Dover - What to do?

[SandyR5]

Any information for us for our day in Dover?  How would one get to see those white cliffs?  I’m sure we will be castled out by the time we get there, so what else is there to do?  Thanks. 

[John Bull]

 

The White Cliffs are best-appreciated from the sea - either an exhilarating RIB with https://www.doverseasafari.co.uk/ or for something more sedate https://sites.google.com/site/doverwhiteclifftours/day-tours/boat-bus-tours

 

But you'll usually get good views of the White Cliffs from your cruise ship as you sail-away.

 

Alternatively a taxi up to the White Cliffs carpark & visitor centre near Dover Castle then walk east perhaps as far as the Coastguard pub, 3 miles, about an hour. If you don't fancy the hike back, phone for a taxi at the pub & enjoy a drink or lunch while you wait

https://goo.gl/maps/wAMCyNxPUGnQXjS4A

https://thecoastguard.co.uk/

 

The White Cliffs aren't as spectacular as other cliffs in the world or even in other parts of the UK, they mean more to Brits than to other nationalities - for centuries they've been the first line of defence against invasion, and the first sighting of home for those travelling back from mainland Europe.

 

Whether you're castled-out will depend on how many and which castles you'll have already seen.

Dover's is one of the best - it has a long and illustrious history,  mostly built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and his descendants, and was still in use in World War 11 when Dover was known as Hellfire Corner. Roman lighthouse, medieval tunnels, impressive Norman keep, regimental museums , World War 2 tunnels (the headquarters for Operation Dynamo, the evacuation from Dunkirk), etc etc etc. A full day's worth.

 https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castle/

If you come back with your plans to visit castles elsewhere, we Brits can argue about whether and which to drop from your plans in favour of Dover Castle.

 

An alternative to Dover is the city of Canterbury with its famous cathedral and narrow streets lined with historic shops & houses.

https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/homes-and-gardens/places-to-live/10-reasons-you-should-visit-canterbury-7206834

Canterbury is just 30 minutes from Dover by hourly direct train, fare about £10 return.

https://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/

(your departure station is Dover Priory & your destination Canterbury East)

 

JB 🙂

 

[SandyR5]

JB - Thank you very much for such a comprehensive answer. You answered all my questions and added some lovely history. 

[Bob++]

Canterbury as a city is an interesting place to visit, but the cathedral is something else. A guided tour is well worth the wait and the small charge. 

[SandyR5]

We visited Canterbury pre pandemic on a land tour of England/Scotland/Ireland and Wales. Loved everything there including the Cathedral.  Looks like a castle visit might be in store for us since this one sounds special. 😉