Dover is rich with heritage, and its cultural offerings are all about sharing its fascinating story with you. From the finest Roman house still standing in Britain to the magnificent array of vintage cars on show at the Dover Transport Museum, there is plenty to explore in Dover. If you want something a bit more interactive, there are some fantastically fun events to get involved with too.
Culture in Dover
Museums
The museums in Dover are all fairly central and give you an authentic insight into how this stunning waterside town became what it is today. Starting at Dover Museum in the heart of the town, you will learn about the importance of the monarchy to the area, the Norman invasion in 1066, how the area became a seaside resort and so much more. If you’re a car or train enthusiast, the Dover Transport Museum is packed full of vintage transport vehicles and has a lovely little café where you can relax for a spot of lunch. A visit to Dover also wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Roman Painted House. A stunning relic of British history, this is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the area. If you want to combine some cultural exploration with a beautiful walk and a tasty lunch, head to St Margaret’s Museum opposite Pines Garden where you can discover how the area fared during World War ll. Sticking with battles, the PWRR & Queen’s Regiment Museum tells the story of the Queen’s regiment, from inception to the present day.
Dover Museum
Dover Transport Museum
Roman Painted House
Events
Founded in 1971 Dover Film Festival is a festival like no other. Centred around the lives and events of the people of Dover, it shows a number of moving pictures filmed in the area over the last 50 years. Examples of some of the previous footage shown include Prince Charles’s visit in 1967, the 2008 Dover Pageant and the 1977 jubilee celebrations across the town. Now considered to be an integral record of the social history of the area, this offers a unique film experience that you have to check out if you’re staying at one of our hotels in Dover during March. Tickets are around £5 per adult, £4 for concessions and £2 for children and there are a number of showings a week in Market Square, which is just a one-minute walk from Dover Museum.
A two-day festival usually held in February, the White Cliffs Festival of Winter Ales is a must for any hard fans of real ale. Held by the local branch of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) the festival has been going for 24 years and showcases the best of Kent’s breweries, along with a select number of ales from other independent manufacturers and microbreweries. Entry is free for CAMRA members, and is around £5 on the Friday and £2 on the Saturday for everyone else. Find it in the beautiful town hall on Biggin Street. If you’re on the hunt for good real ale in Kent, this is the place to be.