Location: Dover
Top Things to do in Dover
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Things to do in Dover, England: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Dover (/ˈdoʊvər/) is a town and major ferry port in the home county of Kent, in South East England. It faces France across the Strait of Dover, the narrowest part of the English Channel, and lies south-east of Canterbury and east of Maidstone. The town is the administrative centre of the Dover District and home of the Dover Calais ferry through the Port of Dover. The surrounding chalk cliffs are known as the White Cliffs of Dover.
Restaurants in Dover
1. St. Nicholas Church
2. Fan Bay Deep Shelter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 234 reviews
The tunnels were constructed in 1940/41 as accommodation for the gun battery above. Today this network of abandoned tunnels is virtually all that remains of these long forgotten defences. You can take a journey into the past on a guided tour of the tunnels with one of our expert volunteers, peering into the darkness and back in time into different world, hidden within the cliffs.
Reviewed By faulkner300917 - Huntly, United Kingdom
Went to fan bay shelter yesterday.. lovely walk along the cliff top,with stunning views. The guide was informative and use humour and great passion when explaining the shelters use and conditions of living in it as a solider. My only criticism ( and it more a personal preference) as it's only been open 3 seasons, it could be developed more. I'd have like to see a part of the shelter set up like it was then with bunks and soldiers items to help me feel what it would be like to live down there... maybe a recording of noise that could add to the ambience. I'm NTS card holder but thought £10 was reasonable. To top my visit coming out of the shelter a spit fire was over head.... Ace!!!
3. Fort Burgoyne
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By brianbV2840RH - Dover, United Kingdom
Last Sunday we signed up for a walk all around Fort Burgoyne at Dover. The venue is run by the Land Trust which took over the venue in 2014. I had heard of the venue but never seen it - it is within the old grounds of Connaught Barracks which is all under reconstruction for housing. The site is built in 1860 and was used to hold cannons in the upper floors. The walk takes about 2 hours and there were about 23 people there are were split into 2 groups. Time flies by as you walk around the outer venue and where the cannons used to be and round by the moats, and then after you go in to see what was inside. The Land Trust volunteers are very good and give you good explanation about the site. After 2 hours, we filled in a form of how the visit was. There is NO CHARGE but I was more than happy to contribute for the Charity to keep the place running.
4. Dover Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,108 reviews
The most iconic of all English fortresses commanding the gateway to the realm for nine centuries. Climb the Great Tower, meet the characters and immerse yourself in vivid medieval interiors. Then delve deep within Dover's White Cliffs to witness the drama in the Secret Wartime Tunnels. Roam through centuries of history at Dover Castle, from the Romans to the 20th century, in an action-packed day out.
Reviewed By TEK1904 - St Ives, United Kingdom
We have just returned from an absolutely phenomenal weekend staying in the grounds of Dover Castle. From the tunnel tours to the Great Tower steeped in history, to the views across the English Channel and the access to the grounds before and after hours we were totally blown away and awestruck. A special mention to all the staff throughout our stay who were friendly, informative, helpful, enthusiastic and passionate about such an incredible place . Not forgetting Lesley the housekeeper who ensured our stay was spot on. An absolute credit to English heritage and Dover Castle. We will most definitely be returning. Highly recommend.
5. Knights Templar Church
6. South Foreland Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 488 reviews
A remote, isolated, pristine-white, solid beacon; a place of innovation and scientific firsts, now also a romantic hideaway and big-hearted family haven, the South Foreland lighthouse stands proud atop the White Cliffs of Dover. It surprises and delights with its warmth of welcome and unexpectedly wistful atmosphere, quaint and charming and yet robust and protecting. Like the Knott family of the past, its current keepers, who mostly offer their time for free, are witness to events and show commitment and spirit in manning the light. Inside the Victorian tower, surprising stories unfold of a unique history that has shaped our world and influenced our travel, our trade, and our industrial and maritime heritage. Outside seemingly endless skies roll away across the English Channel and 21 miles away, the coast of France splits the sky from the sea. Serenity is broken when waves steepen, dark clouds tumble in, the wind lashes and the mouth-watering views are swallowed up. The lighthouse stands its ground and is once again protector, until the calm returns as quickly as it left and butterflies come out of hiding. Arrival is on foot across the beautiful and yet challenging cliffs, thus the lighthouse attracts the more adventurous. None the less, children’s laughter is all around, and the nostalgia of Mrs Knott’s tearoom attracts all generations, those who come to reflect and those who want to find out more about the traditions of the past. From its post on top of the gateway to Britain, South Foreland Lighthouse watches over their past, their present and their future.
Reviewed By enaid035 - London, United Kingdom
A wonderful day rambling over the white cliffs of Dover to this little gem , a fabulous light house and tea rooms called Mrs Knotts The guide was so informative and interesting and all the guides were friendly and helpful It’s an amazing piece of British history and the view on a day like ours was marvellous, you can see France clearly. The tearooms are quirky and quaint the scones delicious and the service excellent
7. Marina Pier
8. St Mary's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
The Sailors' Church, home of the Herald of Free Enterprise memorial window. The closest English Parish Church to mainland Europe. The church is open 1000-1300 Mon-Sat during the summer months. It's within walking distance or a short taxi ride of Dover Cruise Terminal and Dover Priory mainline railway station. Dover Castle is about 15 minutes walk away, but it's uphill from us. The main Sunday service (Church of England) is at 1045.
9. Western Heights
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By Ziggy1973 - London, United Kingdom
No idea what to expect when we got here. It’s so hidden you can almost miss it! Not only is this a stunning vantage point over-looking Dover Port and English Channel, but it’s literally a hidden fort! Built during Napoleonic Wars to help protect English shores. Thus place is well and truly hidden but when you find its its stunning and eerie all at the same time! The fort can be access by a tuning hidden tunnel which you have to crouch in order to get to the other side. But once there it’s very quiet. Thus fort was occupied by the British Army until 1961 and remains exactly the same as when it was locked up. Once we finished with the port, there is a path that leads down to more fort areas and the beach below. But my favourite part was the stunning view from the top of the Channel. No tourists here. Very quiet and peaceful. I will come back! It was a great find!
