Things to do in Dover

Top Things to Do in Dover, Kent - Dover Attractions

Things to Do in Dover


From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Dover

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Lighthouses
A remote, isolated, pristine-white, solid beacon; a place of innovation and scientific firsts, now also a romantic hideaway and big-hearted family haven, the South Foreland lighthouse stands proud atop the White Cliffs of Dover. It surprises and delights with its warmth of welcome and unexpectedly wistful atmosphere, quaint and charming and yet robust and protecting. Like the Knott family of the past, its current keepers, who mostly offer their time for free, are witness to events and show commitment and spirit in manning the light. Inside the Victorian tower, surprising stories unfold of a unique history that has shaped our world and influenced our travel, our trade, and our industrial and maritime heritage. Outside seemingly endless skies roll away across the English Channel and 21 miles away, the coast of France splits the sky from the sea. Serenity is broken when waves steepen, dark clouds tumble in, the wind lashes and the mouth-watering views are swallowed up. The lighthouse stands its ground and is once again protector, until the calm returns as quickly as it left and butterflies come out of hiding. Arrival is on foot across the beautiful and yet challenging cliffs, thus the lighthouse attracts the more adventurous. None the less, children’s laughter is all around, and the nostalgia of Mrs Knott’s tearoom attracts all generations, those who come to reflect and those who want to find out more about the traditions of the past. From its post on top of the gateway to Britain, South Foreland Lighthouse watches over their past, their present and their future.
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What travellers are saying

  • Tim B
    London, UK172 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went to the bunker escape room challenge. We all found it great fun. Moderate difficulty and well run. Takes around one hour.
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • amanda5805
    Duncan, Canada5,039 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our 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 29 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RGposs
    Kent22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the 30 mins trek from the car park. Helpful voluntary guide
    Not suitable for the less able or kids that lose interest easily
    Written 29 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MikeLondonSE13
    London, UK8,274 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    8/10/23 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 8 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael W
    95 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    What 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 27 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • fire-tower
    1,930 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    While 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 10 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MSeears123
    Colchester, UK59 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting 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 31 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Geoff H
    Sissinghurst, UK12,682 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A 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 24 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeanneke H
    Tremithousa, Cyprus12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This 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 3 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Philip S
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 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 12 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • hilary p
    3 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Last 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 16 July 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Enid S
    Saxmundham, UK63 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A 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 23 August 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.