With its gleaming coastline and rich heritage, the port town of Dover makes a great starting point for discovering English history, culture and nature. Whether you want to explore the castle, walk along the White Cliffs or relax in a country garden, there’s plenty to see and do in this part of the country.
White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are one of Britain’s most iconic features. They’re a beautiful sight and have become a proud symbol of the entire country.
For spectacular views, head towards the bright white South Foreland Lighthouse. Use the Langdon Cliff entrance and enjoy a stunning vantage point across the coastline and the English Channel.
There’s a parking lot with 300 spaces at the entrance of this National Trust site, with a charge for non-members. It's very popular on the weekends, especially during the summer months, so get there early if you want a spot close to the entrance.
Dover Castle
Sitting atop the famous cliffs is the historic Dover Castle, England's primary defensive fort from Roman times through to the 20th century. As the former royal court of King Henry II, the castle has played a pivotal role in the country’s long military history.
For more than 200 years, the tunnel complex at Dover Castle has protected Britain’s shores from danger. When you’re at the castle, you can dig deeper and learn more about this fascinating period of national history.
Immerse yourself in the Dunkirk evacuation drama, seeing the underground network which helped to pull off the daring rescue operation. Special effects and real-time film footage combine to bring the heroic events of May 1940 to life.
You can access Dover Castle using the entrance on Castle Hill Road/A258. There’s free on-site parking for up to 200 cars at this English Heritage site, and several cafes are dotted around the castle – ideal for indulging in a freshly baked scone topped with jam and clotted cream.
Day trips to Kent
From castles to parklands, a driving tour of the Kent coastline offers so many opportunities. Leaving Dover, take the A258 to Deal, home to an impressive stone castle, and continue five miles further to enjoy the Tudor town of Sandwich. The nearby Richborough Castle, just north of the town, was a key fortress during Roman times, and witnessed both the beginning and end of Roman rule.
Away from the shore, you can drive along the cobbled streets of Rye, visit the town of Battle – the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066, and very close to Hastings – and enjoy an afternoon in the popular and attractive town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Both at the coast and further inland, the town of Dover and the wider county of Kent offer a range of attractions and landscapes to enjoy on your vacation. No matter how you plan to spend your time – whether you stay in Kent or head to London – a rental car from Hertz is the easiest way to get around.