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The Port of Dover

Welcome to Dover

Dover, located on the southeastern coast of England, is famed for its stunning White Cliffs and its strategic location as a gateway to Europe. Known for its rich history, picturesque coastline, and cultural significance, Dover is an appealing stop for cruise passengers. With 6-10 hours in port, visitors can explore historical landmarks, take in breathtaking views of the English Channel, or enjoy the charm of nearby towns.

Port Overview and Cruise Docking Details

Cruise ships arriving in Dover dock at the Dover Cruise Terminal, a docking port located near the Western Docks. Dover is a busy port, welcoming over 200,000 cruise passengers annually. The terminal is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Dover’s town center, making it a convenient location for tourists looking to explore. Dover is popular for its historical sites, including Dover Castle and the famous White Cliffs, as well as its proximity to Canterbury and London.

Transportation Options

Getting from the Dover Cruise Terminal to the town center is straightforward:

  • A short 20-25 minute walk will take passengers into the town center.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available at the port, offering a quick 5-minute ride to downtown Dover.
  • Shuttle buses are often available, particularly during peak cruise season, making the trip from the terminal to key attractions even easier.

For those wishing to explore beyond Dover, the nearby city of Canterbury is just 30 kilometers (19 miles) away, approximately a 30-minute drive. London, the capital city, is also accessible by train, with direct services running from Dover Priory station, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach central London.

Local Foods

Dover is home to traditional English cuisine, with a focus on seafood, given its coastal location. Here are some local foods to try while visiting:

  • Fish and Chips – A classic British dish of battered fish served with thick-cut fries.
  • Kentish Oysters – Fresh, locally harvested oysters from the Kent coastline.
  • Ploughman’s Lunch – A traditional cold meal featuring cheese, pickles, bread, and salad.
  • Shepherd’s Pie – A hearty dish made with minced meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding – A rich dessert made with dates and covered in a sweet toffee sauce.

Top Attractions

Dover offers numerous attractions, many of which are easily accessible from the port. Here are the top five must-see spots:

  • Dover Castle – Entry: £22. Visit one of England’s most iconic castles, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Explore the medieval towers, secret wartime tunnels, and stunning views of the English Channel.
  • The White Cliffs of Dover – Free entry. Take in the breathtaking natural beauty of these iconic chalk cliffs that offer spectacular views of the English Channel.
  • South Foreland Lighthouse – Entry: £7.50. A historic lighthouse offering guided tours and views of the surrounding coastline.
  • Roman Painted House – Entry: £4.50. Discover the remains of a Roman guest house featuring beautifully preserved frescoes.
  • Samphire Hoe – Free entry. A nature reserve created from the material dug out during the construction of the Channel Tunnel, ideal for walking and birdwatching.

Museums in Dover

Situated within the city centre, Dover Museum dates back over 150 years and has built up a strong collection of artefacts and information which tell the story of the area’s rich and exciting history. From Saxon rings and a selection of fossils, to a Puritan pocket watch and the world’s oldest known seagoing boat, Dover Museum is an ideal stop for those looking to explore the varied history of their first port of call in England.

For the motor lovers, why not visit Dover’s Transport Museum, located within 2 acres of attractive grounds close to the city centre. Here you can view a collection of over 50 motor vehicles set out in wonderful period street scenes. 

Interesting Facts About Dover

  • Dover is the closest point in the UK to continental Europe, with France visible on clear days across the English Channel.
  • The White Cliffs of Dover have long been a symbol of homecoming for sailors and soldiers returning to Britain.
  • Dover’s tunnels, carved into the cliffs, were used as a military command center during World War II.

The City of Dover

Dover and the White Cliffs Country

Dover and the White Cliffs Country are truly unique. Within the towns of Dover, Deal and Sandwich, you’ll find some of England’s mightiest castles and most historically significant sites, its most idyllic rural villages and dramatic coastal views.

Within Dover itself, the famous white cliffs stand guard over the English Channel with one of the county’s most iconic castles, ‘the Key to England’, nestling high on its land. The White Cliffs themselves also offer unrivalled views of the channel and port, and offer a range of beautiful and diverse walking opportunities for the more active visitor.

Just minutes from the Cruise Terminals, the unique town of Sandwich can lay claim to being one of the most historic, medieval towns in the country, where traditions have remained unchanged throughout the centuries. Further along the coast in Deal, you also can visit castles that Henry VIII commissioned to guard the Downs happily sitting alongside some laid-back café-culture.

For more information on Dover and the White Cliffs Country, please visit www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk

England

England is a fantastic place to visit with plenty of activities and events for all the family. From world class restaurants and quaint tea rooms, to towering theme parks and rolling countryside, England is perfect for both longer stays and shorter excursions, offering endless opportunities all year round.

Lying in England’s south eastern most corner, Kent will be the first county you visit on arrival at Dover and boasts an exciting selection of attractions and destinations to welcome you to the country.   

Kent, the Garden of England

Steeped in history and heritage, Kent is rightly renowned throughout the world as the Garden of England, with extensive coastlines boasting an enviable array of blue flag award winning beaches and thrilling watersport activities.

Housing more castles than anywhere else in the country, Kent's history is both impressive and varied and ready to be explored. With a special blend of heritage, wonderful grounds and conservation, Leeds Castle and Gardens offers visitors the opportunity to journey through 1000 years of fascinating history, and meander through tranquil parkland and woodland walks which change to reflect the seasons, from vibrant spring flowers to fiery autumn leaves. Dover Castle, standing proud atop the famous White Cliffs, allows visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the medieval history of King Henry II, and explore a labyrinth of secret wartime tunnels buried deep within the cliffs. Just 15 minutes from Dover, the former coastal artillery fort of Walmer Castle is rich with the memories of its once famous residents, including the Duke of Wellington, and has magnificent gardens, perfect for leisurely walks throughout the year. Once home to Anne Boleyn, the impressive Hever Castle also boasts lovely gardens which surround the castle’s still moat and a challenging maze perfect for all the family.  

Situated within the lovely Roman city of Canterbury, St. Augustine’s Abbey, St. Martin’s Church and Canterbury Christchurch Cathedral make up one of Britain’s handful of World Heritage Sites and help makes Canterbury one of the county’s most popular tourist destinations. With a tradition of visitor welcome that reaches back to the days of Medieval Pilgrimage, today Canterbury Cathedral continues to enchant and inspire, attracting visitors from all over the world, drawn to its important history and impressive architecture.   

For more information on the many attractions and events in Kent, and for detailed information on where to stay and dine, please visit www.visitkent.co.uk

For more information on the many events and attractions that you can visit during your time in England, and for more information on the range of accomodation that is available for you and your family, please visit www.enjoyengland.com

Geographical Position and Natural Surroundings

Dover is situated on the southeastern coast of England, overlooking the narrowest part of the English Channel. The surrounding area is known for its striking natural landscapes, including the famous White Cliffs that stretch for miles along the coast. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the sea, with the possibility of spotting ferries and ships crossing between the UK and France. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby nature reserves, including Samphire Hoe, which is home to a variety of bird species and wildflowers.

Historical and Cultural Insights

Dover’s history is closely tied to its strategic location as a gateway to Europe. The town has been a defensive stronghold for centuries, with Dover Castle playing a key role in British military history. The White Cliffs have long been a symbol of Britain’s resilience, especially during wartime. Roman, medieval, and World War II relics can still be found throughout the town, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past. Dover is also known for its role in cross-Channel travel, with ferries and the Channel Tunnel connecting the UK to France.

Local Customs

Dover has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, but visitors should be mindful of British customs. Politeness is highly valued, and queueing (standing in line) is an important part of British culture. Tipping is customary in restaurants and for taxi drivers, with 10-15% being the norm. The weather in Dover can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to dress in layers and carry an umbrella.

Family-Friendly Activities

  • Children up to 6 years old: A visit to the Roman Painted House is a fun and educational experience for young children, with interactive displays.
  • Children between 7 and 12: Exploring Dover Castle, with its secret tunnels and medieval towers, is sure to capture the imagination of school-aged children.
  • Teenagers aged 13 to 18: Adventurous teenagers will enjoy hiking along the White Cliffs or visiting the wartime tunnels beneath Dover Castle.

Google Maps

Dover

*Notice: Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI, courtesy of ChatGPT. It is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure.*