Lying on Kent’s English Channel coast at the shortest point between England and France, Dover is best known to travelers and cruise passengers as a gateway to southern England and London’s stellar landmarks—the latter less than a 2-hour drive away. Things to do in Dover include striding over its scenic and nostalgia-steeped White Cliffs, exploring hilltop Dover Castle to absorb its rich and long history, and visiting nearby attractions like medieval Canterbury and Kent’s picturesque seaside towns, villages, and countryside.
Dover’s weather is generally mild year-round, but the best time to visit is May–September, with July and August promising the warmest temperatures and least rainfall. However, tourist attractions in and around Dover can get very busy in these peak months. Summertime brings numerous events, including August’s Dover Pride, July’s concert-packed Deal Music & Arts Festival, and the colorful Folk & Ale Festival in nearby Sandwich each June.
Dover is compact—its main train station, Dover Priory, is just a 10-minute stroll away from its center. To reach Dover Castle from the station or Dover cruise port, take a cab—there are no direct buses operating along either route. You’re in better luck for London day trips: frequent trains taking as little as 70 minutes run to several London mainline stations, including St. Pancras and Victoria. Local trains and car rentals are best for exploring wider Kent.
A great pit stop along the White Cliffs is the South Foreland Lighthouse. Take the approximately 50-minute walk along the stunning clifftops from Dover’s White Cliffs Visitor Centre to reach this white-painted, Victorian-era beacon, and pay the small admission for a tour that includes climbing to the balcony for sweeping Channel views. Finish with afternoon tea at the neighboring 1950s-style Mrs Knott’s Tea Room, where hunks of Victoria sponge cake come with tea served in pretty china cups—a quintessentially English experience.
