White Cliffs of Dover: Day Trips and Tours from London

The White Cliffs of Dover, located near the English city of Dover, are part of the coastline of the Kent County and the North Downs formation.

Plan your day trip to the White Cliffs from London and enjoy the beauty and magic of this iconic landmark for one day!

Here's all you need to know about the White Cliffs of Dover, one of the most exciting destinations for day trips from London.

Directions to the White Cliffs of Dover from London

• By train: Trains from London St. Pancras International train station take about an hour to reach Dover. From there, it's a 10-minute taxi ride or half-hour bus journey to the Visitor Centre.
• By bus: The journey from London Victoria Coach Station to Dover takes about 2.5 hours, followed by an additional 30 to 45 minutes to reach the cliffs.
• By car: The most direct route to the White Cliffs of Dover by car is via the M2 and A2 motorways, taking about 2.5 hours.
• Guided tour: Several tours are departing daily from central London to the White Cliffs of Dover.  Day tours are very convenient as they take care of all logistics and planning, while also including additional sights along the way.

Typical itinerary for White Cliffs of Dover day trips from London

Day trips to the White Cliffs of Dover from London often include stops at other destinations along the way. The first stop on most tours is generally Leeds Castle, often referred to as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’.

You will then continue to Canterbury, where you will get the opportunity to explore the city on foot. Many excursions often include a guided tour of the Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Following a short drive, you will then reach the sea-side town of Dover and its world-famous White Cliffs. After you have explored the area and admired the view, you may also visit Dover Castle, before returning to London.

Ticket prices for the White Cliffs of Dover

The admission to the White Cliffs of Dover is free of charge, however parking in the car park at the visitor center costs £5.

Best White Cliffs of Dover tours from London

Day trips to the White Cliffs of Dover and Leeds Castle

Spend a day discovering the wonders of the English countryside and the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. These excursions will take you to Leeds Castle, where Henry VIII lived with his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. These excursions often include a visit to Canterbury and its UNESCO listed cathedral, before heading to Dover.

Our pick: Leeds Castle, White Cliffs, Dover Castle & Canterbury Tour

• Visits: Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle
• Includes: Roundtrip transfers, expert guide, Leeds Castle tickets, optional Canterbury Cathedral tickets and tour
• Price: £105 per traveler or £115 with Canterbury Cathedral tickets
• Duration: 10 hours

White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trips

Combine your visit to the White Cliffs of Dover, with a tour of Canterbury and its famous cathedral, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These full-day tours often include Dover Castle in their itinerary and offer great value for money as a day trip escape from the British capital.

Our pick: Canterbury Cather, Castle of Dover, White Cliffs Tour

• Visits: Canterbury Cathedral, Castle of Dover, White Cliffs of Dover
• Includes: Roundtrip transportation, expert guide, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover Castle tickets
• Price: £125 adults and £115 children (5-16)
• Duration: 10.5 hours

White Cliffs of Dover & Kent countryside tour

Take a day trip to the White Cliffs and explore picturesque villages along the iconic Kent coast.  These full-day tours typically operate as small groups and typically include time visiting the Dover Castle and Canterbury Cathedral for a more comprehensive experience.

Our pick: White Cliffs, Dover Castle, Kent and Canterbury tour

• Visits: Greenwich, Chilham, White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle, Canterbury Cathedral
• Includes: Roundtrip transfers, professional guide, optional Canterbury walking tour
• Price: £144 per traveler
• Duration: 11 hours

Private White Cliffs of Dover excursions

The most relaxed and stress-free way of experiencing the White Cliffs of Dover is with a private day trip from London. Covering many of the highlights in the southeast of England, these luxury excursions allow flexibility in tailoring the itinerary to your needs and focusing on your interests.

Our pick: Private Leeds Castle, Canterbury & White Cliffs of Dover Tour

• Visits: Canterbury Cathedral, White Cliffs of Dover, Leeds Castle
• Includes: Roundtrip transfers, professional driver/guide
• Price: £899 per group (up to 7)
• Duration: 10 hours

Prices of White Cliffs of Dover tours from London

Day trips from London to the White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury range between £90 and £125 per traveler.

Excursions to the White Cliffs of Dover, Canterbury and Leeds Castle are priced £100 to £125 each.

Prices for day trips to the White Cliffs of Dover and villages along the Kent coast start at around £140 per traveler.

Private tours to the White Cliffs of Dover are generally priced per group, with prices ranging from £700 to £900, depending on itinerary and inclusions.

Highlights at Dover

White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs get their name from their composition of chalk and black flint, which gives the coastline its unique look from afar. The area is great for walks and to enjoy the fantastic view, as the cliffs overlook the English Channel and French coast.

You can also admire the amazing wildlife, as the chalk grassland provides an excellent environment for many species of wild flowers, butterflies, birds and other animals.

Dover Castle

Dover Castle is the largest in England and was built during the 11th century next to a Roman lighthouse. The medieval castle is known as the “Key of England” due to its defensive stronghold status throughout history. In more recent years, Dover Castle has appeared in TV series and movies.

Samphire Hoe Country Park

This 74-acre nature reserve is home to several types of wildflowers, such as early spider-orchids, rock sea lavenders and rock samphire. Bird enthusiasts can also see species such as peregrine falcons, stonechats and house martins.

South Foreland Lighthouse

Built in 1843, the South Foreland Lighthouse was the world’s first to use an electric light. It was as the site where the first radio link transmission was made between England and France in 1899.

Fan Bay Deep Shelter

Below the cliffs exists a network of abandoned tunnels that can be explored with a professional guide. You can wander through the tunnels which once housed a gun battery during World War II.

Best time to visit the White Cliffs of Dover

The best time to visit the White Cliffs of Dover is during the late spring to early summer months, from May through June. During this period, the weather is mild, and the cliffs are less crowded than in peak summer.

Travel tips

• The paths around the cliffs can be uneven and steep in places. As such, wear sturdy, comfortable shoes, especially if you plan on hiking.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially during warmer months. The weather can change quickly, so also pack a lightweight raincoat.
• When exploring the area, stick to marked paths, as the cliff edges can be dangerous and are prone to erosion.
• For photographers, the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon—offer the best light for dramatic cliffside shots.
• Guided tours don't usually include lunch, so make sure to try local seafood or a traditional pub meal in Dover to round off your visit.