Dover
 

We will visit Dover for 8 hours on a cruise. What would be the best use of our time? Is there a local restaurant worth visiting?

Dover Castle and Roman lighthouse are just above the town and the World War II fortifications are interesting.

Or you could hop the train and in a short while be in Canterbury and its world-famous cathedral - swell town for a few hours vs Dover, one of Britain's ugliest towns IME of staying there many many times overnight. Not much here but the yest fantastic Dover Castle overlooking town - climb the stair-like path to the top of the Cliff of Dover and yes you can see France and explore the old WW2 fortifications.

For a typical pub meal in a typical tiny village hop the train from Dover to Martin Mill - next stop on top of the cliffs and adjacent to the train station find the Ugly Duckling, a quintessential village pub serving typical filling pub grub.

http://www.dover-kent.com/Ugly-Duckl...rtin-Mill.html

Picture of the Ugly Duckling in Martin Mill just a few minute train ride from Dover.

Wow, Pal, that'ss really helpful. A recommendation to visit a pub that has closed and is being turned into a house.

Your suggestions about Dover Castle and Canterbury are fine. Other places worth visiting are Deal and Sandwich, both by train from Dover.

My two top recommendations are below:

1. The Castle--amazing! Definitely plan to do this as you are right there and it would be a waste not to go.

2. We really enjoyed walking along the White Cliff's tops in the National Trust's property there. Many may say that the best way to see the cliffs are from the Channel, but as you are going on a cruise, you will be able to do that PLUS if time and inclination get a closer look by taking a walk. If it's a clearish day you will get spectacular views, too.

The Allotment restaurant is the best in town by far, but closed Sunday and Monday.
www.theallotmentdover.co.uk
Agree that the Castle is well worth a vist.

Thanks for all the great ideas. We won't miss the castle or the Allotment.