We are finally going back to London in October. We are in our mid -70s but in reasonably good shape. On our wish list is a day trip by public transportation to Dover Castle and the White Cliffs. I have been looking at the info online about the Castle (seems fairly straightforward) and the Cliffs. But getting to the cliffs from the Castle seems much less straightforward. A two mile walk in each direction doesn't sound realistic for us.
I can not be the first person who has hoped to get to the White Cliffs without a car and I am hoping someone has met this challenge successfully. Perhaps there are cabs of one sort or another, available to take us from the Castle to the cliffs and leave us near the visitors Center so we can walk OR if cab could take us near the South Foreland Lighthouse and we could walk for a while??
I am throwing myself on the group's mercy and hope someone can suggest a viable solution. And I will be deeply grateful.
Posted by
London
358 posts
The best way to see the cliffs is from the sea - so you could go to the castle then head to the harbour. The over the hill walk from castle to cliff top path (with limited views of the cliffs below) is not the easiest
Posted by
Lake District, England
8134 posts
There used to be a Hop on Hop Off Bus around Dover, but that now only seems to run in connection with cruise ships. Stagecoach bus #15 (to Deal) stops about one mile away according to the National Trust website.
If you are wanting to get to the Lighthouse itself and aren't up to the walk then it seems that a taxi is your best option.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33992 posts
I'd agree with you that the Castle is straightforward. I will say that it is a big place and you may find yourself tired afterwards.
I'd also agree that for what you want to see up on the cliffs a taxi is probably the best bet.
The town of Dover itself is a pretty depressing place - to me - so while I have visited the Castle, and enjoyed that very much, but I've not explored the cliffs.
Really good views of the cliffs are available down the coast just beyond Eastbourne. The Seven Sisters and Birling Gap are beautiful, also National Trust, and buses go right there from Eastbourne and Brighton, easy connections off the trains.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters to have a look. The cliffs are always moving, take care and follow guidance.
I hope you have a wonderful trip
Posted by
OP
NH
212 posts
Thanks for all the input. We are rethinking the Dover day.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8913 posts
Kate, the view of the white cliffs at Dover is a little limited. What if you still went to Dover and focused on the castle and underground tunnels?
If the cliffs(not Dover but more spectacular) were the main focus, I agree to redirect your trip to Birling Gap.
Take the train from London Victoria Station to Eastbourne. This trip is 1 hour 23 minutes.
Then take the 13x coaster bus (direction Brighton) this trip is 24 minutes.
Enjoy your time at Birling Gap. There are options for walks along the beach, on the headlands, or to simply sit in the coffee shop and enjoy the views.
You could retrace your way back to London or catch the 13x onto Brighton 1 hour 10 minutes, explore there a bit and then take the train back to London. 1 hour.
Posted by
Toronto, Canada
25 posts
I took this tour last year: https://andersontours.co.uk/tour/canterbury-cathedral-dover-castle-white-cliffs-guided-day-tour-from-london/
I was personally disappointed, but it might meet your needs. The stop at the White Cliffs was beautiful, but very brief. I realized after the fact that I would rather have taken the train to Dover myself and had more time to walk around. More importantly, I found Dover Castle quite disappointing, especially compared to any of the palaces in London (Hampton Court, Tower of London, etc.). I was most excited to see the tunnels relating to World War II at Dover Castle, but the tight timeline of the tour bus meant I didn't have time to wait in the hour-long line (only small groups can go in at a time).
Posted by
OP
NH
212 posts
Thanks to all of you for your responses. I think this is a great idea that we are going to step away from. I appreciate everything every one said, it all pointed to a probable not at this time. And frankly, I am as grateful for your info as I would have been if it had leant towards yes. Thanks a ton. Kathy