Essential visitor information
How do I get to White Cliffs Country?
The area is in south east England on the Kent coast and is easily reached by road, rail or ferry, with frequent connections from London, the rest of Kent and Europe. Dover, Deal and Sandwich each have train stations on the highspeed line from London St Pancras - Dover is 1 hour and 10 minutes by train. You can find out more on our Getting here page.
Where can I park?
Each town offers a mix of long‑stay and short‑stay car parks, and there is coastal and countryside parking near popular walking routes. Most of the visitor attractions have plenty of parking. Information about parking is available on the individual attraction pages and on our Getting here page.
Is the area accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
Many attractions, walking routes, museums and transport options have accessible facilities, with detailed information available on their individual pages. Find out more on our Accessible White Cliffs Country page.
Coast, countryside and walking
Where are the best places to walk?
The White Cliffs, Deal seafront, Sandwich Bay and the surrounding countryside offer routes for all abilities, from gentle strolls to longer coastal hikes, including The King Charles III England Coast Path, The Saxon Shore Way and The North Downs Way.
Are the walking routes suitable for families?
Yes. Many paths are flat, well‑marked and close to amenities. There are also several parks and gardens with walking routes and playgrounds.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome on most walking routes and all beaches outside summer restrictions (and some during summer), as well as in many pubs, shops and cafés. You can find more information on our Dog-friendly White Cliffs Country page.
History, culture and attractions
What are the must‑see attractions?
Highlights include the White Cliffs, South Foreland Lighthouse, Dover Castle, Walmer Castle and Gardens, Wingham Wildlife Park, Deal Castle, Sandwich Medieval Centre, and museums, gardens and other heritage sites across the district. For more information on all there is to see here, browse our Things to do section.
Do I need to book attractions in advance?
Some visitor attractions recommend or require advance booking during busy periods, especially during school holidays. Some offer discounted tickets if booked in advance. Please see the individual attractions pages in Things to do.
Food, drink and local experiences
Where can I eat and drink?
From independent cafés and traditional English pubs to award-winning restaurants and local producers, the area offers a wide range of places to enjoy fresh, local and seasonal food. There are also local microbrewers and winemakers. Find out more on our Eat & drink pages.
Are there local markets or food events?
Deal has a very popular Saturday Market, Sandwich has popular markets on Thursdays and Saturdays - see our Marvellous Markets page. There are also seasonal festivals and food‑focused events throughout the year in Dover, Deal and Sandwich. See our What's On section.
Shopping and local businesses
Where can I find local shops and gifts?
There is a wealth of independent shops, galleries, artisan makers and speciality stores in all three towns and a few of the villages, especially Deal and Sandwich, selling unique gifts and locally made products.
Planning your visit
When is the best time of year to visit?
Spring, summer and autumn are ideal for walking, cycling and visiting tourist attractions. Summer is the best time for the beach. Winter is a great time for experiencing a quieter, wilder coast and cosy pubs. Some tourist attractions close between November and March or are only open at weekends. Please see individual pages for details.
How long should I stay?
A day trip offers a taste, a weekend allows you to explore more deeply, and a longer stay reveals the area’s unique personality and charm. There is a wide variety of places to stay from luxury and boutique hotels and cool self-catering cottages to lovely campsites and shepherds huts. See our Stay section.
Browse our website to find further information or contact our Visitor Information Centre on VIC@dover.gov.uk.