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A mini guide to
Dover: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Check what is open at the castle
English Heritage said in November 2026 that the Operation Dynamo tunnel tour was closed for maintenance and the castle was open at weekends: check before you go.
Walk to the cliffs
The National Trust says Langdon Cliffs is about 2 miles from Dover Priory, a 40-minute walk with a steep climb.
Allow time at the port
DFDS advises arriving 120 minutes before departure on its Dover to Calais route to allow for border controls.
Visit the museum first
Dover Museum in the Market Square also houses the visitor information centre.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Dover?
Dover is in Canterbury & Kent, England. Dover Castle, the white cliffs and the busiest ferry port to France. Nearby stops and stations include Dover Priory, Port of Dover, Pencester Road bus terminal.
How long do I need in Dover?
A full day for the castle and the cliffs. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Dover Castle, St Mary in Castro, Roman lighthouse. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Dover Priory (Southeastern high-speed trains to London St Pancras (around 1 hour 15 minutes, according to Southeastern)); Port of Dover (Ferries to France with DFDS, Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries, according to White Cliffs Country); Pencester Road bus terminal (Stagecoach buses, according to White Cliffs Country). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 15 places to eat and drink in and around Dover, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 5 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Dover accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Dover
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
South Foreland Lighthouse
Grade II listed lighthouse at St Margaret's Bay, run by the National Trust, about a 2-mile walk from the white cliffs car park.
Dover Museum
Town museum in the Market Square, home of the 3,000-year-old Bronze Age Boat and the visitor information centre.
Maison Dieu
Medieval pilgrims' hospital founded in 1203, now the oldest part of Dover Town Hall, restored and open to visitors.
Canterbury & Kent
More areas to explore
Canterbury
The cathedral, the medieval walls and the Westgate on the River Stour
Open the mini guide →
Whitstable
Oysters, a working harbour and a long shingle beach facing the Thames Estuary
Open the mini guide →
Margate and Broadstairs
Sandy bays, Turner Contemporary, Margate Old Town and Dickens's Broadstairs
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Fan Bay Deep Shelter: Inklin235, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- South Foreland Lighthouse: Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Dover Museum: Nessy-Pic, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Maison Dieu: Hajotthu 13:39, 11. Jun. 2009 (CEST), CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Canterbury: Hans Musil, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Whitstable: Michael Garlick, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Margate and Broadstairs: DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Deal: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Canterbury & Kent