Cruises from London (Dover)
With two modern terminals and the capability of accommodating three ships simultaneously, Dover is located in the southeastern county of Kent. Dover is a fantastic stop for cruise passengers. Dover is also home to the White Cliffs of Dover, South Foreland Lighthouse, Canterbury Cathedral, and Dover Castle, one of England's oldest fortifications. Dover is the second largest cruise port and the "Port of Kings" because of its history as a royal gateway. There have been massive investments in the port of Dover, which has made it one of the most important ports in Northern Europe. There are two modern, sleek terminals with an airport-style layout at the port. Dover Castle is the perfect backdrop to your cruise from Dover.
Take a look at some of the highlights that Dover has to offer!
Due to its critical location along the English Channel, Dover has been a strategic city for centuries. Due to the many conquerors who have tried to take control of Dover throughout histories, such as Julius Caesar, Napoleon, and Adolf Hitler, it is affectionately referred to as "the lock and key of England." Romans, Saxons, Normans, and Tudors have all controlled Dover. Allied forces relied heavily on Dover during both world wars. On the way to London and other parts of England, many people cruise Dover on their way to the city, which remains a prominent hub for international commerce, trade, and tourism.
A variety of restaurants can be found in Dover, from traditional, no-frills eateries to hip urban bistros. It's a seafood lover's paradise - try lightly battered, golden-brown fried shell-on local king prawns or whitebait. Visit a pub in Dover, England, and enjoy English fish pie topped with flaky puff pastry, smoked cod, haddock, or halibut in bechamel sauce.
A handmade and personalized gift shop, The Vintage Bubble is the only one in Dover. A selection of wooden toy boxes and handcrafted home furnishings are available, as well as gifts for every family member (including pets). You can find Dover souvenirs at Pebbles Kiosk or outlet shopping at De Bradelei Wharf during an England cruise.
One culturally essential thing to do in England and the British Isles: afternoon tea and morning tea. It is traditionally served with milk and sugar at cafes and tea houses in Dover.
Before or after your cruise, spend some time exploring the town's attractions if you have some spare time. You can enjoy some invigorating walks and stunning views at the White Cliffs, as well as several museums, galleries, and historical monuments.
A 31-mile tunnel under the English Channel connects England with France and is located just 10 miles south of the city. A train can travel 100 mph in the Chunnel, carrying cars and passengers. Guests can hop on board for an exhilarating ride that's the best in the world! To see evidence of Roman settlement in Dover in the first century AD, visit the well-maintained Roman Painted House in the city limits of Dover.
A series of tunnels under Dover Castle were used during multiple conflicts and wars to prevent invasions. You will eventually find recreations of communication hubs, hospitals, barricades used during World War II, and other wartime activities in the tunnels.
Located halfway between Dover and Deal, this shingle beach has spectacular views of the cliffs as you descend a winding path through a gap in the cliffs. There is a small promenade behind a small cafe and a pub in St Margaret's Bay, which is as picturesque from the water as it is from the clifftop. After the Norman Conquest, the Domesday Book mentions a settlement at St Margaret's Bay. The resort has hosted literary figures such as Lord Byron, Ian Fleming, and Noel Coward since the 19th century.
As one of the finest Tudor castles in England, Deal Castle was built for Henry VIII in 1540. Located along the English coast between Kent and Sussex, it is also one of the oldest and most elaborate coastal forts. Visitors can stroll the pleasant grounds and gardens of this castle, which was as much a stately home as a fortress. A visit to Deal, one of the famous defensive and trade towns that formed the Confederation of Cinque Ports, is highly recommended. Walking and biking trails are also available in the town.
Multiple festivals are held here throughout the year, and it is also a working museum. Today, the mill is one of the best examples of a Georgian watermill in all of Europe because it was constructed in 1812. After being threatened with demolition, it was saved in 1990 and opened to the public. Learn how wheat is turned into flour by exploring the six floors of exhibits.
Because of its maritime location, Dover enjoys a mild climate year-round, but rainfall is prevalent throughout the year, especially during autumn and winter. There is quite a bit of rain in Dover during the winter, but it isn't like freezing. While the spring is generally warmer and drier, there are a few days when it rains. Despite some rainy days, summer is a pleasant and drier season. Until the days just before winter, autumn is rainy and mild. Visiting Dover at its best, and also during its busiest time, is from May to September, but the month of October can also be enjoyable.