Day trip London to Dover UK
If you’re considering a day trip from London to Dover, these are the details you’ll want for your visit! We discuss travelling from London to Dover, UK by train, car or by tour, and also offer ideas on what you can do when you arrive at Dover. Dover is a short distance from London, and easily accessible any way you choose to travel.
You’ll quickly find there are many more things to do in Dover than you thought, especially if you enjoy walking. Below we list several options. We recommend if you have only one day, begin early. Check opening times and days of the places you want to visit, and take note of those that have reduced hours during the off season if you’re planning to visit then.
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How to get there
Day Trip London to Dover By Train:
It’s very simple to travel from London to Dover, UK by train. For example, we travelled on a Saturday, because we were there during off-season and Dover Castle was only open during the weekend. The rail companies servicing Dover Priory do not offer First Class travel.
You can easily plan your journey through the National Rail website here. Most of our trips we planned the day before or the day of, and didn’t actually book tickets through the National Rail Website, because we had prepaid with our Britrail UK Pass. You’ll see tickets if booking closer to the trip can be more expensive.
We had a list of places for consideration before we left on our trip and because we purchased the Britrail pass based on the number of overall trips, and paid a lump sum before our trip, it didn’t matter that the price was higher if we decided at the last minute where to go.
As long as there was room on the train (and there was during off-season), there was a great deal of flexibility with the Britrail pass. In fact, it was one of the highest value items we discovered.
In the off-season, even with first class tickets, you won’t usually need to book ahead, and with the Britrail Pass, it’s easy to activate the current day at the train station before boarding. For more details on booking a Britrail Pass, you’ll want to check the details here.
Day Trip London to Dover By Car:
Although one of the things we like best about London and the UK is how easy it is to travel by train and get around by public transportation, you may choose to rent a car instead if you’re more comfortable with this mode of transport. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with all the laws, as is the case when driving in any foreign country. You’ll also want to ensure you have any required insurance.
Day Trip London to Dover By Tour:
Letting someone else do the driving, especially a professionally trained driver, can add to the enjoyment and relaxation while on vacation. There are indeed many day trip tours offered from London, with Dover being amongst the top choices. Here are some options for you to consider.
Who is the day trip from London to Dover UK for?
The day trip from London to Dover is for you if you’re a history buff, if you love nature, or if you like to walk. The nature walks in the Dover area are beautiful and plentiful. If you like trains, and decide to take a train journey from London to Dover UK, that can easily be part of the experience and reason you choose it.
It’s important to note that Dover Castle and the Cliffs of Dover both have steep inclines and uneven surfaces, and the climbs are considerable and unavoidable in places. Though there may be some options for accessibility, you would be wise to check ahead if this is a concern.
When is the best time to go to Dover, UK?
The best time for your day trip from London to Dover UK by train, car or tour is all about your preference. If you go during the summer (peak) months, it will be busier and more crowded, and you will likely have to wait in line. Everything is busier, so you’ll want to reserve your train, which means planning your day trip well in advance.
If you visit during the off season, you won’t wait in line, and it will be significantly less busy, but it will also be cooler. Dress warmly and bring your gloves and toque for best experience. You’ll also want to check the opening and closing times during the off season.
As noted, the castle was only open during the weekends when we visited, which required some additional planning.
We went during off-season and thoroughly enjoyed our time in Dover.
How much does it cost to go?
With our Britrail pass, the journey itself cost no more than the lump sum cost paid before we left home for the United Kingdom. It was one of the 15 flex days we selected in our pass, and we simply activated it the day of our travel, upon arriving at the train station. We recommend you do NOT activate your pass before you see the journey on the main board (to ensure it hasn’t been cancelled). We usually had a plan B in the event a planned trip couldn’t be completed.
With our English Heritage Membership, visiting Dover Castle was free. The cost will vary depending on the time of the year you go and your personal situation (single/family/concession). And the cost will vary depending on what you wish to see and do while in Dover.
The amazing landscape and seeing the Cliffs of Dover cost nothing. You’ll probably want to have lunch and/ or dinner in Dover depending how long you wish your day out to be.
What is there to see in Dover?
Dover Castle
You’ll probably find that visiting Dover Castle will take you the better part of a day. There is a nice cafe (called the NAAFI) in the castle so you don’t have to make the trek back down to town for a midday meal. There is quite a large area to explore. You’ll want to review our post on visiting Dover Castle to make the most of your time there.
Cliffs of Dover
If you choose to walk the cliffs of Dover, you will want to set aside at least 3-4 hours of your day to do so. If you have taken the train to Dover, you may want to take a taxi to get to the National Trust Car Park, then begin your walk there.
Or you may simply choose to take a day trip from London via an organized tour, specifically to see the White Cliffs of Dover, or a combination of Canterbury, Dover Castle and the White Cliffs of Dover. As you can see, there are many options available to you. We did a separate day trip to Canterbury from London and spent an entire day there.
Walk the Dour – River Dour Trail
The River Dour Trail is a four mile or six kilometre trail from Wellington Dock to Temple Ewell. It’s a fairly level trail and almost all on pavement.
Western Heights Local Nature Reserve
The Western Heights Local Nature Reserve is a series of trails designed to help you explore the area. As with most trails, use from dawn to dusk only to ensure safety. Some surfaces are uneven, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable walking
Dover to Deal, UK
If you’re very ambitious and energetic, you can also arrange an English Heritage promoted walk to see Deal Castle ,also under their care.
Walk around town
Dover, like many places in England, has a lot of history to engage visitors. There are pretty churches, local shops, cafes, and friendly residents to make your time here worthwhile.
You will likely want to have lunch, or dinner at a local restaurant while you’re here, and before you board the train again to head back to London. As noted, we had lunch at the cafe in Dover Castle and it was a perfect break in the day for us.
If you’re having a meal while walking around town, you’ll find a restaurant available to suit your tastes.
Whether you go from London to Dover by train, car or tour, make sure to you take some time to walk around the town.
We had a pleasant visit to Dover, and we are glad we chose this location as one of our day trips while we were in the UK. For other possible day trips, visit our main menu, under day trips from London.
