Accommodation in or near Dover
In Kent, comfort and quality are in abundance, and with a wide range of accommodation options available, there is sure to be something to suit your needs.
ABode Canterbury
AA 2 red rosettes
Abode Canterbury: a perfect destination. From enviable bedrooms to fabulous food. ABode Canterbury is an inclusive proposition that has something for everyone. Perfectly situated in the City Centre.
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge (3 Star)
Location, location, location: it doesn’t come better than this! 35 rooms built around a secluded courtyard with the majority offering stunning Cathedral views. Enjoy the unique setting and first-class hospitality. Groups visiting the Cathedral can enjoy hospitality too, from breakfast bacon rolls to English afternoon tea, buffet lunches to silver service evening meals.
Ramada Hotel, Dover (4 Star)
The Ramada Dover is a modern hotel set in a picturesque and scenic location, a short distance from the magnificent White Cliffs of Dover. The accommodation is of a high standard, with an exceedingly personal service offered at every point of your stay. Hotel highlights include the Bleriot’s Restaurant, with its historical name-sake celebrating the landing of Louis Bleriot in Dover, July 1909.
Chilston Park (4 Star AA)
Chilston Park is a striking Grade I listed Manor House set back from the tree lined lanes of Kent within 250 acres of landscaped grounds. Steeped in history and heritage it was previously home to MP’s, writers, Lords and Viscounts alike. Traditional, with a modern twist, Chilston Park has a captivating character like no other.
Eastwell Manor Hotel & Spa (4 Star AA)
With origins set in the time of the Norman Conquest it is architecturally a delight. Offering 23 individually styled manor rooms and 39 Mews Cottages, there is something for everyone, as traditional beauty meets contemporary comforts. The award-winning Manor Restaurant boasts an elegant mix of English and French cuisine and is sure to exceed the expectations of every diner.
Walletts Court Country House (4 Star AA)
This secluded hotel has at its heart an ancient manor house which nestles in wild open landscape in White Cliffs Country just 4 miles from the Cruise Terminal of Dover. Dream of times gone by in one of fourteen contemporary rooms housed in converted Kentish hay barns. Relax in the Spa with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, indulge in our award winning 2 AA rosettes restaurant
Bell Hotel (3 Star Visit Britain)
Stay in the heart of the historic Cinque port of Sandwich, Kent’s best kept secret. Recently restored and refurbished, the present Bell Hotel was built in the 19th century but has a chic, modern feel and a reputation for excellence. It’s a stylish, comfortable and beautiful place. The emphasis is on great hospitality and a passion for serving fresh, seasonal and local food.
The White Cliffs Hotel (3 Star AA)
VB Silver Award, Green Tourism Award
Centred around a traditional Elizabethan Kentish weather boarded Inn, the hotel has a stylish, contemporary feel. Located in the picturesque village of St. Margaret’s-at-Cliffe under a mile from the beautiful beach and just ten minutes drive from the port and Cruise Terminal at Dover. The award winning Bay Restaurant offers modern British cuisine using locally sourced, organic, free-range produce.
The City of Dover
Dover and the White Cliffs Country
Dover and the White Cliffs Country are truly unique. Within the towns of Dover, Deal and Sandwich, you’ll find some of England’s mightiest castles and most historically significant sites, its most idyllic rural villages and dramatic coastal views.
Within Dover itself, the famous white cliffs stand guard over the English Channel with one of the county’s most iconic castles, ‘the Key to England’, nestling high on its land. The White Cliffs themselves also offer unrivalled views of the channel and port, and offer a range of beautiful and diverse walking opportunities for the more active visitor.
Just minutes from the Cruise Terminals, the unique town of Sandwich can lay claim to being one of the most historic, medieval towns in the country, where traditions have remained unchanged throughout the centuries. Further along the coast in Deal, you also can visit castles that Henry VIII commissioned to guard the Downs happily sitting alongside some laid-back café-culture.
For more information on Dover and the White Cliffs Country, please visit www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk
Country
England is a fantastic place to visit with plenty of activities and events for all the family. From world class restaurants and quaint tea rooms, to towering theme parks and rolling countryside, England is perfect for both longer stays and shorter excursions, offering endless opportunities all year round.
Lying in England’s south eastern most corner, Kent will be the first county you visit on arrival at Dover and boasts an exciting selection of attractions and destinations to welcome you to the country.
Kent, the Garden of England
Steeped in history and heritage, Kent is rightly renowned throughout the world as the Garden of England, with extensive coastlines boasting an enviable array of blue flag award winning beaches and thrilling watersport activities.
Housing more castles than anywhere else in the country, Kent's history is both impressive and varied and ready to be explored. With a special blend of heritage, wonderful grounds and conservation, Leeds Castle and Gardens offers visitors the opportunity to journey through 1000 years of fascinating history, and meander through tranquil parkland and woodland walks which change to reflect the seasons, from vibrant spring flowers to fiery autumn leaves. Dover Castle, standing proud atop the famous White Cliffs, allows visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the medieval history of King Henry II, and explore a labyrinth of secret wartime tunnels buried deep within the cliffs. Just 15 minutes from Dover, the former coastal artillery fort of Walmer Castle is rich with the memories of its once famous residents, including the Duke of Wellington, and has magnificent gardens, perfect for leisurely walks throughout the year. Once home to Anne Boleyn, the impressive Hever Castle also boasts lovely gardens which surround the castle’s still moat and a challenging maze perfect for all the family.
Leeds Castle Canterbury Cathedral
Situated within the lovely Roman city of Canterbury, St. Augustine’s Abbey, St. Martin’s Church and Canterbury Christchurch Cathedral make up one of Britain’s handful of World Heritage Sites and help makes Canterbury one of the county’s most popular tourist destinations. With a tradition of visitor welcome that reaches back to the days of Medieval Pilgrimage, today Canterbury Cathedral continues to enchant and inspire, attracting visitors from all over the world, drawn to its important history and impressive architecture.
For more information on the many attractions and events in Kent, and for detailed information on where to stay and dine, please visit www.visitkent.co.uk
For more information on the many events and attractions that you can visit during your time in England, and for more information on the range of accomodation that is available for you and your family, please visit www.enjoyengland.com
Cruise Schedule
To find out more about the cruise schedule at Dover Port, please visit www.doverport.co.uk/cruise
Facts & Figures
City: Dover
Continent: Europe
Country: England
Province: South East England (Kent)
Currency: Pound Sterling (£)
Language: English
Average Temperature: 17 degress Celsius in summer, 6 degrees Celsius in winter
Country Code: +44
Country URL Extension: .co.uk
Store Opening Hours: Most stores are open between 9am and 5pm
Timezone: GMT +0
Gardens
Goodnestone Park Gardens – Visitors to Goodnestone are always surprised to discover such a haven of beauty and tranquillity hidden away in south east Kent, a setting in which Jane Austen stayed prior to her writing of the classic English novel Pride and Prejudice.
Leeds Castle Gardens – Within the 500 acres of beautiful parkland surrounding Leeds Castle, visitors can explore the meandering streams of the natural woodland garden, the traditional English cottage Culpeper Garden, the Mediterranean Lady Baillie Garden as well as a beautiful vineyard and maze.
Walmer Castle and Gardens – The gardens of Walmer Castle hold much of horticultural and historical interest. The moat that once surrounded the fort now hosts a wide variety of flowers and other greenery.
Secret Gardens of Sandwich – Set within the town of Sandwich and adjacent to the River Stour, surrounded by 3.5 acres of delightful gardens and grounds and almost entirely edged by old city walls, the Secret Gardens of Sandwich are afforded a remarkable level of privacy and tranquillity.
Walmer Castle & Gardens Leeds Castle Maze
For more information on the many gardens in Kent, please visit www.visitkent.co.uk
Golf
Every type of golf course you could dream of is covered here in Kent with over 100 scenic courses spread across the county, ranging from the world class Royal St. George's in Sandwich to the Nick Faldo designed Chart Hills at Biddenden.
Option 1 - Kent's coastline is home to some of the most challenging golfing links in the world, and has regularly hosted both famous visitors and major championships alike, with the prestigious Royal St. George's having already hosted the Open Championship on 14 previous occassions. Only 4 miles away lies the undulating links and dramatic greens of the Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, now one of only three final qualifying courses for the Open. Fine views over the English Channel are also offered on the excellent cliff-top courses at North Foreland and Kingsdown.
Option 2 - Also throughout Kent are a number of excellent city courses, particularly around the historic city of Canterbury, with Broome Park, a former home to Lord Kitchener, offering the best of old and new in an 18-hole championship length course, and Boughton Golf Course catering for golfers of all levels of ability with its driving range and Par 3 academy course.
Option 3 - As the Garden of England, Kent has an abundance of countryside courses. The Nick Faldo designed Chart Hills in Biddenden let you experience American-style fast greens and bunkers, whilst the London Golf Club, situated in the beautiful North Downs, offers both an International Course, which supports a greater spread of handicaps, and a Heritage Course, Jack Nicklaus' signature course and a purist's dream.
Option 4 - Why not combine a round of golf with wonderful heritage attractions? The 27-hole course at the popular Hever Castle is situated within the castle's 250 acres of parkland and has played host to the Kent PGA Championship for five years, whilst the 9-hole course surrounding the medieval Leeds Castle provides challenging holes from start to finish, with many attractive water hazards.
Leeds Castle Golf Course
Most golf courses in Kent will take non-members on a pay-and-play basis, although it is always advised to phone and check in advance.
For more information on golfing in Kent, please visit www.visitkent.co.uk/golf
History
As a key location within the oldest county in England, Dover has an impressive history and one no better represented than through the 2000 year old Dover Castle. With the newly re-presented Great Tower and richly furnished chambers, visitors can immerse themselves in the medieval world and royal court of King Henry II, listening out for gossiping whispers in the dark corners as members of the court discuss the King’s rebellious family.
But Dover’s history is not limited to a medieval one – the city also played a pivotal role during the second world war, with secret wartime tunnels deep inside the white cliffs having been used to house wartime personnel, an underground hospital and Winston Churchill’s planning of the Dunkirk evacuation. Complete with recreated smells and sounds of the war, this is one of Dover's most unique attractions!
Back above ground, visitors can choose to visit a Roman lighthouse and Saxon church or take a brisk walk around the battlegrounds and explore the recently restored Port War Signal Station last used during the Great War.
However, as England's oldest county and once a separate kingdom, Kent's rich and diverse history stretches right across the county, and we've set up a number of themed itineraries to help you explore our exciting past.
Magna Carta 800 Trail - In 2015, we invite you visit England and commemorate, along with the 10 Charter towns and the many towns and villages connected with this period of history, the 800th anniversary of this cornerstone of modern freedom.
Defence of the Realm - Make Dover your base to journey along the ‘frontline of history'. Centuries of defence-boosting activity, from the reign of Henry VIII to World War II, are right here in Kent.
Frontline Kent - As we approach three momentous anniversaries in 2014 – 100 years since the outbreak of World War One, 75 since the outbreak of World War Two and 70 since D-Day – Kent invites you to come on a friendly invasion.
For more themed itineraries for your visit to Kent, please click here.
Links
The following wesbites are available to provide you with a range of information to help plan your visit to Dover and the Garden of England.
For more information on the Port of Dover, including cruise details, visit: www.doverport.co.uk
For more information on Dover and the White Cliffs Country, visit: www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk
For more detailed information on the county of Kent, please visit: www.visitkent.co.uk
Luxury
Luxury Experiences in Kent
Soak up the rich history of the awe inspiring Canterbury Cathedral, with an atmospheric, candlelit evening tour. Beginning with a reception in the Medieval Chapter House, take in the spectacular Gothic architecture and discover the Cathedral in a unique way.
For an unforgettable experience, elevate your senses by hot air ballooning over the breath-taking Leeds Castle, and continue your journey through the air, floating over the beautiful fields, rivers and woodland of Kent’s countryside.
Balloons over Leeds Castle Dine at Leeds Castl
At ground level, why not indulge in a game of golf, surrounded by the spectacular views at Leeds Castle’s golf course, or banquet in the grandeur and historical ambience of the Henry VIII banqueting hall. With an exclusive overnight stay, you can also experience the rich traditional opulence of the castle’s magnificent four poster bedrooms – once the retreats of noblemen and women from centuries past.
Inside the towering Medieval Keep of Dover Castle, guests can have their very own drinks reception or Medieval Banquet where monarchs were once entertained, whilst at Walmer Castle, French doors lead out onto the large and exclusive Bastion Terrace offering uninterrupted views out to sea, perfect for a traditional English Pimms drinks reception.
Museums
Museums in Dover
Situated within the city centre, Dover Museum dates back over 150 years and has built up a strong collection of artefacts and information which tell the story of the area’s rich and exciting history. From Saxon rings and a selection of fossils, to a Puritan pocket watch and the world’s oldest known seagoing boat, Dover Museum is an ideal stop for those looking to explore the varied history of their first port of call in England.
For the motor lovers, why not visit Dover’s Transport Museum, located within 2 acres of attractive grounds close to the city centre. Here you can view a collection of over 50 motor vehicles set out in wonderful period street scenes.
Dover Transport Museum
Slightly further afield, the historic cathedral city of Canterbury offers fantastic opportunities to explore the city’s roman past, with the Canterbury Roman Museum offering visitors the chance to handle genuine roman artefacts and view an excellently preserved under floor heating system, perfect for both younger and older visitors to the city. Further along the high street, Canterbury Heritage Museum takes its focus away from the city’s roman connections and towards the city’s broader heritage with exhibitions on the Tudors right up to the more modern Rupert Bear connection of the city!
Unusally Kent!
But don't forget England is known world over for its eccentricities, be it its consumption of tea or its propensity for the inexplicable game of cricket, and nowehere can you better embrace and explore this unusual side than in the Garden of England, with its surprising selection of quirky and downright bizarre museums and attractions that should keep the whole family entertained.
The Bargrave’s Collection, Canterbury Cathedral Archives - The cathedral holds many interesting, unusual and odd treasures and collections. Arguably, the most fascinating is held in the Bargrave’s ‘Cabinets of Curiosity’. From Roman antiquities and cultural items to a Frenchman’s finger and a hippopotamus toot, the cabinets hold it all! Only available for viewing by prior appointment, visits@canterbury-cathedral.org.
The Dog Collar Museum, Leeds Castle – The 100 collars here span five centuries and include some rather gruesome spiked versions used to protect dogs against wild boar and wolves, amongst much more fashionable collars from the 21st Century.
Quex House at Powell-Cotton Museum, House and Gardens – 100 years ago Major Percy Powell-Cotton brought back 500 African animals and displayed them all in reconstructions of their homeland. The specimens have proved to be a vast genetic record and their DNA is being used to create breeding programmes to save rare species from extinction.
Chiselhurst Caves – A labyrinth of dark mysterious passageways which have been hewn by hand from the chalk deep beneath the village of Chislehurst. There are over 20 miles of caverns and passageways, dug over a period of 8000 years.
Shell Grotto, Margate – A series of mysterious underground rooms and passageways covered by 2000 sq. ft. of exquisite shell mosaics. Discovered in 1835, nobody knows who created it, although many believe it to be a 2000 year old temple with ancient origins. Note – the grotto is a short walk after a coach drop off at Northdown Road. Unfortunately the grotto is inaccessible to wheelchair users due to step stairs and the width of passageways.
Finchcocks Musical Museum – Containing more than 100 historical keyboard instruments, this Georgian manor house is alive with music from regular concerts and recitals.
Lullingstone Castle and The World Garden – The World Garden at Lullingstone Castle is laid out like the map of the world and contains plants collected from across the globe and planted in their respective areas of origin.
For a full list of museums and attractions in Kent, please visit www.visitkent.co.uk
Photo Gallery
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The Port of Dover Leeds, Walmer and Dover Castles Dover Castle , Hever Castle, and
Canterbury Cathedral The Port of Dover Leeds, Walmer and Dover Castles Dover Castle , Hever Castle, and Canterbury Cathedral
Please visit https://www.doverport.co.uk/pics for more photos of Dover Port.
For more information on the attractions shown, please click on the images.
The Port of Dover
With two dedicated cruise terminals and an adjacent third berth (available for port of call visits), Dover Cruise Port is the UK's second busiest port, welcoming over 200,000 visitors each year. With a wealth of modern facilities, it caters for every need of the demanding modern day traveller. Upon arrival, port of call visitors can be met by a dedicated Welcome Information team who have a wealth of experience and knowledge to advise and recommend a variety of Kent attractions for your visit, be it for a single day or longer.
Not only that, but Dover Cruise Port also boasts excellent transport connections, located within minutes of the Channel shipping lanes and just 66 minutes from London via the new high speed rail network. With excellent connections to the road networks of the South East and with two international rail stations close by, Dover is perfectly situated for access to the tourist attractions and historic sites of Kent.
Normal opening hours: 24 hours
Distance to train station: 1.2 miles
Port to town/city centre: 1.4 miles
Currency Exchange: Yes
Internet Access: Yes
Taxi Rank: Yes
Welcome Desk: Yes
Restaurant/Cafe: Yes
For more information on Dover Port, please visit www.doverport.co.uk
Things to Do
Upon arrival at Dover, visitors are first met by the impressive white cliffs, a well-known part of the vast Kentish countryside, on top of which lies the powerful Dover Castle, complete with secret wartime tunnels and underground hospital. Within the castle visitors can immerse themselves in the medieval world and royal court of King Henry II, witnessing the dynastic struggle between the King and his ambitious sons. Deep within the cliffs, the secret wartime tunnels, decorated with the sounds, smells and film clips of the Second World War, provide a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with a real environment used to station wartime personnel and plan the evacuation of Dunkirk.
Just 15 minutes from the Dover Cruise Port by coach is the elegant Walmer Castle and Gardens, the official residence of the ‘Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports’. Today, the castle is still rich with the memories of the famous residents who once lived there, with the unsophisticated furnishings and campaign-bed on which Napoleon’s nemesis, the Duke of Wellington, once slept still remaining. The magnificent gardens surrounding the castle, with a unique broadwalk and yew hedge, also offer a wonderful environment to enjoy throughout the year.
Further afield, Leeds Castle, set within 500 acres of beautiful parkland, combines beautiful heritage with wonderful grounds and conservation. Inside the castle, visitors can journey through 1000 years of fascinating history or discover an unusual collection of dog collars which date back over 400 years. Outside, visitors can meander through the lovely tranquil gardens or look at over 100 rare and exotic birds in the castle’s very own Aviary.
At just 20 minutes from the Dover Cruise Port by road, the impressive architecture of Canterbury Cathedral, the nearby ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey and the beautiful St. Martin's Church make up one of Britain’s handful of World Heritage sites, and continue to attract visitors from all over the world.
For more information on things to do in Kent, please visit www.visitkent.co.uk
Transportation
Train: Dover Priory Station, located on Station Approach close to the cruise terminals, runs regular services further into the county and towards the capital.
Taxis: There is a taxi rank operating at the Cruise Terminals on all cruise days. These licensed taxis can be identified by a 'Taxi' sign on their roof and an orange sticker in their windscreen with the letters 'CDT'. If you require further details please ask at the Cruise Welcome Information Desk or the Cruise Terminal Reception Desk.
Cruise Transfer Bus: For Dover town centre, the Classic Omnibus operates a shuttle bus service from the cruise terminals regularly from 08.30 throughout the day to Dover Town Centre and Dover Castle, returning regularly until 17.00. The bus operates on most port of call days.
Cycle Hire: Within the district there a number of places from which you can hire a bicycle, and what better way to explore the White Cliffs Country than out in the fresh air!
Please visit www.doverport.co.uk for more information on the transport options to and from Dover's cruise terminals.
Weather
For the latest weather conditions in Dover, please visit the MET Office website by clicking here
Notice: Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI, courtesy of ChatGPT. It is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure.