What to see and do in Dover, England

Dover, England is located at the narrowest part of the English Channel, just 21 miles from Cap Gris Nez, France.

Dover is a town and major ferry port located in the county of Kent, in the southeast of England. It is one of the closest towns in England to mainland Europe.

We visited Dover on 6/19/2022. While there we traveled by bus to the top of the cliffs  and to Dover Castle.  Later, we walked along the shore of the downtown area.

Dover has a rich history, and its iconic White Cliffs have been a symbol of the town and country for centuries. The cliffs stretch for around 10 miles along the coast, and are made of chalk which gives them their distinctive white appearance.

The town has a number of historical landmarks, including Dover Castle, which dates back to the 11th century and was originally built to protect the town from invasion. The castle has played an important role in many key moments in English history, such as the Battle of Britain during World War II.

Dover is also known for its port, which is one of the busiest in the world and sees millions of passengers and vehicles pass through each year. The port provides a crucial link between the UK and Europe, with regular ferry services to France and Belgium.

In addition to its historical and transportation significance, Dover also boasts stunning natural beauty, with its coastal location and the rolling hills of the Kent Downs nearby. The town has a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions for visitors to enjoy, and is a popular destination for tourists exploring the southeast of England.

Looking for things to do?  Viator offers numerous tours in the Dover area. Click here for details.

The highlands on both sides of the Dover river valley (the Western Heights and the eastern high point on which Dover Castle stands) have helped protect the area against invaders. 

King Henry II began building the Great Tower and the Dover Castle in the 11th century. It is one of the largest castles in England.  During the Cold War, Government offices were located within the White Cliffs beneath Dover Castle. 

The Grand Shaft is one of the entrances to the underground complex.

View of the town of Dover from the cruise ship docks.

Modern statue on the Dover Promenade at Dover Beach

 The Dover Marina Hotel & Spa n the Dover Promenade at Dover Beach.

Operation Fuller memorial.

Unveiled on September 3rd, 2008, the Merchant Navy memorial statue honors those who lost their lives in World War II.

The statue of Charles Stewart Rolls commemorates Rolls' non-stop flight across English Channel and back on 2nd June, 1910. 

The Every One Remembered sculpture by Mark Humphrey commemorated 100th year anniversary of the end of the First World War. 

The Clock Tower and Lifeboat Station which is situated near the  Dover Marina was built in the 1880s..

View from the top of the Dover cliffs.