Dover, England
Shore Excursion and Port Reviews

The White Cliffs of Dover (Seen from Departing Cruise Ship)

Dover, England Port Information
Tom Ogg

Entry Requirements
Language and Currency
What is Dover Like?
What is the Weather Like?
Where Does the Ship Dock?
Where is the Shopping?
What is There to Buy?
What is There To Do?
Is There Anything of a “Don’t Miss Quality?
Are There Any Great Restaurants or Bars?

Dover, England Port Reviews

Entry Requirements

You must have a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of less than 6 months, but a medical exam (including an AIDS test may be required)

Language and Currency

The official language of England is English and the currency is the English pound. While dollars are accepted on a limited basis, you are better off converting your currency to pounds as many taxis, stores and other services and products you may transact may only accept pounds. Note that taxi drivers in Dover will not accept dollars.

What is Dover like?

Dover is a small seaside village with a huge history. It is also the main port for the ferries to France, Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as a cruise ship port. Dover dates back centuries and played a critical roll during WWII. Dover's small, but quaint village is a wonderful place to take in everything English.

What is the weather like?

Being on the coast, Dover can often be chilly and foggy. If you happen to be in Dover when it is bright and sunny, you will relish in its beauty. Look for daytime temperatures in during summer to be in the mid 60s.

Where does the ship dock?

Ships dock at the Port of Dover's main cruise ship terminal in the Dover harbor. It is only a ten to fifteen minute walk into the main part of town.

Where is the shopping?

Dover has a wonderful historical district with a great pedestrian shopping street (Cannon Street).  Shops are found along the main street and on the side streets that adjoin it. The best place to start is from Market Square close to the underpass that leads to the oceanfront.

What is there to buy?

Everything English is for sale in Dover's quaint shopping district. Dover is the gateway to mainland Europe and sees many visitors every day. Look for bargains on crystal and china, knitted goods, souvenirs, local art and crafts and lots of collectibles.

What is there to do?

Dover's Famous Castle

There is lots to do in Dover. If you are simply boarding your ship in Dover and only have a few hours, here is how to spend them. Take a taxi from the train station (if that is how you will be arriving) to the cruise ship terminal and check your bags. Have the taxi driver wait for you and then take you to Dover Castle. You can see it perfectly from the cruise ship terminal. Have him drop you at the castle and explore it until you are satisfied. Be sure to check out the Secret Wartime Tunnels for a fascinating look at Dover's imnportant roll during World War II.

St. Mary's in Dover

When done at the castle take Castle Street down into the town of Dover where it will deliver you to Market Square. Dover's Museum is located here and you can pick up walking maps of Dover at the museum. The pedestrian shopping street, Cannon Street starts right at Market Square so you will find excellent shopping and restaurants to enjoy. There are also several buildings of note in the area that you will want to explore. It is very easy to see everything Dover has to offer in just a few hours.  It is only a ten minute walk back to the ship from Market Square.

If you would rather take a tour of Dover, the local double decker tour bus operates all day and offers an excellent overview of Dover's sights.

Is there anything of “Don’t Miss” quality?

Dover Castle is one of the best preserved castles in the world and is well worth the effort to see.

Are there any great restaurants or bars?

Excellent Fish and Chips place right before you go under the tunnel to the coast line. Doesn't look like much, but the traditional English fish and chips are wonderful.

Dover, England Port Reviews
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Michel Haineault and Judy Patton; London Walking Tour

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