Dover

Situated just 34km (21 miles) from the French coast, Dover is the closest English port to continental Europe, and has played a key role in the country’s maritime and military history for centuries.

As one of the United Kingdom’s busiest ferry ports, Dover is a gateway to England (and to continental Europe) and millions of travellers pass through Dover each year and see little more than the ferry terminal and a glimpse of Dover Castle and the famous White Cliffs of Dover from the deck of a ferry.

With the exception of the imposing castle, Dover isn’t a particularly attractive town although it does offer quite a bit to see and it is a good base for exploring the surrounding region.

Coming and going

Dover is well-connected by public transport, with a range of transport options including frequent bus, coach, ferry and rail services.

Dover Priory railway station, a five-minute walk west of the town centre, provides direct links to London (St Pancras and Victoria stations) and elsewhere in the southeast of England.

National Express operate a regular coach service from Pencester Road bus station to London. Pencester Road is also the departure point for regional bus services to other destinations in Kent with most buses operated by Stagecoach.

Dover is also a major ferry port, with regular services to and from Calais and Dunkirk in France. Ferry services are operated by P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways and Irish Ferries.

Sights and activities in Dover

Places to stay in Dover