Things to Do in Dover, Kent - Dover Attractions
Things to Do in Dover
Explore popular experiences
See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Dover.
- fromper adult$123
- fromper adult$214
- Historical Toursfromper adult$109
- Historical Toursfromper adult$135
- fromper adult$149
- Historical Toursfromper adult$110
- fromper group (up to 6)$713
- fromper group (up to 3)$1,123
- Historical Toursfromper group (up to 8)$1,030
- Historical Toursfromper adult$187
Other Top Attractions around Dover
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Tim BLondon, UK172 contributionsWent to the bunker escape room challenge. We all found it great fun. Moderate difficulty and well run. Takes around one hour.Written March 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- amanda5805Duncan, Canada5,039 contributionsOur road trip through the UK & Ireland began with a memorable stop at the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, and it exceeded our expectations. We found several parking areas, each accommodating between 10 to 25 cars, and were fortunate to find them nearly empty, with just a handful of vehicles scattered throughout. Managed by the National Trust, there was a small parking fee payable via an app, ensuring convenient access to amenities such as clean washrooms, a café, and a gift shop.
Exploring the cliffs proved to be a captivating experience, offering a variety of trails and viewpoints that could easily occupy half a day or more. Despite the brisk October weather, we spent a good two hours wandering and capturing countless photos ops. It's worth noting that the site may close during periods of high winds, so keeping an eye on the weather forecast, so you are not disappointed,
While we didn't make it all the way to the lighthouse, we thoroughly enjoyed the scenic walk, albeit encountering some muddy patches on alternative trails away from the main pathways. The terrain featured occasional steep hills (no more than about 5 mins), they should be manageable for most individuals. We'd recommend wearing lightweight hiker for added comfort and stability.
Additionally, from certain vantage points along the cliffs, we were treated to impressive views of the bustling ferry terminal and the Dover Castle, adding to the allure of this already picturesque location.Written February 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - RGpossKent22 contributionsWorth the 30 mins trek from the car park. Helpful voluntary guide
Not suitable for the less able or kids that lose interest easilyWritten October 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MikeLondonSE13London, UK8,274 contributions8/10/23 late afternoon - St Margaret's Bay beach
We three middle aged guys from London were on a mini trip to Calais via camping near Dover.
After setting up the tent we decided to visit the nearest 'beach' we could which was here, a few miles directly south of the campsite.
We drove through the main village and just before descending decided to park for free at the top by the bus turning roundabout and Green with a view of the French cliffs.
We walked down the elevated 'sidewalk' by the road and down a side track which joined some steps. These led to the winding road again and down the road we went to find the beach, a busy car park and busy pub with a busy car park too.
We walked across the pebble beach to the flat seaweed clad terrace to the south. It was low tide which was great for us!
Two of us have studied rocky seashore ecology and this was a very good example of a biodiverse mix of algae (green fucus and enteromorpha, red and brown algae too) all coexisting with the limpets, anemones and gibbula species....
There was, however, a stream of fresh water coming from a spring line up the beach terrace which confused the issue as only a few animals can tolerate the sudden changes between salty and fresh water so the rock pools were quite empty of any animals although I spotted just one guppy (?) fish.
The other thing that struck me was how clean the beach was with no litter at all! An interpretation board highlighted that it was usually an excellent 3 star water quality rating for swimming. I presume the small settlement treats its waste accordingly unlike some bigger towns. The absence of litter was very welcoming!
After wandering in the last of the sun we returned to the pub garden and enjoyed a beer each right by the beach path.
After the pub we headed north through the car park and along to the row of Art Deco houses. We navigated the iron 'ladder' over the groyne (by the houses) to what could have been a private beach. Onwards we hopped over the groyne wall to find proper steps to the next section under the cliffs. Apparently Noel Coward and Ian Fleming both lived in the far end house with the red tiled roof. It was semi boarded up and a vertical window had collapsed letting the elements rot it from within, such a shame. In its heyday just after the war it must have been quite a secluded place with a well kept garden in the summer anyway!
A bit further along the beach were the remnants of WW2 pyramidal tank traps. I found a few bits of litter around there unfortunately but it was still relatively clean!
The houses looked pretty empty apart from the one nearest the car park which was being renovated. No doubt the costs are great and the possibility of a chunk of chalk falling through the roof is a risk!
We returned back towards the car park to find a steep stairway up to the Battlefront Walk and Saxon Way. This took us to the winding road again and we eventually got to the car with no problems. It was a fair way but doable.Written October 8, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Michael W95 contributionsWhat a great surprise. Dover is not the most attractive of towns, so if you have some time to spend in the town this is a great way to spend a hour or two.
The museum is bigger than it looks from the outside, consists of 3 floors and has great displays ranging from Bronze age times (you must go to the top floor to see the boat), Roman through to World War 2. Interesting displays on the history of Channel swimming and the Hovercraft.Written February 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - fire-tower1,930 contributionsWhile walking along the trail enjoying the White Cliffs of Dover, the trail leads to the South Foreland Upper Lighthouse. We paid £15 for a family ticket and joined the guided tour. The guide assigned to lead our group looked very serious, but he was very knowledgeable. He explained the history of the lighthouse, the fact that it was the first lighthouse to use an electric light, site chosen for experiments in wireless radio transmissions, etc. he also explained the structure and the mechanics of the lighthouse. The group we were in was also vocal and there were many questions which was answered well. Overall, we enjoyed this guided tour, and the views at the top of the lighthouse.Written October 10, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MSeears123Colchester, UK59 contributionsInteresting mix of Vintage Vehicles inc Commercials, Cars, Motorcycles, Shopfronts and collections. Friendly volunteers to also questions of. A great way to spend a couple of interesting hours. Raining at my time of visit so viewed inside exhibits only.Written December 31, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Geoff HSissinghurst, UK12,682 contributionsA great walking area for both adults and children, especially as the children can feed the abundant ducks and swans. It is possible to walk to the top of the knoll, with views of the surrounding countryside, but the paths up are not suitable for either wheelchairs or pushchairs (there's a map at the free car park which shows which paths are accessible). In the gardens there's an ancient, very large cedar tree but, unfortunately, there is a lack of information about it. There's also a very good cafe where, from the seating outside, you can look across the gardens. Well worth spending a few hours here.Written January 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeanneke HTremithousa, Cyprus12 contributionsThis is a beautiful, serene sanctuary. Lovel walk, fantastic views, has a sense of hidden space, like a secret island.
Fab cafe there too with really good coffee and snacks, perfect on this sunny but chilly day. Had forgotten what a gem we have on our doorstep!Written February 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Philip S2 contributionsThe Three Waves beach landscape, designed by Liu Tonkin, with its curving paths, walls and sculptural light standards was an unexpected delight. As a new visitor to Dover, I expected the docks and castle, but hadn't really thought about a beach.Written June 12, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- hilary p3 contributionsLast Sunday at 7am I my husband and I crossed from Dover to Calais.The staff were very attentive and there was plenty of disinfectant around.They were trying their best.The problem was the customers.Many did not wear masks which they were told to with tannoys continuingly repeating the matter.A family of nine by us could not have cared less leaving us to move away and change seats.Would be nice if staff could patrol and sort this out if not this virus will spread.Written July 16, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Enid SSaxmundham, UK63 contributionsA pleasant, slightly wild, garden to wander around and stare towards the wonderful White Cliffs. Good cafe with a relaxed atmosphere. Just the place to visit to escape for a couple of hours from the world wide grim politics.Written August 23, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dover
- The top attractions to visit in Dover are: See all attractions in Dover on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Dover according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Dover on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Dover according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour
- Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle & White Cliffs Guided Day Tour from London
- Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover & Greenwich River Boat
- Full-day White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Cathedral Tour from London
- Canterbury & the White Cliffs of Dover Tour (Small-Group)
- The most popular things to do in Dover with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Dover Transport Museum
- The White Cliffs of Dover
- Dover Museum And Bronze Age Boat Gallery
- South Foreland Lighthouse
- St Margaret's Bay Beach