Car Hire Dover

Located on the tip of south-east England, Dover is an important international hub for both industry and tourism, and is well-connected for driving around Kent, the coast, and beyond.

The port town links to the surrounding area via the A2, which leads north towards the city of Canterbury, while the A20 runs west along the coast for 12km before joining the M20 near Folkestone. This motorway is a major route that passes through Kent to join the M25 ring road around London in about an hour.

On most motorways and dual-carriageways the maximum speed limit is typically 70mph (112km/h). On the M25 however, some sections are restricted to 50mph (80km/h), and within the built-up parts of Dover itself, limits are usually 30mph (48km/h), though there may be 20mph (32km/h) zones too. Always check signs for the route that you are on.

With a hire car from Dover, you can also follow the A258 east towards Deal in 20 or so minutes, just 14km along the coast. The historic town of Sandwich is just 20km north via the A256, while you can stick on this road to reach the seaside towns of Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs.

If you’re planning to visit Dover’s famous white cliffs, they’re easily accessible from Woolcomber Street in the town centre, via the filter lane with signs for Dover Castle. You can also access the cliffs from the A2 by following the brown signs from the Duke of York’s roundabout on the A258. Parking is available at the cliffs for a small fee, while parking at Dover Castle on Castle Hill Road, accessible via the A258, is free.

If you’re driving into the centre of Dover, watch out for some of the pedestrianised main streets, such as Cannon Street and Biggin Street. However, there are plenty of conveniently placed car parks where you can leave your hire car, including on Woolcomber Street and Bench Street. For more information, you can check the Dover District Council website.

Dover has some great attractions in and around the town, suited to it being the first or last place many people see when visiting the UK.

With a hire car, you’re also free to take in other highlights across Kent, a scenic county sometimes referred to as the ‘Garden of England’.

Jewel in the crown

Dover Castle is an unmissable attraction – a medieval fortress that dates back to the 12^th century.

It stands on the clifftops on the site of a Roman lighthouse, the remnants of which can still be seen today. You can even climb the Great Tower, built by Henry II in the 1180s, and see the rooms in this part of the castle come to life as actors play characters from the king’s court.

To top it all off, your entry ticket also includes a tour of the Secret Wartime Tunnels beneath the castle. This labyrinth was carved out of the cliffs on the orders of Winston Churchill during World War Two, because Dover was a crucial strategic defensive point.

The site housed an underground hospital where injured soldiers were brought for treatment, and it was also the strategic heart of Operation Dynamo, when thousands of troops were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk. Visit the reconstructed operation rooms where the rescue was planned today.

Clifftop views

From the castle it’s just a short walk to the White Cliffs of Dover, which boast walking paths suitable for all abilities. Leave your hire car at the visitor centre and continue on foot to enjoy the incredible views of the Channel – on a clear day you can see all the way to France.

Around two kilometres from the visitor centre, you’ll find Fan Bay Deep Shelter, another network of tunnels built deep into the cliffs, as part of the Second World War effort. Tours run throughout the day, with tickets available to purchase at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.

Slightly further along the cliffs is South Foreland Lighthouse, which is also open to the public throughout much of the year. Take a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history of this Victorian landmark and enjoy fantastic views from the platform, before stopping off for a sweet treat at the traditional English tea room afterwards.

Exploring Kent

With a hire car in Dover, get on the road and explore other attractions in this beautiful English county. Drive just 30 or 40 minutes north along the A2 and reach Canterbury, home to one of the country’s most famous cathedrals.

Located in the heart of the city, with parking available nearby, this world-famous pilgrimage site still attracts large crowds today. It’s open to visitors seven days a week, with guided tours running on most days, and self-guided audio tours also available.

Afterwards, be sure to check out the city’s other highlights, including the Roman Museum, Norman Castle and St Augustine’s Abbey. With car hire in Dover, all this and more is within easy reach during your visit to Kent.