It's not surprising that visitors come to Dover, as it offers hiking, romance, museums and attractions, and food.
The White Cliffs of Dover have been an icon of Britain for centuries. The walks along these cliff tops are exhilarating with striking views of the English Channel below. Above these white cliffs is another icon of the area-Dover Castle. Representing 2,000 years of history, the castle grounds feature a Roman Lighthouse, the Great Tower of King Henry II, an underground hospital used during World War II, the tunnels where the Dunkirk evacuation was masterminded, and additional underground tunnels that served purposes of shelter, safety, and secrecy for the defense of Dover over many wars from Napoleonic times to the Cold War. The South Foreland Lighthouse is another landmark on these cliffs, the site of Faraday’s work in pioneering the use of electricity in lighthouses, and the first to display an electrically powered signal.
Another unique remnant of the town's ancient history is the Roman Painted House. Built about AD 200, the structure served as a part of a villa or hotel for travelers. The ruins include painted murals, underfloor heating systems (known as hypocaust), and a massive fort wall built later for defense. There are also a number of museums worth a visit, such as St Margaret’s Museum with changing displays on local history, and Dover Museum, which houses an award-winning Bronze Age Boat Gallery amongst other exhibits.
On a visit to Dover, one can spend time sightseeing, walking along the iconic white cliffs, visiting museums, discovering the region's ancient past, and more. One unique way to see the cliffs is to arrange a coastal tour on Dover Sea Safari's speed boat, the Dover Explorer. Highlights include cliff views, wildlife watching, and more leisurely yacht tours.
Visitors can also walk the scenic North Downs Way, a walking trail that follows the low hills running alongside the coast. It stretches about 246 kilometers (153 miles) from Farnham to Dover, past Guildford, Dorking, Merstham, Otford, and Rochester, along the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Kent Downs AONB.
Another enjoyable activity is to take one of East Kent Railway's steam train rides. The journey offers an experience along a four-mile heritage railway running through some of Kent's beautiful countryside.
Hiking:
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking near Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way
Saxon Shore Way.
A nice way to explore destinations in Dover is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Small-Group City Running Tour in Canterbury for $29 details
- The Best of Kent: a private 3 hour minibus tour with an expert for $197 details
- Private Guided Tour of Canterbury City and Cathedral for $291 details