Dover is a major port on the south-east coast of England. Situated in the county of Kent, it faces France across the English Channel.
Dover is famous for its white cliffs, which are made of chalk. The cliffs gave Britain its nickname of Albion, meaning "white".
In the 20th century Dover became the centre of English Channel defence during World War I, as the base for the Dover Patrol.
In World War I it was, with Folkestone, one of the main troop embarkation ports for France. It was also bombed by aeroplanes and zeppelins (the first bomb to be dropped on England fell near Dover Castle on Christmas Eve 1914) and shelled by passing warships. This forced residents to shelter in caves and dug-outs. The town became known as 'Fortress Dover' and was put under martial law.
In World War II this developed into sustained bombing and shelling by cross-channel guns, causing 3,059 alerts, killing 216 civilians, and damaging 10,056 premises.
Today Dover is a major Port town and is looking forward with much excitement to the future. Being a seaside location it offers peaceful walks along the famous whitecliffs and it's paths or fun and relaxation on the beaches.
Take a walk along one of the many clifftop paths; enjoy the sea air and breathtaking Channel views.
On the beaches below, go rock-pooling, fossilling; take a paddle or even swim in our famous English channel.Venture deep inside the cliffs themselves, perhaps visiting the Secret Wartime Tunnels where the evacuation of Dunkirk was mastermind in World War II.
Places to see...
Connaught Park:
Located near to Dover Castle. These beautiful gardens offer a tranquil setting within Dover Town. There are plenty of areas to sit and enjoy a picnic or just take in the views.
Kearsney Abbey:
Enjoy walking around the gardens or relax watching the wildlife on the lake. Facilities also include tea rooms, children's play area and BBQ area, plus putting green and grass tennis courts at Russell Gardens adjacent to Kearsney Abbey.
Samphire Hoe:
Samphire Hoe is an amazing place, made from the material dug to create the Channel Tunnel, with something for everybody:a stunning location, wild flowers, birds, sea angling, peace and quiet, painting or walks.
Dover Museum and Bronze Age Gallery:
The district's largest and most varied museum, has a range of fascinating real objects, models and original pictures showing the history of Dover. Included in the admission charge is entry to the award winning Bronze Age Boat Gallery.
Dover Transport Museum:
Here's one for the Dad's...Road vehicles of all types from bicycles to buses. Model Railway and tramway. Local transport history. Hundreds of models, Kent Coalfield items, Maritime Room, Bygone shops and 1930's garage. See exhibits being worked on as well.
Princess of Wales Royal Regiment Museum:
The collection traces the history of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, direct successor of twelve forbear regiments through four and a quarter centuries of service to the Crown. A must for those into Royal history.
Shopping:
Nearby Deal town is a gem with its own unique character that has inspired the many artists, writers and musicians who have made it their home. Shop in style and pick up something extra special at one of the many individual shops that make up this picturesque area.
Food and Drink:
Remember France is just across the water not far away and this influences the local cuisine today. From cosy village pubs to chic oyster bars, ice cream parlours to beachside cafés, White Cliffs Country can indulge the most simple or sophisticated tastes.
It’s a fabulous place for eating and drinking. Lots of local pubs serve real ales alongside locally produced cider and micro-beers, and in the summer you can venture out and pick delectably fresh soft fruits and berries from our numerous ‘Pick Your Own’ fields. Local farms also sell their own organically produced meat, eggs and vegetables at the village and farmers markets that take place throughout the year.
Visiting French markets are a regular summer event, but salami, bread, olives, pate, cheese and patisseries – brought from the continent - are also on sale all year round in our top class delicatessens.
Getting Here:
By Air:
Heathrow is approx 1 3/4 hours drive, Gatwick and London City airports are approx 1 1/2 hours drive.
By Rail:
Dover, Deal and Sandwich Stations are just a short walk from the town centres and are served by frequent trains from London (journey time approx 1 3/4 hours).
By Road:
The M20 and M2 connect directly to Dover making an easy 1 1/2 hours drive from the centre of London. National Express Coaches operate services to White Cliffs Country from London, Victoria Coach Station.
