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Unmissable Dover

• Cruise, Shore Excursions.
• Castles and cliffs tour
• Clifftop walking tour
• Spitfires/Planes/WW2 tour
• Local Winery Tour.

Point to Point Walking

• What to see in Dover?
• Other Kent Attractions
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Explore Dover's White Cliffs and attractions across Kent with my expert knowledge and guidance, making the most of your time.

Private tours of Dover, The  White Cliffs and across Kent.

Dover tours. personal, private, guided tours and transfers, dover tours services.

 As the sole owner, operator of Dover Tours, I am a fully insured and licenced, Private Hire Operator and Driver. 

I specialise in offering bespoke, private and exclusive, tours of Dover and the attractions across Kent.  I also offer transfer services.   

I am a nurse by profession and father of two girls.  I have lived in Dover my whole life, as have my relatives and family, generations before me.  I feel passionately about showing people the hidden beauty as well as the obvious magnificent sights that Dover has to offer.  

I can offer expert guidance making sure you experience a truly rich and unique Dover excursion.  

I am committed to excellent customer service and making sure that you get to experience the beauty that Dover, Kent and the South East of England has to offer.

• Don't limit your Dover sightseeing to the distance your feet can take you or public transport restrictions.  See Dover in a way that you will always remember!
• There are several planned excursions to give you ideas but your tour is flexible and we can include the things that you would like, before or even on the day. (Options to help are in the 'more' drop down at the top of the page or links below).
• All bookings and tours are private and exclusive.   
• My comfortable air conditioned vehicle seats up to 7 travellers 
• Although I specialise in tours of Dover and the unmissable features in the surrounding area and would always encourage you to make the most of your time here, I also offer excursions in Kent, outside of the Dover area.  Hever Castle, Leeds Castle, Bodiam Castle, Sissinghurst Castle/gardens and Canterbury, Whitstable, Margate, Broadstairs, Sandwich and Deal (Options in the 'more' drop down at the top of the page or links below).
• I also offer transfers to and from the area and visits to attractions can be built in to your journey.
• I can accommodate last minute requests for tours, so don't be afraid to call or email even if it's on the spur of the moment.
• I specialise in cruise line/shore excursions and will always make sure you are returned in good time for your departure (see 'cruise specific' information via the 'more' drop down at the top of the page).
• For lovers of walking adventures, I offer exclusive, guided 'one way', 'Point to Point' walking experiences along the length of Dover's White Cliffs, making the most of your time seeing new things every step of the way.  Walk one section or all three sections (more information via the 'more' drop down or links below). You might just want to walk a shorter distance, that's fine too.
• Although I have no specific mobility adaptations in the vehicle, I am committed to supporting all people to enjoy Dover by going the extra mile and making reasonable adjustments wherever and however I can.
• Collections are from a location near Dover (within approximately 10 miles.  Collection from further afield is also available at a small additional charge).

Have a look at my pre-planned/themed tours (links below or in the website menu).

Have a look at my 'what to see in Dover', and my Pre-Planned, Themed Tour pages (links below or via the menu), to consider your exclusive Dover Tour options.

Let me help you make the most of your time and find every bit of fun, beauty and exhilarating views all along the White Cliffs of Dover and across Kent.

Book Early to avoid disappointment.

Pre-planned, themed tours., spitfires and planes and world war 2. including a spitfire simulation experience., castles and cliffs..

Explore the most popular and most visited parts of Dover.  Dover Castle, The White Cliffs of Dover, The Battle of Britain Memorial and St Margret's Bay.

See all three local castles and experience a point to point walk along one of the sections of the White Cliffs of Dover.

Experience the exhilaration of 'flying' a realistic Spitfire simulator and visit local Spitfire, RAF museums and memorials. Take in and make stops at lots of sights and local attractions while returning to Dover and experience a walk along a section of the White Cliffs of Dover.

Dover Tours, Cruise Shore Excursions

Local winery and vineyard visits, tours and tasting experiences..

Make the most of your short time in Dover if whether Dover is a Port Of Call for you or before or after your cruise.

All Along The Cliffs

Walk all three sections of the White Cliffs of Dover.  These Point to Point guided walks takes in breathtaking views along the Saxon Shore way/North Downs Way.

 Perhaps partake in a full cheese board, tour and tasting at Terlingham or a simpler tour and tasting experience.  Combine visits to local attractions with your tasting experience. 

Make the most of you time and walking experience with my exclusive 'One Way', 'Point to Point Walking'.

Dover tours associates

White cliffs country.

Explore 

www.visitkent.co.uk  

and stay in Kent, the Garden of England.

www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk

and stay a while in this stunning area in and around Dover.  

Destination Dover

I am a featured guide on kayak.

Explore   www.destinationdover.org to see what special events are taking place.

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THE 10 BEST Dover Tours & Excursions

Tours in dover.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Literary, Art & Music Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
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• 4 hours to 1 day
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour

2. Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle & White Cliffs Guided Day Tour from London

3. Canterbury & the White Cliffs of Dover Tour (Small-Group)

4. Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover & Greenwich River Boat

5. Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Cliffs of Dover Custom Day Trip

6. Small Group Canterbury, Dover Castle and Cliffs & Kent Villages Day Tour

7. White Cliffs of Dover & Historic Canterbury Day Tour from London

8. Private tours to Leeds Castle, Canterbury, White Cliffs of Dover

9. From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back

10. Wine Tasting in the Garden of England

11. Dover & White Cliffs Tour; Canterbury, Coastal Towns & Castles

12. Leeds Castle, Canterbury and White Cliffs of Dover Private Car Tour

13. Cruise Ship Pickup Private Tour

14. Rochester, Dover Castle and the White Cliffs

15. Private Tour to Canterbury, Leeds Castle and The White Cliffs of Dover

16. Small-Group Early Access Leeds Castle, Canterbury, and Greenwich

17. Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport

18. Private Kent Castles and White Cliffs of Dover from London

19. Private Tour to Canterbury, Dover Castle & Chilham

20. Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle

21. Private Half-Day Trip to Picture Postcard Villages of East Kent from Dover Including Traditional Cream Tea

22. Pre-Cruise Tour from London to Dover Port via Dover Castle

23. Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back

24. Luxury Private Day Hire from & to London via Dover & Leeds Castle

25. Private Kent castles

26. Dover Shore Excursion. Cruise Terminal to London with stopover at Hever Castle

27. Leeds Castle Canterbury and Dover Private Tour from London

28. Shore Excursion:Dover Cruise Terminal to London Stopover at Dover & Leeds Castle

29. From London 10-hour Customize Tour with Private Car

30. Private Transfer From Dover Cruise Terminal to Heathrow Airport

What travellers are saying.

• Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour
• Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle & White Cliffs Guided Day Tour from London
• Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover & Greenwich River Boat
• Full-day White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Cathedral Tour from London
• Canterbury & the White Cliffs of Dover Tour (Small-Group)
• Dover Sea Safari
• Ed’s Taxi Dover
• Wetwheels South East
• Britannia Coaches
• Jonathan’s taxis dover
• Dover Sea Sports
• White Cliffs Geo Tours

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Dover Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Dover. We've got 193 adventures going to Dover, starting from just 4 days in length, and the longest tour is 45 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the largest number of tour departures.

193 Dover tour packages with 5,592 reviews

Kent: The Garden of England

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Coach / Bus

London to Barcelona Quest (Summer, Start Paris, 8 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

London to Barcelona Quest (Summer, Start London, 8 Days)

We had Rianna as our contiki trip manager and let me say she made it one to remember!! It was her first trip and we couldn’t even tell seemed like she had years of knowledge and experience. You can tell she cares about her travellers and her passion for her work is genuine. Would highly recommend

• In-depth Cultural

London to Rome Highlights (8 Days)

Tour was really good. And I would like to thank Annerieke the tour guide and driver Marco who really did a great job and I felt we are in safe hands. Only drawback is all the highlights are included in extras if we don’t opt them then I felt the tour cost is covering only accomodation and transport. If you could include Pisa trip and Eiffel Tower summit view trip would would be more better.

• Christmas & New Year

European Traveller (8 Days)

This was the best holiday ever.I saw everything I wanted to see,mixed with friendly people and was free from any worries at all as everything was done for me.

• Sightseeing

European Experience (12 Days)

London and Paris Explorer (Winter, 9 Days)

Great experience, better than expected. Will be using them (Trafalgar) again in the future.

Rome to London Trail (Summer, 8 Days)

London To Vienna Trail (Summer, Start London, 8 Days)

• Walking Adventure

European Discovery (Summer, Start London, Classic, 12 Days)

London to Rome (Start London, 15 Days)

It was so much fun! I was afraid I wouldn't have any time to see what I want in each place, or time to myself to just do as I please, but there was a lot of free time and it was organized great so that we could meet at the drop off/pick up destination. We got a map of each city and lots of recommendations of things to do. You meet a lot of people and don't have to worry about the stress that comes along with the travel and accommodation aspects because that is what's taken care of for you.

• Photography

European Discovery (Summer, Start Amsterdam, Classic, 12 Days)

European Quest (Summer, Start London, 25 Days)

Rianna is everything you could want from a tour guide. She’s well organised, knowledgeable, very supportive and creates a fun environment for everyone. I felt like I was in good hands with her and she made the trip one of the best experiences of my life. She always went the extra mile to make sure each persons individuals needs were taken care of and managed the large group very well. I can’t imagine there would be any other tour guide that’s as friendly and outgoing as her. If you have her managing your trip, you can trust it will be great and leave you with positive fulfilled memories

Amsterdam for Christmas (4 Days)

Brilliant time on tour, everything organised and well managed. :)

Paris for New Year (4 Days)

I went on the four day NYE trip to Paris. The trip was fast paced, fun packed and good value. But what made it really great was our guide Anne-Elyse Gauthier. Anne-Elyse is from France and had lived in Paris for a number of years. This of course meant she had loads of first hand experience to draw on and obviously made the trip all the more authentic. She is passionate, driven and committed to Paris, her country and her job more generally. She ensures everyone is ok and having a good time ALL the time, it's so important to her. She's very easy to get along with. She has a great sense of humour, her English is excellent and she's an overall really cool person who clearly loves what she's doing very much. I truly believe this would be the case with Anne-Elyse regardless of which trip you take. Thank you for making the trip for me.

What people love about Dover Tours

I had the time of my life and learned so much! Our guide Ri was absolutely amazing and we had so much fun with her. I made friends and memories for life!

The tour was good but to much personal opinions were given. He put down the Italian people quite badly

We had a fabulous time on our Trafalgar European Traveller tour. Pete, our Tour Director, was amazing with the knowledge he was able to share on each location that we visited. I would highly recommend this trip to everyone interested in European destinations

• to Europe (3)
• England Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

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WELCOME TO DOVER SEA SAFARI MARINE ADVENTURES 'RIB Tickling Fun!'

Choose your tour aboard one of our 'rib tickling'  rhib sea safari boats for an exciting fun filled  and potentially wet speed boat ride.

Dover Explorer & Dover Pioneer

Step aboard either of our purpose British built Humber passenger RHIB speed boats. P urpose built to our own  specifications and licensed by the Maritime Coastguard Agency to carry up to 12 guests in each boat. Uniquely designed for the job in hand of taking you out for an exciting and safe sea safari experience.

Whichever boat or experience you choose; our highly professional Skippers and Crew take you out from the picturesque Dover Marina and transit through the busiest passenger ferry port in the world. Passing the huge cross Channel ferries and heading out to sea for your adventure of a life time.

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Dover (Kent, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Dover (Kent, England)

Near the narrowest point in the Channel, the port town of Dover rests in a cleave in the world-famous white cliffs on England’s doorstep.

Perched on those cliffs is the largest castle in the country, while the soft chalk is burrowed with military tunnels going back to the Napoleonic Wars.

Like many port towns Dover can be a little scruffy, but has loads to keep you interested.

There are National Trust properties like the South Foreland Lighthouse where Marconi conducted world-changing experiments, or Dover Museum, which has a Bronze Age ship in an implausible state of preservation.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Dover :

1. White Cliffs

The first sight of England when crossing the Channel, Dover’s White Cliffs rise to 110 metres and continue for eight miles either side of the town.

The cliffs are etched in the UK’s consciousness and referenced in culture from Shakespeare’s King Lear to old sea shanties.

On the western flank is Samphire Hoe, a country park, which we’ll cover below.

The National Trust maintains the eastern cliffs.

Getting up to the clifftop requires a tricky climb, but the path soon levels off, and you’ll be rewarded with views across to France on clear days, as well as the port and cliffs themselves from bends in the path.

If you’re feeling fresh you can walk the entire stretch to the picturesque seaside town of Deal before catching the train back to Dover.

2. Dover Castle

England’s largest castle commands the town and port from Dover’s eastern flank, and has always been trusted as the country’s first line of defence.

This roost has been fortified since the Iron Age at the latest, and there’s a vestige still standing from the 1st century in the form of the Roman Pharos lighthouse, which was later adapted as the bell tower for the intramural Church of St Mary de Castro.

The castle began to take on its current design from the 12th century in the reign of Henry II and was modified for artillery warfare by Henry VIII. In the Napoleonic Wars a network of tunnels, made up of gun positions and casemates, was dug into the cliff.

Later, this became a military command centre in the Second World War, and Admiral Bertram Ramsay conducted the withdrawal at Dunkirk from the complex.

3. Fan Bay Deep Shelter

In the National Trust site, a couple of miles along the cliff walk, there’s a system of tunnels excavated for an artillery battery in the Second World War and finally opened to the public in 2015. The battery was constructed to attack Axis vessels travelling along the Channel, while the complex of tunnels provided subterranean storage, accommodation, a generator, hospital, washroom and toilets.

These pitch-black passageways are lined with corrugated steel and you’ll have to put on a hardhat for your tour.

After the war the tunnels were filled in and forgotten until the National Trust took over in 2012 and started removing the rubble.

Also at Fan Bay you’ll be shown two sound mirrors, one from 1917 and the other from 1921. Before the days of radar these devices helped detect enemy aircraft crossing the channel.

4. St Margaret’s Bay

At the halfway point on the walk from Dover to Deal, you can descend a winding path in a gap in the cliffs to find yourself on this shingle beach with glorious views of the cliffs.

St Margaret’s Bay is as picturesque down by the water as it is when seen from the clifftop, and has a small promenade backed by a small cafe and a pub.

There has been a settlement at St Margaret’s Bay since Medieval times, and it was mentioned in the Domesday Book after the Norman Conquest.

From the 19th century, a pocked-sized resort flourished here and has received literary figures like Lord Byron, Bond writer Ian Fleming and playwright Noël Coward.

5. South Foreland Lighthouse

Shortly before you reach St Margaret’s Bay you’ll arrive at the castle-like South Foreland Lighthouse, first lit in 1843 and now a National Trust monument.

Although this whitewashed Victorian building is a wonder to behold, and has a supreme view from its lantern, it has an even more exciting story to tell.

In 1859 the South Foreland Lighthouse became the first in the world to use an electric light.

Later, Guglielmo Marconi used the tower as a radio station, receiving the first ever ship-to-shore message here in 1898, and making the first ever international transmission in 1899 between the lighthouse and Wimereux across the Channel.

The light was turned off in 1988, and you can head in to learn about the building’s scientific heritage, as well as the Knott family, a long line of lighthouse keepers who operated this signal and its 18th-century predecessor.

6. Samphire Hoe

On the coast west of Dover is a country park owned by Eurotunnel, the company responsible for the Channel Tunnel.

This is actually a piece of reclaimed land at the foot of the cliffs, started in 1988 using 4.9 million cubic metres of chalk marl rubble from the tunnel’s excavation.

The park has a wonderful perspective of the white cliff faces, and people come for walks and bike rides, and to angle from the sea wall.

There’s a lot of wildlife if you know where to look.

Peregrine falcons can be seen flying over the cliffs, which also support rock pipits and house martins.

The name “Samphire Hoe” comes from rock samphire, an edible plant that grows in large quantities on the cliffs and has become fashionable in English cuisine once more.

7. Pines Garden

On that sharp descent to St Margaret’s Bay from St Margaret’s at Cliffe, the informal Pines Garden is in six spellbinding acres.

There’s a cascade, a pond, a grass labyrinth and a kitchen garden with more than 40 fruit and vegetable species.

One of the many special things about Pines Garden is that it’s totally organic, using natural predators to deal with pest, relying on composting for fertiliser.

Look out for the Calyx a domed eco-friendly building with a turf roof, powered by photovoltaic panels and a biomass generator and used for conferences and functions.

The garden’s adjoining tearoom is open Wednesday to Sunday and there’s a small museum about the history of the settlement.

8. Dover Museum

The town’s repository for archaeology and art is an arcaded building constructed in the mid-19th century to house both the museum and Dover’s market.

The museum lost two thirds of its collection when it was struck by shelling in the Second World War and its artefacts were left open to the elements in Dover’s caves.

But despite that sad past the museum needs to be in your plans, as the second floor is taken up by a Bronze Age boat discovered in an amazing state of preservation under a road in 1992. This vessel, made of oak timbers fastened with yew stitching, is around 3,500 years old, and the museum won archaeology awards when the exhibition opened in 2000. Other worthwhile exhibitions cover the German cross-channel shelling campaign in the Second World War, cross-channel swims and Louis Blériot’s first flight across the Channel in 1909.

9. Roman Painted House

This 1,800-year-old time capsule was found by workers constructing a road in the 1970s.

The Roman Painted House has five rooms of a “Mansio”, a hostel for travelling government officials, dating to around the turn of the 3rd century.

Its value lies in its frescoes, which are supposed to be the most extensive Roman paintings discovered north of the Alps.

Elements of 28 different panels can be seen, each one with motifs relating to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine.

You can also view the Mansio’s hypocaust and check out exhibitions about Roman life in Dover.

10. Dover Transport Museum

The only transport museum in Kent, this attraction is in a cavernous shed in Dover’s Whitfield suburb.

Entering the building is like stepping into another era, to be met by a 1924 Aveling & Porter steam roller, a 1929 Dennis GL charabanc (motorised precursor to a bus) and a curvy AEC Reliance coach from the late-1950s.

There’s a genuine Romany wagon from around 1930, as well as an assortment of vintage cars like a Series 1 Land Rover from 1949 and an Austin 7 dating to 1937. This is all accompanied by an exhibition on the World Wars, including a prefab Anderson Shelter, and a model railway that grows by the year.

The museum is open Wednesdays, weekends and bank holidays in summer, and only on Sundays in winter.

11. Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens

One stop on the train on the northern outskirts of Dover are two of the city’s most cherished green spaces.

Kearsney Abbey is at a fork in the River Dour, which feeds the park’s two ornamental lakes, wrapped in informal parkland with lofty old trees.

This park used to make up the grounds of an 18th-century manor house, the last remnant of which can be found at the former billiard room, now housing a tearoom.

Russell Gardens are just across the road and is more formal, having been laid out by Edwardian landscape architect Thomas Mawson.

The prettiest sight here is the 170-metre canal pond, with a sweet boathouse pavilion and crossed by Palladian-style bridges.

Both parks have recently been allocated Heritage Lottery funding for restoration.

12. Blériot Memorial

The aviation pioneer Louis Blériot made history in 1909 when he completed the first flight across the Channel.

Blériot had three direct rivals in 1909, one of whom Hubert Latham, came close to making a crossing a few months earlier, but had to perform an emergency landing in the sea (another world first!). Incredibly, Blériot hadn’t visited Dover beforehand to work out where he was going to land, instead looking for a signal given by the journalist Charles Fontaine, waving a big Tricolour flag at Northfall Meadow.

The exact spot where Blériot’s plane came to earth with a bump on July 25 1909 has been marked with a plaque and the stone outline of a plane.

13. North Downs Way

Dover is the finishing point for the North Downs Way, a 153-mile National Trail that begins in Farnham in Surrey.

You don’t need to be a grizzled hiker to walk a section: Shepherdswell, 8.5 miles away, would be a good destination for a gentle stroll.

The trail leads you through green rambling hills, grazing the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It’s an interesting walk, crossing a disused railway line and passing Waldershare House, dating to the early 18th century.

The house is private, but you can poke around Waldershare Church, which goes back to the 1100s and has intriguing mortuary chapels from the turn of the 18th century.

At Shepherdwell you can turn around and walk back to Dover with the sea on the horizon, or catch a train to Dover Priory for a nine-minute ride.

14. Western Heights

This extraordinary network of forts, ramparts and ditches was begun at the end of the 18th century in time for the Napoleonic Wars.

Western Heights was decommissioned not long after the Second World War, and now the site is partly maintained by English Heritage.

The defensive linchpin here is the Citadel at the western end, with a well to ensure a water supply in times of siege.

The Drop Redoubt is a fortress that was later reinforced with caponiers in the 1860s to counter the perceived threat of invasion by Napoleon III. There are soldiers’ quarters in bombproof casemates from the early period, as well as officers’ quarters, cells and a guardroom from the 1860s.

You can view Western Heights from the outside at any time, but for now the fortress can only be visited on open days.

15. Grand Shaft

When the Western Heights was being built, a solution was required to link the fortress to the harbour at the foot of the cliff to allow troops and equipment to get up or down quickly.

The answer was this amazing triple helix staircase, spiralling 50 metres through the cliffs, around a central lightwell eight metres in diameter.

The project was finished around 1807, and rumour has it that there was a strict hierarchy to the stairways: One was for officers, another for warrant officers and the third for rank and file soldiers.

As with Western Heights, opening times are restricted, but don’t miss the chance to see the Grand Shaft when it’s open.

15 Best Things to Do in Dover (Kent, England):

• White Cliffs
• Dover Castle
• Fan Bay Deep Shelter
• St Margaret's Bay
• South Foreland Lighthouse
• Samphire Hoe
• Pines Garden
• Dover Museum
• Roman Painted House
• Dover Transport Museum
• Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens
• Blériot Memorial
• North Downs Way
• Western Heights
• Grand Shaft

‘Good To Go’, providing Covid-19 safe tours

Reschedule at any time if your plans change

Fully transferable, secure deposit

• 2023 Port of Dover Shore Excursions /

2024 Port of Dover Shore Excursions

Experienced Tours frequently organise private day trips from the Port of Dover Cruise terminal. Our bespoke shore excursions from the Port of Dover are tailored to your interests and typically cover more attractions and distance than larger pre-orgnaised group tours.

The Port of Dover is situated on the English Channel around 60 miles South of London. Cruise ships dock alongside meaning disembarkation is easy and your guide will be waiting on the quayside. Typically a day tour from Dover starts at 9am and finishes at 5pm, however that is influenced by the arrival and departure time of your ship and we can be as flexible as you need us to be on the day.

From Dover it is possible to explore London and the outlying areas in a day trip. Each shore tour is unique so please let us know your dates and what you would like to see on your visit to England.

Please note there is a cruise supplement for trips starting or ending at Dover. Please contact us before booking.

PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSIONS FROM DOVER CRUISE TERMINAL

Each of our tours are bespoke, but here are a few suggestions of private day tours from London Cruise Terminal (Tilbury)

WINDSOR CASTLE HALF DAY TOUR

Visit the royal residences at windsor on this half day tour from london.

STONEHENGE FULL DAY TOUR

Visit the ancient and mysterious standing stones at stonehenge.

STONEHENGE AND BATH FULL DAY TOUR

Visit the standing stones at stonehenge and continue to the roman spa town of bath.

OXFORD & BLENHEIM PALACE FULL DAY TOUR

Explore the university city of oxford and continue to one of england’s finest country mansions at blenheim.

WINDSOR CASTLE & HAMPTON COURT FULL DAY TOUR

Visit two royal residences in one day from london. windsor castle is the current royal retreat in england and hampton court gives a fascinating insight into the royal life of the past.

THE CLASSIC OXFORD

Walk in the footsteps of famous alumni on a day visit oxford from london. explore the college quads and city landmarks such as the bridge of sighs and visit oxford castle.

THE COTSWOLDS & STRATFORD

Visit the birthplace of william shakespeare and travel through the cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty. call in at the picture-postcard village of bourton on the water.

Holland America Line to homeport ship in Dover in 2026

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Holland America Line will homeport Nieuw Statendam in Dover in summer 2026, after it operates from the UK port next year .

Pinnacle-class ship Nieuw Statendam will operate sailings from Dover between April and September 2026, UK sales and marketing director Karen Farndell told  Travel Weekly .

While Farndell said itinerary plans were still in the works, she confirmed the ship would return to Dover and operate an extended season in 2026 after it sails 10 round-trip European cruises in 2025.

More:  Holland America Line marks anniversary with 35% discounts

“It feels like such an achievement to be homeporting a ship out of the UK for a second year in a row,” said Farndell.

“It’s a real investment in our confidence in the UK market, and from a trade perspective, it shows how serious we are about growing our business in the UK and working with agents so we can all grow together.”

Farndell said 2025 ex-Dover sailings are selling “very well” with both UK and international customers, with both the ship’s 14-day Canary Islands and 28-night Arctic Circle itineraries most popular.

The success of next year’s season has prompted the decision to homeport Nieuw Statendam out of Dover for a second consecutive year, Farndell added.

Nico Bleichrodt, vice-president of international sales, said the line was currently “lacking” homeports in Europe and he hoped an extended season of ex-Dover sailings would promote the brand in the region.

“We have a ship sailing out of the Netherlands but that doesn’t appeal to our UK customers so this Dover homeport will help boost our British customer base,” he said.

“We have a well-established brand in the UK but this will take it to the next level.”

Asked whether the line would expand its UK trade sales team to provide more support to agents, Farndell said she was in “regular discussions” and would like to see the team increase.

Bleichrodt added: “We know we are a small cruise line in the UK market which is a market which huge potential so we need to give better support to the travel trade.”

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CWGC War Graves Week 2024 - Dover (St James) Cemetery

Join us for a tour of Dover (St James) Cemetery.

Select date and time

• Saturday May 11 11:00 AM
• Saturday May 11 2:30 PM
• Sunday May 19 11:00 AM
• Sunday May 19 2:30 PM

Dover St James Cemetery

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About this event.

Our tours are free to the public, but if you would like to support us then please consider donating to our charity The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation (CWGF).

https://foundation.cwgc.org/donate/

MEETING POINT: Dover St James Cemetery Entrance - meet inside entrance gates (Old Charlton Road). Tours will start promptly, please be there in plenty of time.

Caution: There are three other cemeteries in close proximity- Jewish, Charlton and St. Mary's, all with the same address. St. James's is furthest from the town end of Old Charlton Road and is on right side.

During the First World War, Dover was a port of embarkation for troops bound for the Western Front and between August 1914 and August 1919 some 1,300,000 Commonwealth sick and wounded were landed there.

There are 387 identified burials of the 1914-1918 war here. In addition there are 19 unidentified burials, 9 of whom can be named as victims of the Zeebrugge Raid, and these 9 are inscribed on a Special Memorial on the Cross of Sacrifice in the Zeebrugge Plot.

In 1940, Dover was the headquarters for the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk and nearly 200,000 of the 366,000 British and Allied troops brought back during the operation were landed there. Most of the 356 Second World War burials are contained in a special war graves plot at the far end of the cemetery.

The site is varied. Wheelchair access is possible for part of tour only but it does involve a steep hill on road. Off road is steep hillside with rough ground and roots. There is parking on-site, but there are no facilities or toilets.

Note there are four cemeteries in this locality.

Please dress for the weather and wear suitable footwear.

The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation (CWGF) aims to actively engage all communities with the work of the CWGC by telling the inspiring stories through education and outreach projects.

The CWGF is an independent charity registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales (1171947) and Scotland (SC051982).

Frequently asked questions

Dover St James Cemetery Entrance - meet inside entrance gates (Old Charlton Road).

The team at [email protected]

Email [email protected]

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Politics latest: Humza Yousaf to address media as fresh bid launched to get rid of first minister

Scotland's first minister is fighting to stay in his job after his decision to end the SNP's cooperation agreement with the Greens sparked moves out oust him. Listen to this week's episode of the Electoral Dysfunction podcast while you scroll through the latest updates.

Friday 26 April 2024 12:51, UK

• Scottish Labour to lay down motion of no confidence in government as fresh bid to get rid of Yousaf launched
• Yousaf expected to address the media this afternoon...on housing
• His political future in numbers - and how it may all come down to just one
• 'When they start caring about us, maybe we'll care back': Politics Hub special explores breakdown in trust between voters and politicians
• Serena Barker-Singh:  Stark and bleak view from Target Towns voters
• Latest  Electoral Dysfunction podcast explores what the local elections will bring
• Live reporting by Charlotte Chelsom-Pill

Lord David Cameron has said he is "deeply concerned" as a British man is charged with conducting hostile state activity to benefit Russia. 

"While we must let the judicial process run its course, I am deeply concerned by allegations of British nationals carrying out criminal activity on UK soil to benefit the Russian state," the foreign secretary said. 

"We will use the full weight of the criminal justice system to hold anyone found guilty of crimes linked to foreign interference to account."

Dylan Earl, 20, is alleged to have engaged in conduct targeting businesses which were linked to Ukraine in order to benefit the Russian state.

Nick Price, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's special crime and counter terrorism division, said: "Included in the alleged activity was involvement in the planning of an arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked commercial property in March 2024."

Four others have also been charged in connection with the investigation, the CPS said, after reporting restrictions were lifted on Friday.

Read more here:

By Daniel Dunford , senior data journalist

There might not be a general election just yet, but there are important votes that will define how the areas around us are run for the next four years. 

See what's happening where you are here:

Labour's shadow chancellor says it is "time for a fresh start in Scotland", reiterating calls for a fresh election from Scottish Labour's Anas Sarwar.

Scottish Labour say they are putting forward a motion of no condolence in the government today. 

They have also said they will back a motion of no confidence next week in First Minister Humza Yousaf. 

"The chaos and division at the heart of the SNP is having a real impact on public services and the lives of communities across Scotland," Rachel Reeves says.

"And we now have two broken governments - the SNP in Scotland and the Conservatives in Westminster. 

"It is time for fresh elections in Scotland and across the UK."

The shadow chancellor was speaking during a visit to Tees Valley today, where she and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer are discussing the cost of living.

Earlier, the Scottish Labour leader said it is a matter of "when, not if" the first minister resigns ( see post at 11.56am ).

"But this isn't just about him [Humza Yousaf]," Mr Sarwar said.

"We have no confidence in this SNP government. 

"That is why we need an election right now."

Scottish politics is in "utter chaos", a Greens source tells Sky News, as the first minister faces a no-confidence motion and Scottish Labour has said it will file a separate motion against the government. 

The Greens, who were ousted from a power-sharing agreement with the SNP yesterday, have said they will back the motion of no confidence in Humza Yousaf. 

However, the Greens source said the party is undecided on the motion of no confidence in the government. 

The leader of Scottish Labour says it is a matter of "when, not if" the first minister resigns.  

Humza Yousaf is facing a motion of no confidence, put forward by the Conservatives and backed by the Greens, Labour and Lib Dems, next week.

However, Labour has said it will also table a motion of no confidence in the SNP government. 

In a video posted on X, Anas Sarwar said "this isn't just about him [Humza Yousaf]".

A short time ago, the Alba Party said it would not be backing Labour's motion (see previous post). 

However Alba's one MSP, Ash Regan, may prove to have the deciding vote in the motion of no confidence in Mr Yousaf.

Scotland's Alba Party says it won't back Labour's motion of no confidence in the Scottish government, warning them to "beware in their glee".

Earlier, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said he would lay down the motion - which is separate to an earlier no-confidence motion in Humza Yousaf as first minister - later today ( see post at 10.12am ).

However, Sky's Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies says Alba's announcement leaves the Labour motion weakened before it has even started.

An Alba Party spokesperson said: "Anas Sarwar’s grandstanding is just an attempt to remain relevant. However, unionist parties should beware in their glee."

"As much as Humza Yousaf and the SNP find themselves in a tricky predicament, independence supporters will not turn back to the yoke of Tory and Labour mediocrity. 

"Alba Party are now ensuring that independence supporters have a party they can turn to.“ 

Alex Salmond's pro-independence Alba Party has one MSP in the Scottish parliament ( see post at 10.55am ).

Ash Regan, once a rival to Humza Yousaf for SNP leader, defected to the party last year.

While the party isn't backing the motion against the government as a whole, she may well have the deciding vote in the motion of no confidence against Mr Yousaf next week ( see post at 9.47am ).

Sky's  Connor Gillies says  that currently makes her "possibly the most powerful woman in Scotland".

With the local elections just over a week away, deputy political editor Sam Coates explains why they matter and what they might tell us about the upcoming general election.

People voting in local elections in England on 2 May will need to provide photo ID.

It is the second year the requirement has been in place - but in 2023,  14,000 people couldn't cast their ballot because they didn't take ID to the polling booth.

There are 22 different types of ID you can use - and if you don't have any of them, you can register for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Here's everything you need to know to avoid being caught out:

Humza Yousaf's future as first minister is hanging in the balance today ahead of a motion of no confidence next week.

Now, as leader of a minority government, his fate may be hanging on just one vote - that of a former SNP leadership rival. 

We take a look at how:

The numbers

In the Scottish parliament, the SNP has 63 seats out of 129 , two short of an outright majority;

The Conservatives have  31;

Labour has 22;

The Greens have  seven;

The Liberal Democrats have four;

The Alba Party has one ;

There is also one presiding officer Alison Johnstone, who is both an MSP and Scotland's equivalent of the Commons speaker.

How the numbers are expected to fall

The motion of no confidence was brought by the Scottish Conservatives.

The Greens, Labour and the Lib Dems have all said they are backing the motion.

That would translate into 64 votes against the first minister versus 63 SNP votes.

So the one Alba vote is expected to be key.

How it may all come down to one ... Ash Regan

Once an SNP leadership rival to Mr Yousaf, Ash Regan defected to Alex Salmond's Alba Party last October. 

If she backs Mr Yousaf then that would mean both sides have 64 votes.

Ms Johnstone would then be expected to vote in favour of the status quo, so the first minister would survive.

But if Ms Regan votes against Mr Yousaf, then the opposition parties will have 65 votes against the SNP's 63, and the first minister would lose.

He wouldn't be compelled to resign in this situation, but he'd be under huge pressure to step aside.

More to come

And remember, Scottish Labour say they are going to lay down a motion of no confidence in the Scottish government, which would trigger a separate vote ( see post at 10.12am ).

Scotland's embattled first minister is expected to make a "major announcement on housing" in the coming hours, sources close to Humza Yousaf tell Sky News. 

Sources say he will not be resigning. 

Mr Yousaf is expected to speak to the media this afternoon. 

It comes after he cancelled a speech he was due to deliver on independence in Glasgow this lunchtime ( see previous post ).

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