The White Cliffs of Dover (map), part of the North Downs formation, is the region of English coastline facing the Strait of Dover and France. The cliff face, which reaches a height of 350 feet (110 m), owes its striking appearance to its composition of chalk accented by streaks of black flint.

The cliffs, on both sides of the town of Dover in Kent, stretch for eight miles (13 km). A section of coastline encompassing the cliffs was purchased by the National Trust.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Walking on The White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs are at one end of the Kent Downs designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. On a clear day they are visible from the French coast. The chalk cliffs of the Alabaster Coast of Normandy in France are part of the same geological system.

In 1999 a sustainable National Trust visitor centre was built in the area. The Gateway building, designed by van Heyningen and Haward Architects, houses a restaurant, an information centre on the work of the National Trust, and details of local archaeology, history and landscape.

Dover Castle (map), the largest castle in England, was founded in the 11th century. It has been described as the “Key to England” owing to its defensive significance throughout history.

South Foreland Lighthouse (map) is a Victorian-era lighthouse on the South Foreland in St. Margaret’s Bay, which was once used to warn ships approaching the nearby Goodwin Sands.

Samphire Hoe Country Park (map) is a nature reserve on a new piece of land created from the rock excavated during the construction of the Channel Tunnel. It covers a 74-acre (30 ha) site at the foot of Shakespeare Cliff, between Dover and Folkestone.

Dover is a major port town facing into the English Channel and, at just 21 miles from the French port of Calais, it is the closest port to continental Europe on mainland Britain.

TRAVELINE – Provides online travel planner services for all public transportation across Great Britain. They also have separate planners dedicated to specific regions.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: How to get here (nationaltrust.org.uk) • Travel to and around England (visitengland.com) • Getting around Britain (visitbritain.com).

BUS: Stagecoach East Kent are the main bus operator in the Dover area. Maps, timetables and fare information are available on their website. National Express | UK Stop finder

TRAIN: The essential source for rail travel information in Great Britain is the National Rail website. It includes an extremely useful journey planner, ticket prices and detailed information about every railway station in the country.

AIRPORT: airportguides.co.uk. The most important airports are London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester Airport.

FERRY: There are many ferry routes into the UK from continental Europe. (*Ferry routes to Great Britain)

Bicycles may be taken on car ferries and on Eurotunnel shuttle trains. Eurostar allows folding bikes on all its trains, and offers a more restricted service for other bikes, but has quite strict and specific rules that are worth reading up on before you travel.

Deep beneath the White Cliffs of Dover lies a warren of forgotten tunnels, part of Churchill’s first line of defence against attack from across the channel. Now the tunnels have been opened up for the first time since the 1940s.

⇒ video source: National Trust / youtube.com /

Ways to visit the UK. Visit for tourism, business or a short stay (up to 6 months), airport transit visas. + Visa & Entry (visitbritain.com)

Our article about the city of London. Information about the city’s attractions, culture, events, and activities. Public transport.

We can help you making your journey using the most up to date information from around the UK for all transport companies.