Dover (pop. 34,500), whose famous white cliffs can be seen gleaming from afar, is one of Britain's principal cross-channel ports. Ferries continuously arrive here throughout the day and night bringing endless streams of visitors on the first step of journeys throughout the country. Fishing is a popular activity from the beach, pier or on the sea
Although most visitors pass through Dover on their way elsewhere, the town is actually of some note, not least for its town hall, the Maison Dieu Hall, built in 1203 by Hubert de Brugh as a hostel for pilgrims. The main street has recently become attractively pedestrianized. "The White Cliff Experience", behind the market place, was developed so that people could learn more about the cliffs and important events in the town's history.
All that remains of the Roman settlement of Dudris, founded in about A.D.125, is the lighthouse (first century) on Castle Hill, and the Roman Painted House, excavated at the beginning of the 1970s and decorated with important frescoes, in New Street. For many centuries Dover was a bulwark against attacks from the Continent, until World War II, when the town suffered terrible damage because of its role as a marine base.
There are two museums the main Dover Museum and the Transport Museum, as well as the Vista Leisure Centre featuring a range of sports and activities.
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