Things To Do
Official Dover Tourist Information Number: 01304 205 108
There are plenty of things to do in Dover and the surrounding area. Dover has tourist attractions that will suit visitors of all ages from history buffs and sporting types through to families with young children.
Dover Castle
Dover castle is a real ‘must’ when you visit Dover. You’ll need the best part of a day to do justice to all that Dover castle has to offer. It is one of English Heritage’s flagship sites that has recently had £2.45 million spent on it.
Dover castle is great whatever the weather. The secret wartime tunnels are fascinating and really capture the atmosphere of World War II. You can explore the medieval underground works, marvel at the grandeur of a medieval court and enjoy the fantastic views from the battlements.
Dover Museum and Bronze-Age Boat Gallery
Dover has a long history as a busy port. The jewel in the crown for Dover museum is the bronze age boat discovered in Dover in the 1990’s. It is the oldest known seagoing vessel.
Dover museum has displays and artifacts charting the history of Dover from the bronze age. It has some excellent pieces including fine Saxon jewellery and Roman pottery.
Dover Museum, Market Square, Dover, Kent, CT16 1PB
Dover Transport Museum
Over 50 vehicles of all kinds are displayed among period street scenes to give a flavour of the different ages. You can also see model railways and items related to the Kent coalfields.
Old Park,Whitfield, Dover, Kent, CT16 2HQ.
Day Trips to France
Take a day trip to France. Calais is just 90 minutes by ferry and if you take your car you are in easy reach of Boulogne, St Omer and Le Touquet. Shop till you drop, enjoy the cafes and restaurants or visit some of the tourist attractions.
De Bradelei Wharf
This discount shopping outlet is located on Wellington Dock by Dover’s yacht marina. With up to 70% off brand name goods it’s a great way to save money.
Cambridge Road,Dover,Kent CT17 9BY.
Kearsney Abbey
This lovely park with lakes and a host of water fowl is very popular with visitors of all ages. The name comes not from an abbey but from the old mansion house called Kearsney Abbey that had to be demolished because of dry rot. Built in the 1820’s, all that remains is the billiard room which is now home to a lovely little tea shop.
Russel Gardens & Bushy Ruff
Just across the road from Kearsney Abbey are another 2 parks, Russel Gardens and Bushy Ruff.
Russel Gardens are formal gardens with ornamental stone bridges where you can stand and look at the swans gliding by. It also has an 18 hole putting area, 4 grass tennis courts and a children’s play area.
Russel gardens leads into Bushy Ruff which is a country park with a lake. It is a real haven for wildlife. You can observe ducks, swans, moorhens, coots and many other birds.
Dover White Cliffs Tours
Get fantastic views of the cliffs and across the channel with a boat and bus tours of the area. Sail aboard the ‘Southern Queen’ and listen to the history of the area.
Dover Marina, Western Dock, Dover.
Langdon Cliffs
The white cliffs of Dover are world famous. Take a stroll and see the panoramic views from this Site of Special Scientific Interest. The cliffs are home to many wild plant species and a whole host of birds including kittiwakes and Peregrine Falcons.
Langdon Cliffs, Upper Road, Dover, Kent CT16 1HJ
Samphire Hoe
This nature reserve was created from the spoil dug up when the channel tunnel was built. It is now populated by a host of wild plants and birds. You can walk the many paths, enjoy the views or do a bit of sea angling from the sea wall.
South Foreland Lighthouse
This beautiful, picture postcard, Victorian lighthouse provides stunning views across the channel and the surrounding countryside.
The Front, St Margaret’s Bay, Dover, Kent CT15 6HP
Western Heights
The Napoleonic war fortifications on Dover’s Western Heights include the Drop Redoubt fort and the Grand Shaft a unique 42m high triple spiral staircase.
Roman Painted House
The remains of a Roman hotel that dates back to circa 2ooAD. The plasterwork is remarkably well preserved and you can see the splendid painting that would have been viewed by Roman dignitaries during their stay in Dover. Some of the paintings have a 3D effect. You can also see the Roman under floor heating system.
New street, Dover, CT17 9AJ
Crabble Corn Mill
Located just outside Dover, this fully restored working water mill dates back to 1812. There are 6 floors with exhibits and the mill machinery in action. You can also visit the cafe, gift shop and farm shop.
Lower Road, River, Dover.
The Pines Garden
This 6 acre organic garden is a real gem. The lake and cascade areas are especially beautiful in summer when there are dragon flies of every description darting back and forth. The grass maze is popular with children.
St Margaret’s Bay, Dover, Kent.
Deal near Dover
A pretty town just along the coast, Deal is great for a day out. A nice range of shops, 2 castles, 2 golf courses, a pier and plenty of places to eat and drink.