Dover is known either for its cliffs or as a gateway for people and goods travelling to and from Europe. With a rental car, you can also head out along the coast or explore inland, with Canterbury and other destinations within easy reach.
Clifftop castle
At the top of your itinerary should be Dover Castle, a historic fortress believed to have its origins in the Iron Age. The Castle and its Great Tower are open to the public, and an entrance ticket allows you to explore fascinating areas of the site, including its network of tunnels dug beneath the castle in the 13th century.
Famously used as a Second World War command centre, this is where the Dunkirk evacuation - nicknamed Operation Dynamo - was planned. Guided tours are available, where friendly and knowledgeable guides tell you all about the decisions made here in the tunnels beneath the castle that saved hundreds of thousands of lives.
Coastal views
An iconic sight on the English coastline, the White Cliffs of Dover offer spectacular views, with France visible across the Channel on a clear day. If you’re visiting during the summer months, park at the Visitor Centre and take the scenic walk along the cliffs.
This route will take you to South Foreland Lighthouse, a Victorian structure that was in operation until 1988, guiding ships to safety from the treacherous rocks below. Today, it’s open to the public and has its own vintage tearoom and viewing platform where you can enjoy excellent views of the surrounding shoreline.
Natural wonders
The cliffs themselves are of course best seen from the water. But if you’re not planning to hop on a ferry to France, you can still take a boat tour from Dover Marina to see the cliffs in all their glory.
Alternatively, hop in your rental car and take the short drive to Samphire Hoe, a nature reserve lying on the coast between Dover and Folkestone to the west. Situated beneath the cliffs, this piece of land was made using chalk materials excavated from the Channel Tunnel. It’s now a peaceful haven for wildlife, with many wildflowers and birds, making it the perfect place for an idyllic coastal walk. Parking is available at the site for a small fee.
Historic day out
Renting a car in Dover allows you to set your own itinerary and make the most of your time in Kent, with many day trip destinations within easy reach. Travel just a few kilometres north along the A2 for Canterbury, a historic city packed with attractions and beautiful buildings.
A highlight of any visit is Canterbury Cathedral, a magnificent structure dating back to 1070. Features include medieval stained-glass windows and Trinity Chapel. This chapel houses the shrine of St Thomas Becket, the pilgrimage site that inspired Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
With a rental car in Dover, a visit to Canterbury and much more lies within easy reach during your stay.
