Day Trips from Dover. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Canterbury

Approximately 20 minutes by high-speed train from Dover Priory, or about 30 minutes by bus or car.

Canterbury Cathedral, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a major draw. Explore St Augustine's Abbey, St Martin's Church, the historic city walls, and the charming medieval streets. Punting alongside the River Sthe tour is also an option.

Visitor Considerations

Easy to visit independently by train or bus.
Many organized tours from London combine Canterbury and Dover. Explore day trip options.
Allocate a whole day for comprehensive exploration.
Consider visiting St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church alongside the Cathedral.

Natural Escapes

Kent has beautiful natural landscapes for those seeking outdoor relaxation and exploration.

Kent Downs AONB

This protected landscape features rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages, suitable for hiking and cycling.

Activities

Explore trails around Wye or Chilham.
Sections of the North Downs Way are bike-friendly.
Find ancient woodlands.

Wingham Wildlife Park

Located approximately 25 minutes by car from Dover, this park offers a family-friendly day out.

Highlights

See big cats and primates.
Observe a variety of reptiles.
Easy entry by car from Dover.

Samphire Hoe

Positive Features

A unique nature reserve created from Channel Tunnel excavations.
Offers accessible walking paths.
Supports rich birdlife.
An excellent spot for a natural escape near Dover.

Considerations

Parking is available.
Ideal for wildlife spotting.
Check opening times before visiting.
Paths are well-maintained for general access.

Quick Facts: Nearby Towns

Deal Travel Time:15-20 minutes
Deal Visit Length:Half to Full Day
Sandwich Travel Time:20-25 minutes
Sandwich Visit Length:Half-Day

Folkestone Travel Time:10-15 minutes
Folkestone Visit Length:Half-Day
Wingham Wildlife Park Travel:25 minutes by car
Wingham Park Visit Length:Full Day

Tip for Natural Escapes

Pack appropriate footwear for walking trails, as some paths can be uneven, especially after rain.

Cultural Excursions

Expand your historical and cultural exploration beyond Dover with these excursions.

Leeds Castle

Approximately 45-60 minutes by car from Dover. Often called "the loveliest castle globally."

Chartwell National Trust

About 1 hour by car from Dover. This was the former home of Winston Churchill, preserved as it was when he lived there.

Dover Castle Day Trip

Many visitors combine Dover Citadel and the White Cliffs as a day trip from London, often via organized coach tours.

Deal

Approximately 15 minutes by train from Dover Priory. Explore Deal Fortress and walk along Deal Pier.

Attractions

Deal Castle (English Heritage site).
Deal Pier, one of England's last surviving leisure piers.
Browse independent shops in the town center.

Sandwich

About 20 minutes taking the train from Dover (with a change at Deal). A well-preserved medieval town.

Town Highlights

Historic architecture and charming Quay.
Two championship golf courses attract visitors.
Ranked in the middle of the best-preserved medieval villages in England.

Cultural Excursion Travel Notes

Leeds Castle Access:Car recommended

Chartwell Access:Car recommended

Dover Castle Day Trip:Often organized coach tours

Deal Train Journey:Direct from Dover Priory

Sandwich Train Journey:Via Deal from Dover Priory

Time for Deal/Sandwich:Half to Full Day Each

Travel Insight

Consider English Heritage or Often For heritage sites memberships for frequent visits to sites like Leeds Fortress and Chartwell.
Check specific opening times for every attraction, as they can vary by season.
Public transport to some country estates can involve multiple changes; driving is typically more straightforward.
Combining a castle an outing with a garden or a quaint village makes for a comprehensive day.
Organized tours from London streamline logistics if you prefer a guided experience.

Multi-Day Extensions

If your itinerary allows for more time, consider extending your stay to explore more of Kent and beyond.

Kent Coast & Castles

Dedicate 2-3 days to explore more coastal towns.

Suggested Visits

Coastal towns: Deal, Sandwich, Whitstable (for oysters).
Other Kent castles: Leeds Castle, Walmer Castle.
Maritime heritage sites.

Garden of England Tour

Spend 2-3 days exploring Kent's renowned gardens.

Destinations

Gardens: Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Great Dixter.
Local vineyards for tastings.
Charming picturesque villages throughout the administrative area.

Logical Next Destinations

UK Destinations

London: An easy train connection for a city experience.
Rye & East Sussex Coast: Charming medieval towns and coastal areas.
The Kent countryside for further rural exploration.

Cross-Channel Adventure

Take advantage of Dover's port for a trip to mainland Europe.

European Connections

France (Calais/Dunkirk): A short ferry ride for a cross-Channel adventure.
Continue exploring other European destinations.
Ferries accommodate vehicles for seamless travel.

Transportation Connections

Understand the easiest ways to travel from one point to another in Kent and beyond.

By Car

All mentioned locations are easily accessible by car, offering flexibility.

By Train

Rail services link Dover directly to Canterbury, Deal, and Folkestone, with good national links.

By Bus

Buses offer broader local coverage for exploring smaller towns and villages.

Planning Your Route

Plan your route to optimize travel time from destination to destination, considering both journey length and public transport schedules.

Day Trips from Dover