Backed by its famous White Cliffs, Dover is located in Kent, on England's southeastern tip and is the UK's closest geographical point to Continental Europe. Every day of the year, frequent Cross Channel ferries travel between Dover and the French ports of Calais, Dunkirk and Boulogne.
One of the most important military towns in UK history, Dover is a rich tapestry of history. Few other towns can boast such a unique collection of relics and monuments dating back from the Bronze Age, the Roman Empire, the Saxon era, and virtually every other important historic period. While modern developments have seen many of Dover's important historical buildings swept away, there are still many important sites that must be preserved for future generations. The story of Dover is as old as civilization itself and we can only wonder at what future historical events this remarkable town will enter the history books for again.
Transportation in Dover
By Car: Dover is 70 miles (125 kms) south of London, directly linked to the M2/A2 and M20/A20, both of which connect to the M25 London orbital motorway.
By Rail: Frequent rail services run from both London Charing Cross and London Victoria station to Dover Priory station situated off Folkestone Road - a ten minute walk west of the centre. There are regular shuttle buses to the Eastern Docks, but none to the Western Docks. Buses from London (hourly; 2hr 30min) run to the Eastern Docks and the town-centre bus station on Pencester Road.
By Ferry: There are frequent services from Dover to Calais, Boulogne and Dunkerque operated by P&O Ferries, Sea France, Norfolkline and Speed Ferries. Crossings to Calais take approximately 1 hr, to Boulonge 55 minutes, and to Dunkerque 2 hrs.
Dover's main attraction is Dover Castle, a superbly positioned defensive complex, begun in 1168 and in continuous military use until the 1980s. The Romans put Dover on the map when they chose its harbour as the base for their northern fleet and erected a lighthouse here to guide the ships into the river mouth.
Beside the lighthouse stands a Saxon-built church, St Mary in Castro , dating from the seventh century, with motifs graffitied by irreverent Crusaders still visible near the pulpit. Further up the hill is the impressive, well-preserved Norman keep, built by Henry II as a palace. Inside, there's an interactive exhibition on spying; you can also climb its spiral stairs to the lofty battlements for views over the sea to France. The castle's other main attraction is its network of secret wartime tunnels dug during the Napoleonic war. Extended during World War II and used as a headquarters to plan the Dunkirk evacuation, "Hellfire Corner " - the tunnels' wartime nickname can be seen on a fifty-minute guided tour (every 20min). The tour is spiced up with a little gore, and reveals the quaintly low-tech communications systems and war rooms of the Navy's command post.
Book hotels in Dover for short breaks with Superbreak. Great deals and offers available on hotel accommodation. Secure online booking with great availability and instant email booking confirmation.
Choose from a wide range of hotel and self catering accommodation in and near Dover, Kent. Get a price for your preferred dates and make a secure online booking.
