Dover Guide
The English town and port of Dover is located in the county of Kent in the south east of England. The town lies on the English Channel coast at its narrowest point between England and France. This narrow stretch of the English Channel is called the Strait of Dover.
In and around the town there are many things for visitors to see and do. In memory of the spot where Bleriot landed following the first cross channel flight in 1909, the Bleriot Memorial is an outline of the aircraft flown set into the ground. Also, and overlooking the town, is Dover Castle which is the largest castle in England. It was founded in the 12th century and has been described as the "Key to England" due to its defensive significance throughout its history.
The Port of Dover is the world's busiest passenger port, with 16 million travellers, 2.1 million lorries, 2.8 million cars and motorcycles and 86,000 coaches passing through it each year. It is the main port of departure for travellers from the UK to France and beyond into mainland Europe. Services are operated by P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways to Calais and Dunkirk.
Dunkirk Guide
The town of Dunkirk is located in northern France and its harbour is the third largest in France, after those of Le Havre and Marseille. The town is a former fishing village but today relies heavily on the port and related harbour activities.
The town's heritage has strong links with the fishing industry and the town's Port Museum tells the story of the history of Dunkirk's maritime and fishing past. The town's museums also reflect on the fact that Dunkirk is a war time historic town and contain a wealth of information about the war and especially of Operation Dynamo.
Much of the town is new, having been rebuilt following the end of World War II there remains the occasional examples of historical structures including the town hall and Le Laac outdoor sculpture garden and museum. As a coastal town, Dunkirk offers a fabulous sandy beach with seafront brasseries and activities.
Which is better Dover or Dunkerque?
Dover and Dunkerque are both important port cities located on opposite sides of the English Channel. Each city has its own unique characteristics and attractions.
Dover, situated in southeastern England, is known for its iconic white cliffs and its historical significance. The Dover Castle, one of the largest castles in England, offers breathtaking views of the channel. The city is also home to the famous Dover Museum, showcasing artifacts from the Roman era to World War II. Furthermore, Dover is a major ferry port connecting England to mainland Europe, making it a convenient gateway for travelers.
On the other hand, Dunkerque, located in northern France, has a rich maritime heritage. The city boasts beautiful sandy beaches and a vibrant waterfront. The Port Museum presents the history of Dunkerque's maritime industry, while the Dunkirk War Museum commemorates the famous evacuation of Allied troops during World War II. Dunkerque is also well-known for its annual carnival, attracting thousands of visitors. Ultimately, whether Dover or Dunkerque is better depends on personal preferences. Dover offers stunning natural scenery and historical sites, while Dunkerque provides a mix of maritime attractions and a lively atmosphere. Both cities have their own charm and cultural significance, making them worth exploring.
How many days in Dunkerque is enough?
The ideal number of days to spend in Dunkerque depends on your interests and the activities you plan to do. For a general visit, 2-3 days should be sufficient to explore the main attractions. This will allow you to visit the beautiful beaches, stroll along the promenade, and enjoy the local cuisine. If you are interested in the city's history and culture, you might want to spend an extra day to visit the Dunkirk War Museum and the Port Museum. Additionally, if you plan to attend the famous Dunkirk Carnival, which takes place over several weekends in February and March, you may want to allocate more time to fully immerse yourself in the festivities. Overall, 2-4 days should be enough to experience the highlights of Dunkerque.