Dover Tourist Attractions
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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.
White Cliffs of Dover
The steep chalk cliffs of Dover, for long both a proud symbol of the "splendid isolation" of England and also the first sign of home visible from afar for returning sea voyagers, are crowned to the east by the mighty castle. The western cliffs bear Shakespeare's name. His play "King Lear" ended here, and the much-used quotation invoked by sight of the cliffs "This precious stone set in the silver sea" comes from "Richard II".THE WHITE CLIFFS EXPERIENCE IS CLOSED - the Gateway Visitor Centre remains open.A new Gateway Visitor Centre has been opened at the White Cliffs of Dover by the National Trust. It has displays, intreptive signs about the area and offers programs about the flora and fauna of the White Cliffs.
South Foreland Lighthouse
This lighthouse on the White Cliffs of Dover was built in 1843. It has the distinction of being used by Marconi for the first succesful attempts at radio navigation.
Blériot Memorial
A memorial to the aviator Louis Blériot - he was the first to fly across the English Channel in 1909 - has been erected in Northfall Meadow, a small wood to the northeast of Dover Castle.
Dover Castle
Dover Castle was built in the 12th C, and is one of the earliest concentrically laid out castles.
Dover Museum
The Dover Museum was recently opened in the family visitor center in Dover's Market Square. It houses three floors of objects and displays recounting Dover's history.The Dover Museum is home to the world's oldest known seagoing boat - the prehistoric wooden boat is thought to be about 3,000 years old.
Old Town Gaol (Jail) (closed)
THIS ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.At the Dover Old Town Gaol visitors can hear prisoners telling stories about this Victorian prison. Other displays recreate life inside a courtroom, exercise yard, washroom and cells.
Butterfly Centre
At the MacFarlanes Garden Centre there are hundreds of free-flying butterflies collected from all over the world.
Cruise Port
From here, majestic cruise ships depart for distant ports of call. While docked, these mighty ships are a spectacle for all to see.
Dover Discovery Centre
The Discovery Centre houses the adult and children's libraries, Adult Education Centre and Dover District Councils Museum together under one roof.
Dover Festival
This annual two-week festival brings together performers for classical and contemporary concerts.
Grand Shaft
The Grand Shaft is a 140-foot triple staircase cut into the White Cliffs. It was built to serve as a shortcut to town for troops on the Western Heights.
Knights Templar Church
Foundations of a small church from the 12th C, situated across the valley from Dover Castle.
Western Heights
Western Heights is parts of the moat of a 19th C fort built to fend off French attacks.
Map of Dover Attractions
Map - Dover
