The City of Dover

Dover is an English city of just over 30,000, approximately 125 km south-east of London. Its name derives from the river that flows through it, the Dour. The city has a strategic position because it is “facing” France, in the Dover Strait, the narrowest part of the English Channel.

Its location has been important throughout its history, as archaeological finds have revealed that the area has always been a focus for the peoples entering and leaving Britain towards continental Europe. Its coastline is formed by huge chalk cliffs, which give them an impressive white color, known as White Cliffs.

Because it is located on the coast, its port is one of the most important in the country. To give you an idea, the English Channel, at its shortest point with France, is the busiest transport strip in the world!

With a fortified and gigantic structure, known as Dover Castle, the city served as a bastion against several possible attacks, such as the French during the Napoleonic Wars; and against Germany during World War II.

Attractions in Dover

South Foreland Lighthouse

Created to warn Goodwin Sands boaters as he guides them through the Straits of Dover, it is also famous as the world’s first lighthouse to display an electric light. The views of the English Channel are wonderful, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to France. Inside, interpretive displays show the work required to keep the lighthouse running, including maintaining the unique mechanism that made the lighthouse flicker (there is also an excellent tea room on site).

Dover Western Heights and the Grand Shaft

Started in 1779, when fear of French invasion was high throughout England, Dover’s Western Heights grew into one of the largest fortification networks in the nation. Comprised of numerous trenches and forts that run along the shoreline from Dover Castle, it features a number of important strong points that can still be seen today, including the Drop Redoubt and the Citadel , as well as the moats. Dries that joined them (guided tours of the redoubt are available). Consisting of a unique 140 foot triple stairway Grand Shaft is literally cut into the cliffs, this incredible structure served as a shortcut for troops stationed in the Western Heights to the city, should they be required to defend the latter. ( Good tip : If possible, try to schedule your visit for the third Sunday of each month, April through November, when the well is open to the public.)