Official Language:
English
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Currency:
British Pound Sterling
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Population:
Approximately 40,000 people call Dover home.
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Weather:
Dover Climate and current weather information for Dover: Summer daytime temperatures in Dover are generally in the 60s°F/16°C. Precipitation in the British Isles is evenly distributed throughout the year. Rainy days are common, so be prepared. Monthly climate statistics Average a maximum in July and August of 70°F/21°C and average minimum is 55°F/13°C.
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In Victoria's day, Dover was popular as a seaside resort; today it's known as a port for cross-Channel car and passenger traffic between England and France (notably Calais). One of England's most vulnerable and easy-to-hit targets during World War II, repeated bombings destroyed much of its harbor. The war left the city in a state of disarray, and the city center reeled from the postwar effects for decades, but it has returned to its prewar glory. The scenery remains breathtaking, and the haunting war atmosphere that still lingers to a degree adds a certain excitement to the city, making it all the more mysterious and interesting.The opening of the Channel Tunnel (Chunnel) in 1994 renewed Dover's importance.
Unless you're on your way to France or want to use Dover as a base for exploring the surrounding countryside, you can skip a visit here. Dover has always been rather dull except for those white cliffs. Even its hotels are second-rate; many people prefer to stay in Folkestone, about 16km (10 miles) to the southwest. Cruise ships dock at the Harbour House Cruise Terminal located in the city of Dover. From there, you can easily explore this small and historic coastal town on foot, or arrange for ground and rail transportation to take you to destinations in London and other surrounding areas.
Dover is a very small town, and you'll find that walking will get you nearly everywhere you need to go. Taxis are available, however. Contact Central Taxis (tel. 44/1304-204-040) if you need a ride.122km (76 miles) SE of London; 135km (84 miles) NE of Brighton. Dover is one of the busiest passenger ports in the entire world, and there are distinct reasons why this is the case. The Strait of Dover is ideally located on the southern tip of England, making it the closest land point connecting the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. For centuries, the port at Dover has been the gateway from Britain to France, Belgium, and the rest of the European continent.
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Attractions |
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Deal Castle:
Deal Castle is .5km ( 1/4 mile) south of the Deal town center, 8km (5 miles) from Dover. A defensive fort built around 1540, it's the most spectacular example of the low, squat forts constructed by Henry VIII. Its 119 gun positions made it the most powerful of his defense forts. Centered around a circular keep surrounded by two rings of semicircle bastions, the castle was protected by an outer moat. The entrance was approached by a drawbridge with an iron gate. The castle was damaged by bombs during World War II but has been restored to its earlier form.
Dover Castle:
Located high above the white cliffs is the castle that is the "Key of England". Three are 2,000 years of history within its walls.Rising nearly 120m (400 ft.) above the port is one of the oldest and best-known castles in England. Its keep was built at the command of Becket's fair-weather friend, Henry II, in the 12th century. The ancient castle was called back to active duty as late as World War II. The "Pharos" on the grounds is a lighthouse built by the Romans in the first half of the 1st century. The Romans first landed at nearby Deal in 54 B.C., but after 6 months they departed and didn't return until nearly 100 years later, in A.D. 43, when they stayed and occupied the country for 400 years. The castle houses a military museum and a film center, plus "Live and Let's Spy," an exhibition of World War II spying equipment.
Roman Painted House:
This 1,800-year-old Roman structure, called Britain's "buried Pompeii," has exceptionally well-preserved walls and an under-floor heating system. It's famous for its unique bacchic murals and has won four national awards for presentation. Brass-rubbing is also offered. You'll find it in the town center near Market Square.
Secret War Time Tunnels:
These secret tunnels, used during the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940 and the Battle of Britain, the tunnels were used as an underground hospital and military enclave during wartime.It can now be explored on a guided tour. The tunnels were originally excavated to house cannons to be used (if necessary) against an invasion by Napoleon. Some 60m (200 ft.) below ground, they were the headquarters of Operation Dynamo, when more than 300,000 troops from Dunkirk were evacuated. Once forbidden ground to all but those with the strongest security clearance, the networks of tunnels can now be toured. You can stand in the very room where Ramsey issued orders; experience the trauma of life in an underground operating theater; and look out over the English Channel from the hidden, cliff-top balcony, just as Churchill did during the Battle of Britain.
Maison Dieu:
was constructed in 1203 to serve as a temporary residence for pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. Inside the hall you can see a fabulous collection of flags and armor, and learn the entire history of Dover through the stories told on the stained glass windows. Maison Dieu (01304/201200) is free of admission, and is located on Biggin Street.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Dover:
Dover - UK Travel Information
www.doverport.co.uk
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