Things to do in Dover

Activities, attractions and tours

Dover which includes a fountain, heritage architecture and a square or plaza
Dover which includes a fountain, heritage architecture and a square or plaza
Dover which includes landscape views, rugged coastline and a house
Dover which includes a coastal town, a castle and heritage architecture
Walmer Castle and Gardens which includes heritage architecture, a garden and wildflowers
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. White Cliffs of Dover

The dramatic and distinctive White Cliffs of Dover are a symbol of national pride for the English. Wander atop the immense white chalk cliffs to experience this historic and beautiful area at your own pace.
Learn more
Dover featuring landscape views and a pebble beach

2. Dover Castle

Dover Castle sits grandly on top of the White Cliffs of Dover and has been Great Britain’s front line against invasion for more than 20 centuries. Medieval chambers, complex military defenses and secret wartime tunnels await explorers of the largest castle in England. Founded in the 12th century, the “Key to England” has had a long and dramatic history. Its informative tours bring the past into the present day.
Learn more
Dover Castle featuring chateau or palace and heritage architecture

3. Dover Beach

Dover Beach is a picturesque stretch of pebbly beach sheltered by the walls of a harbor and tucked in between the White Cliffs of Dover. The beach and its surrounding harbors are a hive of activity year-round with tourists and locals enjoying the fresh sea air. Stroll along the esplanade and take in the view of Dover Castle up on the cliffs, ferries coming and going on the channel and, on a clear day, the distant shoreline of France.
Learn more
Dover Beach featuring heritage architecture and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people

4. South Foreland Lighthouse

The Victorian South Foreland Lighthouse is set on the White Cliffs of Dover. It’s known as the site of the first international radio transmissions, as well as the first lighthouse powered by electricity. Learn about the life of a typical lighthouse keeper, enjoy a snack in the tearoom in the keeper’s cottage or simply admire the surrounding scenery.
Learn more
South Foreland Lighthouse which includes a lighthouse

5. Dover Museum

Dover is home to one of the most significant ports in British history and the town’s rich seafaring heritage is captivatingly documented at the Dover Museum. The museum’s informative displays cover the history of the local area from the Stone Age to the Saxons and Romans. Immerse yourself in Dover’s heritage from medieval to modern times with six scale models of the town’s development through the ages, from its humble beginnings as a Stone Age farming community to its current form as one of the busiest ports in the world.
Learn more
Dover Museum which includes a city

What to do in Dover

Popular places to visit

Dover which includes general coastal views, tranquil scenes and landscape views

White Cliffs of Dover

See the historic and legendary gateway to England that defended the country in wartime. Today the cliffs greet home-comers arriving at the busy Dover port.

White Cliffs of Dover
Dover Castle featuring heritage architecture, general coastal views and a castle

Dover Castle

Unparalleled views of the English Channel, secret wartime tunnels and the “Key to England” await discovery at this cliffside medieval castle.

Dover Castle
Dover Beach featuring mountains, a coastal town and a beach

Dover Beach

Watch the ferries come and go from the seafront esplanade on this scenic shingle beach, sheltered by the White Cliffs and wide harbor walls.

Dover Beach
⛅️🌊🇬🇧

St Margaret's Bay Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, St Margaret's Bay Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to St Margaret's at Cliffe. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

St Margaret's Bay Beach
South Foreland Lighthouse featuring interior views and a lighthouse

South Foreland Lighthouse

See the views from the top of this iconic lighthouse, the site of numerous scientific discoveries over the centuries.

South Foreland Lighthouse
Public gardens, cafe and dog walking area near Dover. #History

Kearsney Abbey Gardens

After visiting Kearsney Abbey Gardens, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in River. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Kearsney Abbey Gardens
Samphire Hoe is a nature park built on the waste material from the Channel Tunnel excavations.

Samphire Hoe Country Park

You can take time to visit Samphire Hoe Country Park during your travels to Dover. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches, or simply savor its lively bars.

Samphire Hoe Country Park
Dover Museum which includes interior views

Dover Museum

Learn about Dover’s long history as an essential port town throughout the millennia at this exciting, interactive museum that exhibits a real Bronze Age boat.

Dover Museum

Dover Western Docks Cruise Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Dover with a trip to Dover Western Docks Cruise Terminal. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Dover Western Docks Cruise Terminal
Canterbury Cathedral which includes a city, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Canterbury

Frequently asked questions

Is Dover worth visiting?
Renowned for its walking trails and cycling, discovering fun things to do in Dover is a breeze. Be sure to add St Margaret's Bay Beach to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Dover?
Kick your day off with a visit to St Margaret's Bay Beach and National Trust Visitor Center. Then, check out different parts of Dover for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dover?
St Margaret's Bay Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Dover and deserves a place on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Dover?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off popular city sights, like St Margaret's Bay Beach, National Trust Visitor Center and Dover Transport Museum. The average stay in Dover is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your adventure, Canterbury isn't far away.
Is Dover a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you want to do and see in Dover. Several top attractions, including National Trust Visitor Center and Dover Transport Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Dover's best neighborhoods, Whitfield is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while River is 3 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Dover with kids?
Planning what to do in Dover with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there are many family-friendly attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Dover for adults?
Dover Patrol Memorial is one of the main things to do in Dover. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Dover?
From enjoying parks to strolling around hip neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Dover. If you're looking for inspiration, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. St Margaret's Bay Beach is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their traveling adventures.