cliffs, ferries coming and going on the channel and, on a clear day, the distant shoreline of France.
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A coastal city with a historic castle on a hill, a large hotel, and a sandy beach.

4. Dover Museum

Dover is home to one of the most significant ports in British history and the town’s rich seafaring heritage is captivatingly documented at the Dover Museum. The museum’s informative displays cover the history of the local area from the Stone Age to the Saxons and Romans. Immerse yourself in Dover’s heritage from medieval to modern times with six scale models of the town’s development through the ages, from its humble beginnings as a Stone Age farming community to its current form as one of the busiest ports in the world.
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A museum with arched windows and a sign reading "Museum & Visitor Information".

5. South Foreland Lighthouse

The Victorian South Foreland Lighthouse is set on the White Cliffs of Dover. It’s known as the site of the first international radio transmissions, as well as the first lighthouse powered by electricity. Learn about the life of a typical lighthouse keeper, enjoy a snack in the tearoom in the keeper’s cottage or simply admire the surrounding scenery.
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A white tower with green trim, a green sign, and a picnic table.

Recommended things to do in Dover

Number of things to do
39
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
TOP Canterbury : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $6
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Dover

Free Things to Do in Dover

Leave your wallet in the hotel. It's possible to amuse yourself in Dover without spending a penny.

Kearsney Abbey Gardens - If you'd like to ramp up the fun factor during your escape, this is the place to do it.

Drop Redoubt - Get to grips with some of the historical events of the region through this site.

Abbot's Cliff Beach - Enjoy a relaxing walk by the water and maybe even stick a toe in.

Shakespeare Cliff - Get set for views that'll leave you amazed at this natural wonder.

Pencester Gardens - Refresh your mind and soul by spending a little time with Mother Nature.

Things to Do in Dover with Kids

There are loads of fun activities to do with your kids in and around Dover. Keep the crew happy with our family friendly experiences.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Dover? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Dover attractions

A coastal area with a pebbly beach, green algae-covered rocks, and cliffs with houses in the background.

White Cliffs of Dover

9.2/10 (492 reviews)
These iconic chalk cliffs stand as natural sentinels along England's southeastern coastline, symbolizing freedom and hope. Walk the cliff-top paths for breathtaking Channel views to France on clear days.
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Dover

A historic cathedral with intricate architecture and a crowd of people in the foreground.

Canterbury

Two people on a beach with a cliff in the background.

Folkestone

A beach with a pier extending into the ocean during sunset.

Deal

A sign advertising Christmas trees for wholesale or retail.

Barham

A grassy landscape with a paved path, a bench, and a small building.

Capel-le-Ferne

A narrow road winding through dense green foliage with a speed limit sign indicating 20 mph.
Photo by Adam Morse (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Alkham

A coastal landscape with white cliffs, a small town, and a distant lighthouse.

St Margaret's at Cliffe

A historic church with a steeply pitched roof, arched windows, and a stone tower.
Photo by John Salmon (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Womenswold

Frequently asked questions

Is Dover worth visiting?
Providing a blend of walking trails and cycling, there are plenty of things to do in Dover. While you're here, visit St Margaret's Bay Beach, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Dover?
After you've checked off popular attractions like St Margaret's Bay Beach and Dover Transport Museum, spend the rest of your day discovering Dover's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dover?
St Margaret's Bay Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Dover and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Dover?
Three days will give you time to tick off popular city attractions, such as St Margaret's Bay Beach, Dover Transport Museum and National Trust Visitor Center. The average stay in Dover is two days. If you have the time to extend your adventure, Canterbury isn't far away.
Is Dover a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city center, Dover is a great place to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Dover Transport Museum and National Trust Visitor Center. Then take a stroll through Whitfield, located 2 miles from downtown, and River, which is roughly 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Dover with kids?
Deciding what to do in Dover with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Dover for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Dover, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Dover Patrol Memorial.
Are there free things to do in Dover?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Dover is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. St Margaret's Bay Beach is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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