Located on the southeastern edge of England, facing the Strait of Dover and mainland Europe, are the famous White Cliffs of Dover. One of the city of Dover’s biggest draws, it’s an incredible sight to behold. Stretching for 8 miles (13 km), the cliffs owe their striking appearance to a composition of chalk with flashes of black flint scattered throughout. The highest of the cliffs reaches a whopping 350 feet (110 m). Located where Great Britain is closest to continental Europe, you can even view them from France on a clear day (approximately 20 miles, or 32 km, away).
The cliffs were thought to be created during the Late Cretaceous period, between 100 and 66 million years ago, when Great Britain and much of Europe was still submerged under water. During this time, the seabed was covered with a white mud formed from the skeletons of tiny algae, which then floated to the surface and sank back to the bottom. Over the years, the weight of these algae caused the deposits to become pressed and blended. During the Alpine orogeny, a phase in the Late Mesozoic and current Cenozoic period that formed mountain ranges, these pressed, white chalk deposits were raised above sea-level. At this time, the British Isles were still part of continental Europe. Around 10,000 years ago, during the last glacial period, the isles broke away from continental Europe, exposing the striking white chalk deposits that we know and see today.
As mentioned, and as the name implies, the cliffs are located in Dover, England, located within Kent County. Dover sits approximately one hour and 45 minutes from London, and can be easily accessed by car, train, or tour bus. There are numerous tours that embark from London and elsewhere that feature the white cliffs as a stop, costing anywhere from $99 to $145 (USD). Many of these tours also include Dover Castle as part of the package, with some others including Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral.
The cliffs are well known across many genres, most notably referenced in Shakespeare’s King Lear. They’ve made appearances in numerous poems, novels, songs, and even a sea shanty. I highly suggest visiting the white cliffs if/when you get a chance, as they are continuously eroding and crashing down into the ocean. There have been large collapses in 2001, 2012, 2020, and 2021.
Overall, the White Cliffs of Dover will likely never be anyone’s main or only stop while visiting England, or even Dover. However, if given the chance, I highly suggests seeing them. Luckily, many cruises disembarking from England depart from Dover, offering a wonderful opportunity to see these eye-catching white cliffs in person. Or if you’re visiting London, they are less than 2 hours away, making it a very doable day-trip!
