Hiking The White Cliffs Of Dover - Saunter With Sanika

Are you ready to begin hiking the white cliffs of Dover and be rewarded with a paradise of scenic views?

The sea is calm tonight.

The tide is full, the moon lies fair

Upon the straits; on the French coast the light

Gleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand,

– Dover Beach, Matthew Arnold

The nerd in me has wanted to visit Dover ever since I came across Matthew Arnold’s Dover Beach a couple of years ago. After reading the first four lines of this post, can you blame me?

Dover is a captivating destination in southeastern England that has inspired people for centuries with its glimmering waters and tranquil atmosphere. The town’s iconic chalk coastline has been a symbol of the country’s isolation, and despite its importance for trade routes and shipping lanes, remains as such through a laidback lifestyle. This ‘Gateway to England’ is unmissable by those hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of busy cities and is a magnet for nature lovers.

Looking out at the water, spotting the faded outline of the French coast is just one of the many mesmerising scenes in this environment of vibrant greens and blues that highly contrast the man-made features around. Spending time on the hiking trails on the White Cliffs or strolling along the stunning bays on a warm summer day (or in my case, when it’s pouring with rain even though it was mid-August) will bring you nothing but serenity.

However, natural beauty is not all Dover offers its visitors. This English town is just like any other, and is bursting with history. From castles to wartime artefacts, you can find it all here! The wartime elements of this region is particularly fascinating because Dover’s location has forced it to play a crucial defensive role over the ages.

Hiking the white cliffs of Dover is pleasant and can be accomplished by all levels of hikers in just a few hours, however spending a night in Dover is something I would highly recommend. There is so much to this adventurous, authentic English town that leaves everyone content when they leave. The crisp, fresh air is a welcomed change, especially the evening breeze by the pier and pebble beach, and the restaurants that serve a variety of local and international cuisine tickle your tastebuds to leave something to be desired.

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Travel and Accommodation In Dover

Dover is the more popular version of Margate and Broadstairs and is one of the closest seafront towns from London. Therefore, it serves as the perfect day trip from the country’s capital if you are searching for clear air and natural beauty, but also makes for a wonderful weekend getaway so you can explore more than just the White Cliffs.

Driving to the White Cliffs is typically what people do because it is quick and efficient. The drive from Central London takes under two hours via the M2 and A2, or you can go via the M20. There are several parking locations near the cliffs including at Dover Castle and White Cliffs Dover Information Centre.

Alternatively you can take the 50 minutes fast train via St Pancras to Dover Priory Station, and gain the added bonus of walking along the Dover Seafront on your way to the cliffs. I travelled in this way and cannot recommend this enough.

If you happen to be arriving from Europe, make your way to Dunkirk and then take the two hour ferry across the English Channel!

If you choose to spend more than a day, here are two lovely accommodation options:

Five Beautiful Things To Do In Dover

White Cliffs Of Dover

Rarely does anyone visit Dover for anything other than hiking the White Cliff. These steep chalk attractions are perfect for hikers of all levels, and along with a great hike, a few trails also lead you to beautiful hidden beaches.

Picturesque views are not all you get though! A couple of miles into your hike, you will come across the fascinating Fan Bay Deep Shelter, which is a system of dark tunnels excavated for an artillery battery in the Second World War (make sure you book beforehand). Towards the end, you will also come across a towering, white lighthouse rightfully in its place.

Dover Castle

Dover Castle has been overlooking the English Channel in all its glory since the 12th century, and what may look like a simple Norman structure on the outside, is nothing but lavish on the inside. You will find yourself immersed in a rich reflection of Medieval England as you walk through exquisitely furnished chambers, military re-enactments and medieval feasts in the banqueting hall.

Roman Painted House

Like most of England, Dover was once heavily influenced by its Roman heritage, and attractions of this ancient era can still be explored today. The Roman Painted House was built around 200AD as part of a large mansion used by travellers venturing across the English Channel. It is the finest surviving Roman Period House in the country.

Dover Museum

Dover Museum reflects the thousands os years of history present in Dover, however it is most popular for housing the world’s oldest known seagoing vessel – a Bronze Age wooden boat believed to be about 3000 years old.

Dover Sea Safari

If you are looking for a different perceptive of the town and the cliffs, why not venture out to seas on a high speed boat that cruises you along the harbour? Read more about this thrilling experience here.

Getting To The White Cliffs Of Dover

To begin hiking the while cliffs of Dover, take the 15 minute walk from Dover Priory Station through the town centre to the Marine Parade Beach. From there, its another short 30 minutes walk as you follow the port and signs that will guide you to the “official” entrance to the cliffs, which is the The National Trust’s White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre.

Once you get to the the entrance, there is a map showcasing the various routes you can hike depending on how long you would like to spend on the cliffs. The entire hike involves different inclines and also takes you to a hidden beach, which I highly recommend if you are lucky to catch a clear day.