🌼 White Cliffs of Dover from London: An Ideal Day Trip Itinerary

Blog cover image for the White Cliffs of Dover from London.  An image of the cliffs with a text overlay.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, visiting the White Cliffs of Dover from London is the perfect day trip.

Experience one of England’s most spectacular natural features as you take an exhilarating coastal walk atop these iconic white giants. Revel in their dramatic beauty and take in the breathtaking views across the azure water of the English Channel to the French coast.

Feel the salty sea breeze caress your skin as the water laps at the beaches below. And keep an eye out for some of the rare fauna and flora that live in this chalk grassland as you traverse the cliffs.

As well as offering one of Britain’s best coastal walks, the White Cliffs of Dover and its surroundings are home to a wealth of history. These cliffs have witnessed many a historical moment spanning multiple millennia due to their strategic defensive position.

To this day, miles of hidden wartime tunnels remain concealed within the cliffs. Two shipwrecks lie at the base of them, while a medieval castle towers majestically over the landscape.

You won’t be disappointed with a day trip to the White Cliffs of Dover from London, whether you want to become entirely immersed in nature or soak up some British history. This guide contains everything you need to know to plan your perfect day trip from London to Dover.

All prices are accurate as of December 2023

🚞 Getting to the White Cliffs of Dover from London

Scenic view of the White Cliffs of Dover and a ship in the distance
The White Cliffs of Dover offer sweeping vistas over the English Channel.

There are a few different ways you can get to the White Cliffs of Dover from London. Listed below are your different transport options.


🚗 Getting to the White Cliffs of Dover from London by Car

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The drive from London to the visitor centre at the White Cliffs of Dover is approximately a 78-mile drive requiring just under 2 hours.

Parking at the car park costs £5 per car. Check the National Trust website for opening hours for the car park and visitor centre, as well as current parking prices.

As I have my own car, I decided to drive from London to Dover. A huge bonus to travelling by car is that you’re spared the steep uphill climb from Dover town centre to the top of the cliffs!

If you don’t have your own vehicle, you may want to consider renting a car for the day to get to the White Cliffs of Dover.

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🚊 Getting to Dover from London by Train

If you don’t have your own vehicle, Dover makes for a great day trip from London by train. The closest train station to the White Cliffs is Dover Priory. It is possible to reach Dover by train from London via three different lines:

  • St Pancras to Dover Priory: 1 hour 4 minutes
  • Victoria to Dover Priory: 1 hour 58 minutes (direct) or 1 hour 46 minutes (1 change)
  • Charing Cross to Dover Priory: 1 hour 54 minutes (1 change)

Train tickets start are typically around £25-35 off-peak each way. However, they can be as cheap as £10-15 during the week.

If you’re planning on taking a day trip to Dover from London with friends then it may be worth looking into car rental as the cost of several train tickets soon adds up to be more expensive.

The White Cliffs of Dover from London provide a great day trip to the coast for sweeping views over the English Channel
Lush green chalk grassland and wildflowers cover the top of the white cliffs.

🚍 Getting to the White Cliffs of Dover from London by Bus

A far cheaper way to get to Dover from London is by bus, with tickets starting from £5 each way.

Buses run from Victoria Coach Station, approximately 600 yards from London Victoria train and underground stations. While far cheaper, it takes 3 hours to get from London to Dover by bus and there are very limited buses per day.

Taking a bus from London to Dover is not ideal for a day trip as the bus typically doesn’t arrive in Dover until 12:30-13:30 and leaves Dover again at 13:30-14:30! I’d only recommend this option if you plan on staying a night or two in Dover.


🎟 Day Tours to the White Cliffs of Dover from London

If you don’t fancy having to figure out all the details yourself, then a day tour from London to the White Cliffs of Dover is a great option.

Many of the day tours from London to Dover also include additional places such as Canterbury, Dover Castle, Leeds Castles, and Greenwich. Check the details of each tour as activities and inclusions differ.

Here are some of the best-rated day tours to the White Cliffs of Dover from London:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 The Perfect Day Trip to the White Cliffs of Dover from London

Looking down the sheer cliffs of Dover over bright blue waters with colourful wildflowers at the cliff edge
Azure waters, scattered wildflowers and sheer cliff faces await you in Dover.

The White Cliffs of Dover really do make for the perfect day trip from London. Whether you’re looking for a wonderful adults day out to escape the kids or looking for something to do with them, or just a little alone time, there’s nothing quite like a hike over the Dover Cliffs!

A walk along these iconic chalk cliffs provides spectacular coastal views through pristine British countryside teeming with wildlife and flowers. On a clear day, you can even see France on the horizon.

Far more than just a pretty destination, these British icons are a national symbol of freedom and hope. They are positively steeped in history and lore. For centuries, they have served as the gateway to Britain for those crossing the English channel.

It is due to their geography that the White Cliffs of Dover have played such a key part in history. From the Bronze Ages through the Roman times, right up to the wars in the 20th century, these cliffs have played a crucial role in wars and invasions.

Whether you’re looking to visit one of Britain’s most picturesque landscapes and absorb the tranquillity of the countryside and coast, or want to discover more about the culture and history, the White Cliffs of Dover are the perfect day trip from London.

I spent the day in Dover for my birthday in May with my dad and it was perfect! The sun was shining and the wildflowers were in full bloom.


🚖 Getting to the White Cliffs of Dover

If you drove to the White Cliffs of Dover from London, then you will begin your visit at the Tourist Information Centre where the car park for the cliffs is located.

However, if you arrive by train or bus, you will need to either walk from the town centre or take a taxi to the information centre as there is no bus service.

The walk from the town centre takes approximately 40 minutes but has about a 285ft elevation gain. Alternatively, a taxi takes 5-10 minutes and will cost around £10.

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🚶🏻 White Cliffs of Dover Scenic Coastal Walk

No visit to the White Cliffs of Dover from London would be complete without taking a scenic walk over the cliffs. Standing at the top of the cliffs looking down at the crashing waves below, you can appreciate the scale and enormity of these impressive features.

The Dover Cliffs sprawl along the coast for 16 miles, approximately 8 miles on either side of Dover. You can take any number of trails to explore this spectacular part of the British coast.

However, one of the most scenic and popular routes is the South Foreland Walk from the visitor centre to St. Margaret’s Bay. This picturesque hike is a 6-mile return trip providing the perfect combination of coastal vistas interspersed with wildlife and history. From St Margaret’s Bay, it is also possible to catch a bus back to Dover.

Looking back towards Dover Port from the White Cliffs of Dover walk
Dover is also home to one of the busiest ports in the world, which is clearly visible from the White Cliffs.

Walking the White Cliffs of Dover

An informative sign by the National Trust located at the visitor centre at the White Cliffs of Dover
All the walking trails are well-signed from the visitor centre.

The routes are well-marked, but realistically if you keep the ocean on your right and keep following the cliffs, you can’t go too wrong! The breathtaking coastal path will take you around Langdon Hole overlooking Langdon Bay to reach Fan Bay Point.

We opted to take the cliff edge route wherever possible, enjoying the exhilarating sheer drops. However, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views no matter which path you choose over the Langdon Cliffs!

A girl walking along the edge of the White Cliffs of Dover
We chose to take the cliff edge route wherever possible.

During the spring and early summer, wildflowers litter the lush greenery in an array of colours. If you’re lucky, you may also encounter Exmoor ponies grazing on the rolling grasslands or spot one of many species of butterflies flitting around.

As you meander across the cliffs, look out over the aqua water to the horizon. In the distance, you may be able to spot the hazy silhouette of France’s Caps et Marais d’Opale Natural Regional Park.

But don’t forget to look back! Behind you, you will find Dover Castle staunchly towering over the landscape as it has done for centuries. You’ll also have views of the hustle and bustle of Dover Port- one of the busiest passenger ports in the world!

Dover Castle as seen from the White Cliffs of Dover, not to be missed on a day trip from London.
Dover Castle perched majestically atop the white cliffs.

Fan Bay Deep Shelter

The first point of interest (besides all the incredible views!) is Fan Bay Deep Shelter. Located 1.2 miles from the car park, you can reach it within half an hour walking directly.

Of course, you’ll be stopping to photograph the astounding scenery along the way, so realistically it will take a bit longer!

A girl in a pink skirt at a scenic lookout at the White Cliffs of Dover
I couldn’t resist snapping off a shot here!

Constructed in 1940-41, Fan Bay Deep Shelter is a network of tunnels hidden beneath the White Cliffs of Dover. During the Second World War, they were used as accommodation for the gun battery. Today, you can journey into the past with a guided tour of the hidden tunnels.

For more information on tickets and opening times, visit the National Trust website.


South Foreland Lighthouse

Continue to wind your way towards South Foreland Lighthouse. This 18th-century lighthouse is a 40-minute (2-mile) walk from the visitor centre.

When we visited in May, the field to our left was ablaze with colour from a myriad of flowers as we passed it from Fan Bay.

Red poppies and other yellow and purple wildflowers add brights bursts of colour to a field at the White Cliffs of Dover
A sea of wildflowers atop the White Cliffs of Dover.

As you get closer, the lighthouse can be seen in the distance behind the patchwork quilt of these colourful wildflowers.

A light has been visible at this spot on South Foreland since the 1300s to safely guard the passage of ships to shore. The current South Foreland Lighthouse was built in 1846 and was in use until 1988.

It is possible to take a guided tour of the lighthouse and discover more of its history, as well as take in uninterrupted views from the balcony. Find out more information about visiting the lighthouse here.

South Foreland Lighthouse at the White Cliffs of Dover with a field of wildflowers in the foreground
South Foreland Lighthouse.

At South Foreland Lighthouse, you will also find Mrs Knott’s Tearoom. This charming tearoom provides the perfect pitstop for a cup of tea or a bite to eat before making your way to St Margaret’s Beach.

View of South Foreland Lighthouse
View of South Foreland Lighthouse as you head towards St Margarets Bay.

St Margaret’s Bay Windmill

From South Foreland Lighthouse, you will need to walk inland a little to continue on to St Margaret’s Beach. Don’t worry, you’ll get back to scenic views of the White Cliffs of Dover soon enough!

St Margarets Bay windmill in the distance above greenery and fields.
St Margaret’s Bay Windmill.

On your way, you’ll pass by St Margaret’s Bay Windmill. Built in 1929, this Grade II listed building served to provide electricity to the attached house for 10 years. We only viewed it from a distance, but it was a nice little landmark to spot!

From here the path opens back up to coastal views where you’re able to catch glimpses of St Margarets Bay nestled between the sheer cliffs.

View of the White Cliffs of Dover and St Margarets Bay
View of the White Cliffs of Dover and St Margarets Bay.

Pines Gardens

As you make your way down from the Dover Cliffs, you will meander along quiet roads to reach St Margarets Bay. Along the way, you will pass by The Pines Gardens and Tearooms.

This six-acre garden has many different features, including a lake, a grass labyrinth, flowering shrubs and a kitchen garden. We admired the gardens as we passed, preferring to save time for the beach. However, this would be a beautiful addition to your walk.

Alternatively, pop into the tearooms, where much of their produce is grown organically in the gardens. It’s a great place to fuel up before hitting the beach!


St Margaret’s Bay Beach

St Margarets Bay Beach, the perfect last stop on a day trip to the White Cliffs of Dover from London
St Margarets Bay Beach.

St Margaret’s Bay beach is a 3-mile walk from the visitor centre, most of which is a gentle stroll. This is the perfect place to end your White Cliffs of Dover walk.

Relax on the pebbled beach as the waves gently lap the shore, with the imposing backdrop of Dover Cliffs on either side. If you’re brave enough, it’s a great place for a swim!

There is a pub, The Coastguard, with a typically British menu. I’d recommend fish and chips because it’s not a proper trip to the seaside without it!

At the western end of the bay, you’ll also find some cute, multicoloured beach huts!

Colourful beach huts at St Margarets Bay Beach.
Colourful beach huts at St Margaret’s Bay Beach.

From here you have the option of continuing on for a longer walk, returning back via the same route to Dover, or catching the bus back to Dover. We found this to be the perfect stop for us to turn around and enjoy the view of the White Cliffs of Dover looking back in the opposite direction!

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Longer Dover Cliffs Walks

There are also a number of other longer walks you can take that include the White Cliffs of Dover if you have more than a day to visit Dover from London.

The South Foreland Walk comprises part of two greater walks; the England Coast Path and the Saxon Shore Way. The England Coast Path covers 2795 miles around the English coast. While substantially shorter, the Saxon Shore Way is still impressive, covering 160 miles of Kent’s ancient coastline.

Other longer walks include Via Francigena, Miners’ Way Trail, Stour Valley Way and the North Downs Way.


Shorter Dover Cliffs Walks

If you’re not quite up for the 6-mile return walk to St Margaret’s Bay, then I’d still recommend starting along this route and turning back at a place that suits you. The views are captivating from the very beginning, so you don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of the White Cliffs.

View of the White Cliffs of Dover from near the Visitor Centre
Even a short walk from the visitor centre will reward you with spectacular views.

There is also an accessible, shorter walk to a viewpoint for wheelchair users or those with more limited ability. This viewpoint will not disappoint! It offers sweeping views of the cliffs, the English Channel, Dover Port and even out to France on a clear day!

For further information on all the other trails available, click here.

The White Cliffs of Dover as seen from the accessible viewpoint
The easily accessible viewpoint provides panoramic views of the cliffs and the English Channel.

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🏰 Other Things to Do in Dover

The White Cliffs are definitely the biggest attraction in Dover. And honestly, the only other thing I’d really recommend you see in Dover is the castle.

If you got an early start to your day it would absolutely be possible to include Dover Castle on your day trip to Dover from London. Although, the White Cliffs are worth the trip alone!

For those that are interested, there are a couple of other small attractions. However, on a day trip from London, I would definitely prioritise the White Cliffs of Dover and Dover Castle.


Dover Castle

Dover Castle as seen from Castle Hill Road
Dover Castle is the largest castle in England.

Dover Castle is one of the best castles near London to visit on a day trip. Unfortunately, the castle was closed when I visited. However, its presence can be seen and felt from all over Dover.

It is a magnificent building perched atop a hill towering over the city below. Furthermore, it is the largest castle in England, covering an area almost 50% larger than Windsor Castle (the largest inhabited castle in the world). I will certainly be back to visit this impressive castle when I can!

There are many fascinating elements to the castle and its grounds, including a Roman Lighthouse, secret wartime tunnels, an underground hospital and the Great Tower.

The entrance to Dover Castle.
The entrance to Dover Castle.

The English Heritage manages Dover Castle, as well as many other castles and attractions. If you plan on visiting a few others during your time in England, you may wish to consider buying an English Heritage Pass for tourists.

This includes unlimited access over 9 (£45) or 16 days (£53) to hundreds of English Heritage attractions, including Dover Castle.

Alternatively, book your ticket for Dover Castle online from £20.90.

While you don’t need to book your tickets in advance, you will typically find they are cheaper when booked online.

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Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery

Dover Museum houses a variety of real artefacts, models and original pictures showcasing the history and archaeology of Dover. Attached is the Bronze Age Boat Gallery, home to the world’s oldest known seagoing boat (thought to be around 3000 years old).

If you’re interested in discovering more about Dover’s history or are visiting with kids, then it may be worth popping into the museum. Plus, admission is free!

Check the Dover Museum website for opening times and current exhibitions.


Roman Painted House

Dating back to 200 AD, the Roman Painted House in Dover was only discovered and excavated in 1970. It is exceptionally well preserved, with walls in four rooms surviving at 4-6 feet in height.

Additionally, over 400 square feet of painted plaster survived- the most ever discovered north of the Alps.

If you are a keen history buff then you may enjoy this unique attraction. Tickets cost only £4 and more information can be found on their website.


East Kent Railway

The East Kent Railway is a heritage line constructed between 1911-1917 and located at Shepherdswell Station. It’s a 15-minute drive or a 10-minute train journey from Dover to Shepherdswell.

Here, you’ll find a miniature railway, model railway and a small museum. You can also take a ride along the heritage line from Shepherdswell to Eythorne.

As it is pretty much on the way back to London, it could be worth a stop for anyone interested in trains or for families. Find more information on their website.

Views of the White Cliffs of Dover and St Margarets Bay.
Views of the White Cliffs of Dover and St Margaret’s Bay.

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⭐️ Top Tips for Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover from London

Bring a rain jacket

This is England after all, and the weather can change quickly! At the very least, you will want to take some layers as it is often cooler at the coast.

While it was a warm, sunny day when we went, there was still a breeze from the ocean that made it chilly at times.


Wear comfortable shoes

The hike over the White Cliffs of Dover is a fairly easy one. However, I’d recommend a decent pair of trainers or walking shoes as the ground is a little uneven at times.


Bring cash

Due to the remote location of some of the attractions, not all accept credit card. Therefore, it’s worth bringing some cash with you.

Exposed white chalk faces of the cliffs of Dover

Stay hydrated

As you’ll be hiking, you’ll want to ensure you have plenty of water with you. We don’t travel anywhere without a reusable water bottle. Remain hydrated without wasting single use plastic bottles!


Be careful with French mobile phone service

Upon arriving at the White Cliffs of Dover, I received a text message from my mobile provider saying “Welcome to France…”. Yes, I was able to pick up cell service from France!

Fortunately, anyone with a European SIM card is unlikely to be charged any roaming fees. However, if you’ve got a SIM card that doesn’t cover France you may wish to switch off roaming.

Also, one thing we hadn’t considered is that our phones also updated to French time automatically. We hadn’t realised this until we got back to the car park, having rushed back thinking it was later than it was!


Don’t forget your camera!

The views truly are magnificent, so don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these awe-inspiring scenes.

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🏠 Where to Stay in Dover

Looking back towards Dover Port from atop the White Cliffs.
Looking back towards Dover Port from atop the White Cliffs.

While you can easily take a day trip from London to Dover, if you have more time then you may wish to consider staying overnight.

This will allow you a more relaxed pace. Spend time exploring the White Cliffs of Dover and coastal walks one day, then visit Dover Castle and other attractions the next!

Castle House Guest House is a great option. It has excellent reviews (8.9/10⭐️) and a perfect location, just 0.5 miles from Dover Castle and 1.1 miles from the White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre. Prices start at around £85 per night and include a full English breakfast.

🙋🏽‍♀️ White Cliffs of Dover FAQs

If you’re looking for some quick answers to frequently asked questions about visiting the White Cliffs of Dover from London, then this section is for you!

I’ve tried to include all the most pertinent information in as concise a manner as possible for easy reference.


How far are the White Cliffs of Dover from London?

The White Cliffs of Dover from London are a 78 mile drive or just under 2 hours drive time.

From London to Dover by train takes a minimum of 1 hour 4 minutes.

Reaching Dover from London by bus takes 3 hours.


How do you get to the White Cliffs of Dover?

You can reach the White Cliffs of Dover from London by car, public transport or tour. If arriving in Dover by public transport, you will need to either walk or take a taxi from the station or town centre to the cliffs.

If travelling by car, you can park at the White Cliffs of Dover National Trust car park.

Looking back towards Dover Port from atop the White Cliffs with the exposed chalk face in the foreground and bright blue ocean.
A walk over the White Cliffs of Dover provides stunning views in every direction.

Can you walk on the White Cliffs of Dover?

You can absolutely walk along the White Cliffs of Dover, and I highly recommend you do! There are a number of scenic walks that will take you over the cliffs which we’ve covered in this guide.


How long does it take to walk the White Cliffs of Dover?

There are a number of trails to walk over the cliffs of different durations. The South Foreland Walk is a popular and scenic 2-mile walk from the visitor centre to South Foreland Lighthouse, taking approximately 40 minutes each way.


How tall are the White Cliffs of Dover?

The White Cliffs of Dover are 350ft (110m) high.

A woman standing atop a sheer cliff at the White Cliffs of Dover
A woman standing atop the White Cliffs adds some perspective to the immense scale of this landscape.

How long are the White Cliffs of Dover?

The White Cliffs of Dover are 16 miles in length, stretching approximately 8 miles either side of Dover.


Why are the White Cliffs of Dover white?

The White Cliffs of Dover are white because they are chalk cliffs, with natural erosion constantly maintaining their fresh white appearance.

They are one of several sets of white cliffs in England. Others (that are all worth a visit too!) include Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters in East Sussex, Flamborough Head in Yorkshire (where you can also see puffins in the summer!), The Needle in the Isle of Wight and the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.


How old are the White Cliffs of Dover?

The White Cliffs of Dover date back over 136 million years. They were formed from the shells and skeletons of tiny sea creatures that sank to the bottom of the sea when they died.

View of St Margarets Bay and the White Cliffs of Dover.
The White Cliffs of Dover are over 136 million years old.

How far is Dover from France?

At its narrowest point, the Strait of Dover is 20.7 miles (33. km). South Foreland is the closest place in England to France.


Can you see France from Dover?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to see France from Dover (and vice versa) on a clear day.


Are dogs allowed on the White Cliffs of Dover?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the scenic walks along the White Cliffs of Dover. However, from 1st March to 31st July they are required to remain on a short lead due to ground-nesting birds. Also, be aware that ponies and sheep are used for grazing at various locations on the cliffs.


When is the best time to visit the White Cliffs of Dover?

May or September are the best months to visit the White Cliffs of Dover, providing the best balance between good weather and less visitors. In May you’ll also find an abundance of wildflowers in bloom and nesting birds.

Pink wildflowers in the foreground with the White Cliffs of Dover and turquoise waters in the background.
Wildflowers add a myriad of colour to the cliffs during summer months.

Based solely on weather, between May and September is the best time to visit the White Cliffs of Dover. During these summer months, the weather tends to be warmer and drier with temperatures between 20-25ºC (68-77ºF), making a walk over the cliffs much more enjoyable.

Additionally, the longer daylight hours during the summer allow you to fit in more on a day trip from London.

However, July and August are also peak months for tourism, so expect it to be busier during these months.

Nesting gulls at the White Cliffs of Dover.
Gulls perched at the edge of the cliffs appeared to be nesting.

Are the White Cliffs of Dover wheelchair accessible?

Map of the White Cliffs of Dover showing wheelchair accessibility routes

There is wheelchair access to the White Cliffs of Dover visitor centre, as well as accessible bathrooms.

From the Visitor Centre, there is a 400m accessible path that leads to a beautiful viewpoint. However, it may not be suitable for self-propelled wheelchairs due to the terrain.

The rest of the paths along the clifftop are over rough and uneven terrain making them inaccessible for most wheelchair users. You can find out more comprehensive information about accessibility within the White Cliffs of Dover Access Statment here.

For those considering walking from the train station to the cliffs, it appears the route is not wheelchair accessible. I have not personally walked this route, however, I did look at the whole route on “street view” on Google Maps and it appears there is at least one set of stairs along the way which you can see here.

The walk is also very steep, so even if there is a route avoiding steps, you would want to take this into consideration depending on the type of wheelchair being used as it may be very challenging with a self-propelled wheelchair.

🤔 Final thoughts on visiting the White Cliffs of Dover from London

Wildflowers colour the foreground, with sweeping views across the grassland, the White Cliffs of Dover and azure waters of the English Channel
You will discover captivating views from the minute you arrive at the White Cliffs of Dover from London.

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Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover from London will not disappoint. These incredible iconic cliffs are worth the visit alone. If you’re able to visit Dover Castle as well, then I’d highly recommend including it on your day trip.

I hope you’ve found this guide helpful. As always, we welcome any questions or comments you have.

As previously mentioned, the White Cliffs of Dover aren’t the only white cliffs in England. Consider visiting Flamborough Head in Yorkshire and Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters in East Sussex for even more beautiful white chalk cliffs.

You may also enjoy some of our London guides for your time in the capital city, as well as our other England guides if you fancy exploring this beautiful country further:

If you’re continuing your travels around other parts of the UK, check out our guides for Wales and Scotland too 🙂

But most importantly, have the most amazing time at the White Cliffs of Dover!

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Written by
Sophie's passion for travel and photography are outweighed only by her love for animals! Originally from London and now living in the Pacific Northwest, Sophie has traveled to over 30 countries across all seven continents, many of which as a solo female traveller.

14 thoughts on “🌼 White Cliffs of Dover from London: An Ideal Day Trip Itinerary”

  1. I LOVE this area. We did the walk along the North Downs way (from South London to Dover) and I have to say, the last section from Folkstone to Dover was the most beautiful of the entire hike. I was really surprised by how gorgeous, blue and tropical the water looks when the sun is shining. It’s not what you expect in Blighty!

    It looks like you had a fabulous time there too. 🙂

    Reply
    • Oh wow that sounds amazing. I agree, I didn’t expect it to be as beautiful as it was either! It truly is a spectacular part of the country 🙂

      Reply
  2. Oh how beautiful! I wish I would’ve known how close these breathtaking cliffs are to London because I totally would’ve went there during my trip last October. Now I have a reason to go back 🙂

    Reply
  3. Your photos are stunning! I love the white cliffs in contrast to the turquoise water and wildflowers. It looks like such a peaceful and relaxing place for a walk. Even better that there is a castle too! Great tips on visiting these beauties. ?

    Reply
  4. Hello, that’s one extremely nice article!
    Can I just ask a couple more things though:
    1) Would you recommend first visiting the castle and then doing the trailing walk (given that would like to end up for a quick swim at the beach)?
    2) How much time does it take the trail you have done?
    3) Are there ticks? >o<

    Reply
    • Thank you Polly. You could definitely do the castle first if it would suit your itinerary better, then you’re also not rushing back to get to the castle before it closes. As for the walk time, it’d probably be about an hour each way if you walked at a reasonable pace and didn’t stop. However, it took us longer as we kept stopping to admire the views and take photos! I would imagine that there’s a possibility of there being ticks in the area as there is grassland and livestock, but I don’t think it’s a problem in the area. If they are there I didn’t encounter any and I don’t think they’re rampant or likely to cause an issue for you 🙂

      Reply
      • Hi Richard.

        Thank you for your queries.

        From my understanding, Dover Castle is partially wheelchair accessible. You can find information on their accessibility here.

        As for the walk from the train station to the cliffs, I have not personally walked this route. However, I did just look at the whole route on “street view” on Google Maps and it appears there is at least one set of stairs along the way. You can see that here. Therefore, unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that the walk from the train station would be wheelchair accessible. The walk is also very steep, so even if there is a route avoiding steps you would want to take this into consideration depending on the type of wheelchair being used as it may be very challenging with a manual chair.

        Finally, there is wheelchair access to the White Cliffs of Dover visitor centre, as well as accessible bathrooms. From the Visitor Centre there is a 400m accessible path that leads to a beautiful viewpoint. However, it may not be suitable for self-propelled wheelchairs due to the terrain. The rest of the paths along the clifftop are over rough and uneven terrain making them inaccessible for most wheelchair users. You can find out more about White Cliffs of Dover accessibility, as well as contact details for more information here.

        You may find this post useful as it is written by a wheelchair user so they can provide a first-hand account of their experience.

        I hope this information is useful.

        Sophie

        Reply
  5. Hi there.
    We are looking for a tour from London to Dover in June 2023 who would allow us to take our luggages as we are staying in Dover overnight. We will not be going back to London. Do you know a tour company with contact information.
    Greatly appreciate the help. Thank you

    Reply
    • Hi Juanita,

      This Dover from London Day Tour, offered by Go Tours, would take to you Canterbury before Dover where I assume you could leave the group when they continue back to London. They allow one suitcase and one carry-on item but request that the suitcase doesn’t exceed 15kg. I would recommend getting in touch with them though to confirm bringing luggage and leaving the group prior to the return to London. Here is the tour Go Tours Dover Day Trip.

      Alternatively, you can book a transfer from London to Dover then visit Dover yourself. These transfers typically take you to the ferry, so it would be worth calling them and seeing if you could be dropped off in town instead. For example, this transfer offers a stop at Dover Castle: London to Dover Transfer.

      You could also consider taking a train from London. It is easy to get to Dover from London by train and would allow you to bring your luggage without concern. You can then take a taxi from the train station to your accommodation before exploring Dover.

      I hope this helps and you have the most wonderful time.

      Sophie

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  6. These pictures are so lovely! I’ve always wanted to go there, but never got the chance. Instead I’ve been to Beachy Head in Eastbourne, which is also outstanding. I never wanted to leave, it was so beautiful with the cliffs and the bluest ocean water. Definitely want to visit Dover next time!

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