Beaches in Dover: Discover the Best Coastal Spots and Attractions

Dover District is well-known for the famed White Cliffs of Dover, which provide incredible views of the English Channel. It is home to the ancient Dover Castle, one of the biggest castles in England, and has a long military history. The port of Dover links continental Europe and the United Kingdom. Dover District has a population of about 120,000 people. Iconic towns in White Cliff Country include Dover, Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich.

Dogs on the Beaches

Find out what restrictions are in place for dogs on the beaches in Dover District.

Attractions in Dover

Kent’s Dover neighbourhood is well-known for its natural features, picturesque coastline, and historic sites:

• One of the biggest and most magnificent castles in England, Dover Castle has panoramic views of the English Channel, secret tunnels used during the war, and mediaeval walls.
• The famous White Cliffs of Dover are chalk cliffs with walking routes and stunning views of the shore.
• South Foreland Lighthouse: Perched atop the White Cliffs, this ancient lighthouse provides guided tours and affords breathtaking views of the Channel and the shore.
• The best-preserved Roman home in Britain is the Roman Painted House, which features antique wall murals and artefacts.
• The world’s oldest known seagoing boat is housed at the intriguing Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery, which also explores local history.
• Walmer Castle and Grounds is a majestic residence with stunning grounds and ties to the Duke of Wellington, originally built as a Tudor coastal stronghold.
• Deal castle: Constructed by Henry VIII, this well-preserved Tudor artillery fortress is accessible for exploring and has interactive displays.
• Samphire Hoe: A natural reserve with walking routes, opportunities to see animals, and vistas of the White Cliffs, built from the excavation of the Channel Tunnel.
• Kearsney Abbey Gardens is a lovely park ideal for picnics and leisure, with lakes, wooded trails, and floral gardens.
• Sandwich is a historic town with intact mediaeval buildings, walks along the river, and landmarks such as the Richborough Roman Fort and Sandwich Guildhall Museum.
• The Pines Garden is a peaceful garden including ecological landscaping, a tea room, and a museum close to St Margaret’s Bay.
• Crabble Corn Mill: A functional watermill close to Dover that provides tours and an understanding of customary milling methods.
• History lovers and walkers will love the enormous Napoleonic defence complex known as Dover Western Heights, which features a great drop redoubt and other fortifications.
• Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory: A research station and wildlife sanctuary that provides guided nature hikes and birding opportunities.
• North Downs Way: A charming walking path that winds through the Dover neighbourhood and provides views of the surrounding landscape and shore.
• Western Heights Nature Reserve: This region, which encircles the Western Heights defences, provides hikes teeming with animals and breathtaking views of the harbour.
• Fan Bay Deep Shelter: WWII tunnels carved out of the cliffs that provide guided tours examining Dover’s coastal defences during World War II.
• Battle of Britain Memorial: Located on the cliffs in Capel-le-Ferne, this poignant memorial honours the pilots who flew in the conflict. It has an iconic monument and a tourist centre.
• One of the nation’s oldest church, St Mary’s Church in Dover has ties to the city’s mediaeval heritage.
• Lydden Hill Race Circuit is a family-friendly motorsports facility that hosts thrilling bicycle and automobile races.
• Dover Patrol Memorial: This monument honours the men who served in the Dover Patrol during World War II and is located on the cliffs overlooking St Margaret’s Bay.
• A sizable region of mudflats, salt marshes, and dunes, Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve is ideal for birding, particularly during the migratory seasons.
• The strategically significant Dover’s Secret Wartime Tunnels, located beneath Dover Castle, were utilised as a command centre in World War II and are open for tourists.
• Monks Wall Nature Reserve: A peaceful location for birding and strolls among historic marshes close to Sandwich.

Transport

This district has convenient road connections to the highway system, making it easily accessible. By train, Dover is connected to the major London stations and mainland Europe (Eurostar). The Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover offer cross-channel services too. Bus services are in operation.