Dover?

We have just booked a cruise out of Dover. Are there any recommendations for hotels in the area? What is there to see in the area? Any place to visit on the way from LHR?

This year we cruise out of Southampton, we spend 1 day at the National Car Museum and other at Portmouth.

There's really not much to see or do in Dover, nor any really decent places to stay. About the only real sight worth seeing is Dover Castle. You will get to see the white cliffs as you sail away in any event.

If you don't want to spend the time in London, how about Canterbury? Or organising to visit Leeds Castle or Hever Castle? Do any of those appeal?

If you are interested in staying at a B&B in Dover, check out this website. Also Trip Advisor has reviews on the B&Bs in Dover.

http://www.stayindover.co.uk/accommodation.php

Contact the Dover Greeters http://www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk/see_and_do/white_cliffs_greeters.aspx

This is a group of volunteers who will show you around town FREE OF CHARGE. We met 2 lovely ladies, Denise and Cathy, and saw the town from a local perspective. After a morning walk through town and a harbor cruise we had lunch and spent the afternoon at Dover Castle. Yes Canterbury would also be interesting but this was a very nice way to spend the day we returned from our cruise.

Have a great trip!

I'd stay in Canterbury myself, if it's just overnight. If longer, I'd spend the time in London, or touring around in my own car.

When someone says "Dover" to me, I say "ugh!". Don't stay in Dover - rather rent a car and see some of the glorious gardens etc in Kent. A couple of years ago we stayed at a "Wolsey Lodge" - up market B&Bs all over Britain - in Kent and spend two wonerful days. We visited the house and gardens at Great Dixter, Leeds Castle and the stunningly lovely gardens at Sissinghurst. We also had some great pub food along the way. Kent is called "The Garden of England" because it is so lovely.

We just booked a cruise that disembarks in Dover..do we get airfare home from Gatwick or Heathrow..have never been there before..thanks, Sherry

We just booked a cruise that disembarks in Dover..do we get airfare home from Gatwick or Heathrow..have never been there before..thanks, Sherry

Both are doable, but Gatwick is closer.

do we get airfare home from Gatwick or Heathrow

We disembarked in Dover in April. We hired a guide who took us to Dover Castle and to some nearby towns, then went on to Canterbury where we stayed at the Canterbury Lodge which was actually in the grounds of the Cathedral. We had time to tour the Cathedral and walk around the old town area, then went on to London the next morning.

We enjoyed seeing the White Cliffs, castle and wartime tunnels in Dover, as well as the countryside. I think there are plenty of B&B's in Dover, as well as some hotels, but we loved seeing Canterbury as well.

When someone says "Dover" to me, I say "ugh!". Don't stay in Dover - rather rent a car and see some of the glorious gardens etc in Kent. A couple of years ago we stayed at a "Wolsey Lodge" - up market B&Bs all over Britain - in Kent and spend two wonerful days. We visited the house and gardens at Great Dixter, Leeds Castle and the stunningly lovely gardens at Sissinghurst. We also had some great pub food along the way. Kent is called "The Garden of England" because it is so lovely.

Agree with the posters that Dover is kind of only "OK" or average. Before departing on our cruise last summer from Dover, we did five days in the Kent area. Loved it! So many great castles, gardens, history are around there. Below are some pictures samples of what we enjoyed and the nice cases of blue skies and sunny days. It really does happen in England!

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

At Sishurst Gardens:

If you are only staying the night and Dover is more practical for you leaving for your cruise the next day, then the Premier Inn (central) is fine. Reasonable prices, rooms clean and comfortable (some have sea views) and it is handy (10 minute taxi ride) for the port the next day. It also has a bar and restaurant. if you are arriving later in the day and can't be bothered venturing out.

On the other hand, if you have more time before your cruise, then I would definitely go with the other porsters suggestions and go to Canterbury or somewhere els close by, but not Dover itself.