Things to do in Dover

With a heritage as rich as Dover’s you won’t be surprised to hear there are plenty of historic buildings worth visiting, along with some truly stunning parks that are perfect for taking a long walk and soaking up the sun during summer.

From a festival dedicated to films shot in the area to the fantastic collection of museums in Dover, the cultural focus of the town is all about its rich history and the amazing stories of the people that have lived here.

Come rain or shine you’ll always find things to do in Dover. Whether you want to get out into the ocean on a jet ski, take a long walk along the White Cliffs or soak up the sun on the beach, Dover has something to suit all interests and climates.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Britain, a trip to Dover wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the White Cliffs. As stunning in person as they appear on screen, the visitor centre, café and walking tour information can be all found here.

Retail therapy in Dover is all about independent shopping. From unique artwork to homemade gifts, the two main shopping centres, and many flea markets, are ideal for picking up interesting items you can’t get anywhere else.

You won’t be short of entertainment in Dover. From side-splitting comedy nights to local live music and sport, there is a little bit of everything to keep you laughing, dancing and cheering your days and nights away.

From quaint little cafés to the best restaurants in Dover, we take you on a tour of the places you need to eat when you’re in town. From Italian to Indian – and with plenty of British classics and fresh fish along the way – you are spoilt for choice when it comes to the food scene in this seaside town.

Traditional pubs are the name of the game when you head for a night out in Dover. With a focus on real ale and cider, the drinks here are unique, as is the setting. Many of the pubs have stories to tell, and the locals are always happy to share the history of the area with you over a pint.

The building that dominates the entire Dover skyline, Dover Castle is the biggest castle in Britain with a very colourful history. Here you can tour the tunnels that housed a hospital in World War ll, visit the Queen’s Regiment museum and so much more.

A gorgeous and isolated seaside town set in the White Cliffs just down the road from Dover, St Margaret’s Bay is blessed with a beautiful beach, stunning scenery and lots of excellent places to eat and drink.

Built using the excavated materials from the Channel Tunnel, Samphire Hoe is a country park spanning 30 hectares at the foot of Shakespeare Cliff. Full of interesting and unique wildlife, there are great views of the White Cliffs here too.

Although best known as a ferry port, there are lots of other ways to travel to, from and around Dover including by car, bus or train. Our guide to transport in Dover gives you all the information you need to venture around this small and stunning town without a hitch.