Dover – Big Ships, White Cliffs & Dog-Friendly Adventures

https://youtu.be/7Ybq8EEJ_sw

Just the name makes you think of ferries, the Channel and those magnificent white cliffs.

But arriving in Dover by boat is a little more exciting than simply turning up in the car. This is a busy commercial port, and the entrance needs a bit of preparation and concentration.

Once you are safely through, though, Dover Marina is a brilliant place to explore with your four-legged crew member.

And after navigating your way in, you and the dog will definitely deserve a drink!

⚓ Getting into Dover Marina

As you saw in the above video, the entrance to Dover is busy. There can be a lot going on, with commercial shipping, ferries and other vessels moving around the harbour. It isn't somewhere I'd recommend arriving without having your VHF procedure sorted out beforehand.

As you approach Dover, you need to contact Dover VTS on VHF Channel 74.

You'll need to give them the relevant information about your boat and your intentions, and then follow their instructions.

Once you've been given permission to enter, keep listening carefully and make your second call as you approach the entrance, when you reach the green channel markers leading towards the marina.

It sounds a little daunting when written down, but it is actually reassuring to have someone managing the commercial traffic and telling you when it is safe to proceed.

Once you are clear of the entrance, Dover Marina is on VHF Channel 80.

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And then… you're in!

After the slightly nerve-wracking entrance, Dover Marina feels wonderfully spacious.

It is huge, with plenty of room for manoeuvring and lots of berthing space.

And the facilities? Brand spanking new.

🐕 Walkies – time to explore

There are several options, depending on how much energy you and your dog have left after the trip.

The easy option – Dover seafront and marina

If your dog simply needs to get ashore, stretch their legs and have a good sniff after being on the boat, the seafront and marina area make an easy first walk.

The Dover Marina Curve has transformed the waterfront and provides accessible walking with lovely harbour views. It is also officially dog friendly.

It is a great place to watch the world go by, look at the boats and let the dog investigate all those exciting new smells.

But there is an important bit to remember…

Beach restrictions

During the summer, dogs aren't allowed on the beach at Dover between 9am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September.

So if your dog is dreaming of racing along the sand after breakfast, check the restrictions before you head out.

The promenade and other areas also have local dog-control rules, so keep an eye out for signs.

The big one – the White Cliffs

And then there is the walk that you really shouldn't miss. The White Cliffs of Dover.

If you've got the time and your dog is up for a proper walk, head towards the cliffs and South Foreland. The views are spectacular.

Looking back down towards Dover harbour with your boat somewhere below is one of those moments that makes you very glad you decided to arrive by sea.

The National Trust welcomes dogs at the White Cliffs and South Foreland Lighthouse. There are some seasonal restrictions, though, and between 1 March and 31 August dogs need to be kept on a short lead in areas where ground-nesting birds are present.

This is a proper walk rather than a quick trip ashore, so take water for the dog and sensible footwear for yourself. And please keep your dog well away from the cliff edge. The view is magnificent. Falling off it isn't.

Time for a pub

Now this is where Dover gets even better.

After all that walking, a sailor needs refreshments.

🍺Cullins Yard

Our favourite was Cullins Yard, right by the marina.

It's a brilliant place to head after arriving, particularly because it feels like it belongs in a sailing adventure. It's an old converted shipyard with lots of maritime and wartime memorabilia, and it has a garden overlooking Dover Marina. Most importantly for Dogsail, it is dog friendly.

🍺 The White Horse

If you fancy heading into town, The White Horse is another good option.

This historic pub sits beneath Dover Castle and dates back centuries. It is dog friendly and welcomes walkers, making it a particularly good choice after you've been exploring.

It also has a small suntrap terrace at the back.

Definitely one to put on the list.

🍺 Cinque Port Arms

Another traditional option is Cinque Port Arms in Clarence Place.

It's a proper local pub with a dog-friendly policy listed among its facilities.

As always, I'd recommend checking the current arrangements before setting off, particularly if you're planning to eat with your dog.

🐾 One more Dogsail discovery

If you're looking for somewhere for a coffee rather than a pint, keep an eye out for The Salty Dog Harbour Café on the Marina Curve.

It's a dog-friendly café run by owners who have their own dog, Olive the Italian Greyhound and dogs even have their own menu!

🐶 Dover Dogsail verdict

So, what did we think?

Dover gets eight big paw prints from us. 🐾🐾🐾🐾

The entrance requires a little more thought than some of the smaller marinas we've visited, and you definitely need to be comfortable communicating with VTS and following instructions.

But once you're through the entrance, it's a completely different story.

The marina is enormous, the facilities are lovely and new, and you've got a fascinating town, coastline and some spectacular walking right on your doorstep.