The White Cliffs of Dover are more than just a pretty slice of cliffs in England.
These chalky rock faces have long represented a return home from wartime, as well as England’s first line of defense from mainland invasion.
Today, the White Cliffs of Dover draw in visitors who seek stunning views, peaceful coastal hikes, and a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of London within an hour’s notice.
White Cliffs of Dover: Explained in Black & White
What are the White Cliffs of Dover?
The White Cliffs of Dover are an 8-mile stretch of white chalk cliffs streaked with black flint deposits on England’s southeastern coastline.
How to get to the White Cliffs of Dover?
One of the best day trips from London by train is to the White Cliffs. Starting at London Victoria or London Charing Cross stations will take a bit longer, which is why we recommend leaving from London St. Pancras International for an hour-long journey to Dover Priory.
Do you have to pay to see the White Cliffs of Dover?
No! You can walk along the White Cliffs of Dover for free. Plus, you can make tracks across the grounds of the South Foreland Lighthouse without a fee, though you’ll have to pay for a ticket to climb to the top of the lighthouse.
What should I pack for a trip to Dover?
Pack your normal on-the-go essentials like a water bottle and maybe a snack to nibble on during the hour-long train ride. Be prepared for the weather, too, as the skies can change from sunshine to showers and back again in an instant. We like to stick a rain poncho or umbrella in our bags just in case.
What to do in Dover: A first-timer’s guide
Like other natural attractions, it’s a good idea to have a gameplan of what to do and see. The White Cliffs of Dover are an inspiring sight, though you can make your journey even more fulfilling with more than just a selfie-stop at the cliff’s edge.
- Hiking: Lace your hiking boots (or sneakers) up in Dover and trek as far as you desire. The Saxon Shore Way runs for miles along the English coast, with a section passing over the cliffs. The mile-long walking trail to Dover Castle is a bit quicker of a jaunt, as are the walks to Fan Bay Deep Shelter and the South Foreland Lighthouse which take less than an hour. Walking the entire White Cliffs of Dover from end to end will take up much of your day.
- History: Fans of yesterday will love Dover’s wealth of accessible history. The Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Galley has the world’s oldest known seagoing boat on display. The Dover Transport Museum has a collection of vehicles dating back to the 1910s. The Citadel, the Secret Wartime Tunnels, and the Dover Castle offer more hours of historical immersion.
- Hangout: Come to Dover, see the White Cliffs, then relax. What makes Dover a perfect day trip from London is that you can spend as much or as little time as you want at the cliffs, have a pub lunch, stroll the shops, then be back in London for dinner without ever feeling rushed.
Fancy a trip to France? Think ferry, not Chunnel
Can you see France from Dover? Yes!
On a clear day, you can peer at the French coastline from the cliffside. That’s no mind-melting fact: only about 20 miles separate England and France across the Strait of Dover.
Now, we have sung the praises of getting between England and France by train via The Chunnel. And you still can…just technically not from Dover.
Eurostar has changed boarding stations over the years, so you cannot board a train to Paris from Dover Priory. The good news is that there’s a passenger ferry available that’ll get you across the English Channel to Calais, France, in 90 minutes.
Take a train from London, spend the day in Dover, a night in a cozy coastal hotel, then head to France in the morning for a crepe breakfast. Sounds like a great way to spend a weekend and get amazing photos of the White Cliffs from the water.
Download the Trainline app and start planning your White Cliffs of Dover visit today.