The port provides a great deal of the town’s employment, although many of the erstwhile ferry services have declined, so that unemployment tends to be higher than other parts of Kent. Dover is also home to the military, and has a strong tourist base.

Dover is situated at the extreme south-east corner of Britain, at the nearest point to the continent, which is only 22 miles (35.2km) across the Straits of Dover.

The higher land on either side of the valley - the Western Heights and the eastern high point on which Dover Castle stands - have been adapted to perform the function of protection against invaders. Meanwhile the town itself has gradually extended up the river valley.

The Dover Harbour Board is the responsible authority for the running of the Port of Dover.

The English Channel, here at its narrowest point in the Straits of Dover, is the busiest shipping lane in the world. 

The Port of Dover is also used by cruise ship passengers, and the old Dover Marine railway station building, together with a newly built one, cater for those cruise passengers.

The ferry lines using the port are: P&O, Sea France, Speed Ferries.

There are two museums in Dover: the main Dover Museum, and the Dover Transport Museum.

Dover Cruise Port

Great heritage and great service.  That's what you'll find at Dover Cruise Port, whether you are starting or finishing your cruise at Dover or simply visiting for the day.  We aim to make your journey through the port as friendly and efficient as possible, putting you in the right frame of mind to relax and concentrate on enjoying your cruise.

Today Dover is the second busiest cruise port in the UK and the eight busiest North European Cruise Port, welcoming over 170,000 cruise passengers per year.  Driven by massive investment, state of the art facilities, excellent modern transport links and award winning customer service, the port is now very much a 21st century operation.

The White Cliffs of Dover ‘The most popular stretch of the UK’s coastline

These world famous majestic cliffs, which have for centuries played a key role in our history as Britain’s ‘frontline’ now provide a welcoming sight for many millions of people. Gaze at the cliffs from the beach, enjoy wonderful walks and superb views.

There's a wealth of landmark tourist attractions and places to stay in and around Kent. If you are travelling through the port, perhaps catching a ferry or embarking a cruise, have you thought of stopping off and spending some time in the Garden of England

Places to visit in South-East England

Want to make the most of any time you have in Dover? This section spotlights some of the finest attractions the town and region has to offer, so you can enjoy the very best of this fascinating corner of England.

Dover

Welcome to White Cliffs County, voted the most popular stretch of coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  For free brochures, activity ideas, accommodation, shopping and food and drink information, you can find it all at www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk/

Kent

Known as the Garden of England for its rich farming and hopmaking heritage, Kent stretches from Dover's White Cliffs Country to medieval Canterbury in the east, elegant Tunbridge Wells to the west and the historic Medway towns to the north. In-between are over 300,000 listed historic buildings, miles of idyllic countryside and winding lanes, and every now and then, the county's unique white-tipped oast houses. Don't know where to start? Here are some ideas to help you plan...www.kenttourism.co.uk

Dover Castle

If you have half a day or so to spend in Dover, Dover Castle offers an enthralling experience. Perched high on the town's scenic white cliffs, this splendid, medieval castle has a warren of secret tunnels used by the War Cabinet in World War II and a stupendous recreation of the court of the Tudor monarch, Henry VIII. Open 10am daily, but for more details, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk.

Canterbury Cathedral & City

Complete with a stunning ornamental gateway, Canterbury Cathedral is one of the UK's most hallowed sights. One of the world's oldest cathedrals and the site of the murder of Thomas Beckett, the beautiful edifice is a must-see for any visitor to Kent. Along with its ancient city walls, bustling shopping streets and picturebook Cathedral Square, Canterbury is a handily quick 20 minutes drive from Dover. Go to www.canterbury-cathedral.org to find out more.

Leeds Castle

Dubbed the loveliest castle in the world, Leeds is the stuff of fairytales and a mere 35-minute drive from Dover. Surrounded by a vast, looking-glass moat and glorious grounds where you can wander in peace, it's also home to a priceless collection of art, with works by Brueghel and 18th century portrait painter Allan Ramsay. Open daily from 10am. Click www.leeds-castle.com for more information.

Rochester Castle

An atmospheric Norman castle built in 1078, complete with the tallest keep in England and three impressive square towers, Rochester Castle commands wonderful views over the River Medway and Rochester Cathedral. While you're here, take a wander around Dickensian Rochester, with its cosy tea shoppes and lovely Cathedral. Open daily from 10am. You'll find more details at www. medway.gov.uk.

London

Just over 1 hour 45 minutes away by train and 1 hour 30 minutes driving time from Dover, London is famed for its historic sights, royal palaces, swish shopping, superb museums and leisure attractions. From Buckingham Palace and Madame Tussauds, the spooky Tower of London to soaring Big Ben, plus fabulous theatres and the capital's newest landmark, the sensational London Eye, this is one city that has it all. Don't forget the essential double-decker bus ride! Click www. londontouristboard.co.uk for further details.

For Dover taxi please emai: l info@minivanplus.com

Passengers arriving at Heathrow airport who are looking for taxi service for their transfers to dover cruise port or passengers looking for luxury car service in Heathrow airport for their airport transfer to Dover visit www.adlg.co.uk. Taxi from Gatwick airport to Dover and taxi from London to dover are also their specialities.

Accommodation in the Dover area
Ashford International, Ashford - www.ashfordinthotel.com

Eastwell Manor Hotel, Ashford - www.eastwellmanor.co.uk

Chilston Park Hotel, Maidstone - www.chilstonparkhotel.co.uk

Olde Moat House, Romney Marsh - www.oldemoathouse.co.uk

White Cliffs Dover Hotel & Guest House Group - www.stayindover.co.uk

Dover Guest House Association - www.doveraccommodation.co.uk/ 

Ramada Dover Hotel - www.ramadadover.co.uk

Best Western Churchill Hotel & Health Club- www.bw-churchillhotel.co.uk

Premier Travel Inn - Premier Travel inn

County Hotel, Canterbury - www.thecountyhotel-canterbury.co.uk

Iffin Farmhouse, Canterbury - www.iffinfarmhouse.co.uk

For Dover taxi please call on +44(0)20 8208 2809 or Email : info@minivanplus.com 

Our servieces:

• Airport transfers - Our drivers meet & greet ourclients inside the all terminals in the arriaval halls holding a board with the clients name on. After meeting you our drivers will assists you with your luggage and lead you to the car for your for your transfers.
• Airport to airport transfers: We operate a very competitive and reliable airport shuttle service between all London airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London city airports.
• London transfers - We provide transfers from all London areas including hotels, businesses and private addresses and our drivers will be at the pickup location 10 minutes prior to the transfer time.
• Cruise transers - For cruise transfers we aim to provide the most suitable vehicle for your requirements as cruise passengers need to carry an excess amount of luggage, however for pricing the number of passengers will be taken into account to allow us to offer you the best competitive price. For small groups of 2 to 3 passengers with large amount of luggage we have a very cost effective option of our small minivan transfers
• Cruise transfers with tours - For small extra charge may be you will like to include a small tour:
  If you are travelling to / from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and London to / from Southampton cruise port the on route tours include: London, Windsor Castle, Winchester, Stonehenge, Salisbury, Bath.
  If you are travelling to / from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and London to / from Dover cruise port the on route tours include:
  London, Leeds Castle, Canterbury, White cliffes of Dover and Dover Castle.
  If you are travelling to / from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and London to / from Harwich cruise port the on route tours include:
  London, Hampton Court, Windsor Castle.
• Cruise Port Pickups - We pickup from all UK cruise ports including Dover cruise port, Southampton cruise port and Harwich cruise port. We also provide very early morning pickups from the cruise ports to enable passengers to catch their early morning flights from Heahrow, Gatwick and Stansted airport at no extra cost