Dover Hotels
Mini guide to Dover
Situated just 12 miles from the coast of France, Dover is the southeast's principal
cross-Channel port and abounds in historic attractions.
The town's chief attraction is Dover Castle, a superbly positioned defensive
complex, begun in 1168 and in continuous military use until the 1980s. The ancient
Roman lighthouse stands beside the 7th century Saxon-built church, St Mary in
Castro, with motifs graphitised by irreverent Crusaders still visible near the
pulpit. The impressive, well-preserved Norman keep is situated further up the
hillside. Inside, there's an interactive exhibition on spying; you can also
climb its spiral stairs to the lofty battlements for spectacular views over
the sea to the low cliffs of Calais. The castle's other main attraction is its
network of secret wartime tunnels dug during the Napoleonic war. Known as 'Hellfire
Corner,' the tunnels were extended during World War II and used as a headquarters
to plan the Dunkirk evacuation.
Several other enthralling attractions of historical interest are spread around
the town. The Roman Painted House possesses some reasonable Roman wall paintings,
the remains of an underground Roman heating system and some mosaics; while the
nearby Dover Museum has extensive, informative displays on Dover's past. The
high ground to the west of town, originally the site of a Napoleonic-era fortress,
retains one interesting oddity, the Grand Shaft, a triple staircase by which
troops could descend at speed to defend the port in case of attack. The early
Victorian New Bridge development along the Esplanade is a tasteful example of
the town's efforts to spruce up its tourist image.
Being one of England's busiest ferry ports, Dover has ample and wide-ranging
accommodation. There are also several excellent restaurants and cafés,
and the town's pubs offer great food and evening entertainment. Entertainment
of a saltier nature is offered by Dover's legendary White Cliffs, which dominate
the town and have long been a source of inspiration for lovers, travellers and
soldiers sailing off to war.
Along Kent's northern coast are the picturesque towns of Sandwich (known worldwide
for its association with the popular culinary snack), Deal and Walmer, the latter
two of which boast charming castles and pleasant resorts. Other principal resort
towns along this section of the coast include Whitstable, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
Kent's main entertainment and relaxation destination is the resort town of Margate,
popular with holidaymakers for more than 200 years. For a pleasant diversion
from the often crowded tourist haunts, head for Kent's hinterland and southern
coast. Royal Tunbridge Wells is a charming spa town, while the seaside resort
of Hythe is the gateway to the Romney and Denge marshes, and boasts its own
military heritage of the Royal Military Canal and Martello Towers. Centrally
situated in Kent, Canterbury is one of England's most historic cities and boasts
the spectacular Canterbury Cathedral, while Rochester is home to Charles Dickens
and features an authentic Norman castle and cathedral. Nearby is the historic
port of Chatham.
Dover is just a short drive from London via the M20 and A20. There are frequent
train services from both Charing Cross and Victoria stations in London to Dover
Priory train station. Hourly buses from London run to the Eastern Docks and
the town-centre bus station on Pencester Road. The nearest international airport
is London Gatwick, while London City is also convenient.
www.kent.gov.uk
Selection of hotels in this region:
Churchill Hotel | | Dover Court Hotel | |
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full list of hotels and online booking
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