Dover Hotels - Smooth Hound Hotel Directory

Dover, Kent has been inhabited since at least Roman times. The Romans were actually the first people to record the presence of this settlement and named the settlement Dubris. It was also at this time that a main Roman street, Watling Street, was established. The site of present day Dover Castle was established in the same place where the Romans constructed a lighthouse. Today, this is one of the oldest buildings in all of Britain. Dover is also now a main port town that faces directly into the English Channel. Situated a short 21 miles from Calais, a French port, Dover, Kent is the closest British port to continental Europe. Dover Kent is well known for its white cliffs.

Dover is one of the UK's largest ferry ports and is located on the English Channel in Kent. One of the reasons for this is that Dover is at one end of the shortest crossing to France, which is just 22 miles away.

Dover's famous white cliffs stretch up to 347 feet above the sea and get their white colour from the fact that they are mainly composed of chalk although the black lines that can also be seen in them are streaks of flint.

Whilst many holidaymakers will only see Dover briefly, before they board or disembark from one of its ferries, there is plenty to see and do in Dover itself. So if your schedule permits, it is well worth spending some extra time in the town itself.

People have lived in the area of Dover since at least the Stone Age and the Romans used it to keep Britain in touch with the rest of their empire. The ancient British road Watling Street links the town to Canterbury.

As befits Dover's role in the UK's defence over the ages, it is overlooked by Dover Castle. This has a number of secret tunnels which run under the cliff and have been used since at least the Napoleonic wars. The castle has also featured in a number of movies, including "The Wind and the Willows" and because of the similar design is used regularly instead of the Tower of London in films.

Shoppers will find plenty to keep them occupied in the town and the main shopping area is partially pedestrianised. As well as various national chain stores, the town also has a good selection of smaller local shops who offer arts, crafts and good quality gifts as well as marine items for those who want to venture into the English Channel.