In winter, Dover slows down a little, allowing its true character to shine through, and The White Horse is the perfect base camp for breezy walks, castle climbs, and cozy pub evenings. Here are five things you can do in Dover this winter, all of which will be perfectly complemented by a pint of beer and a seat by the fire afterwards.
1. Walk the White Cliffs, Then Warm Up at The White Horse
The White Cliffs of Dover feel different in winter: the wind is stronger, the Channel is calmer, and the paths are much quieter. Bundle up in warm clothes, walk along the clifftop trails, and you’ll be rewarded with vast skies, stunning sea views, and the occasional ferry passing by below.
When the cold numbs your cheeks, head back into town and make your way to The White Horse, nestled beneath the cliffs and next to the ruins of St. James Church. This Grade II listed inn dates back to 1365, so you’ll be warming yourself in the same building that locals and travelers have been using for centuries after bracing walks in the cold.
Nice pairing: A cliff walk in the morning, followed by a hearty lunch sitting by the fire in the afternoon, and some local drinks from the bar.
2. Explore Dover Castle & Wartime Tunnels
If there’s one attraction that actually suits a grey, chilly day, it’s Dover Castle. In winter, the crowds thin out, and the place feels as atmospheric as you’d hope from a fortress that has watched over the Channel for centuries.
You can roam the Great Tower, duck into medieval passages, and join tunnel tours that tell the story of Dover’s role in wartime, perfect when the weather turns and you want to be indoors but not stuck in a shopping centre. From the castle ramparts, you’ll often catch patches of winter sun hitting the harbour and the cliffs, making the town look properly postcard-ready.
Afterwards, it’s a short stroll downhill to The White Horse, which literally sits in the castle’s shadow. It’s an easy way to turn a history-heavy day into a relaxed evening with good food and a drink.
3. Stroll the Seafront and Harbour
Dover’s seafront in winter has its own charm: quieter promenades, stronger waves, and that particular mix of salt air and cold that wakes you right up. Local tourism guides often suggest grabbing a hot takeaway drink and walking the marina and pier for some of the best views of the cliffs and harbour.
On calmer days you can wander the promenade, watch the ferries come and go, and take photos with the white cliffs glowing behind the town. On wilder days, it’s all about zipping your coat up, leaning into the wind, and then promising yourself something comforting when you’re done.
That “something comforting” is where The White Horse comes back in. Set slightly back from the waterfront, it’s close enough to duck into as soon as you’re ready to trade sea spray for low beams, historic walls, and a proper winter drink.
4. Discover Dover’s Museums and Indoor Attractions
Winter is the perfect excuse to explore Dover’s indoor side. Local round-ups highlight places like Dover Museum, the Bronze Age Boat Gallery, Dover Transport Museum, and other heritage spots around town that stay open year-round or with reduced winter hours.
These are the kind of attractions you might skip in summer when the weather is too good to stay inside. In winter, they become ideal half-day plans: history, stories, and local character without having to keep an eye on the forecast every five minutes.
The bonus? Most of these sights are a short walk or quick drive from The White Horse, so you can turn the pub into your “home base” between visits, start with lunch, head out for a couple of hours, then circle back for dinner and a relaxed evening among locals and fellow travellers.
5. Settle into The White Horse: Dover’s Historic Winter Hideaway
Even if you spent the whole day just enjoying The White Horse, it would still count as a winter experience. The inn is one of Dover’s oldest pubs, with roots going back to the 14th century, originally home to the verger of nearby St James Church before becoming an ale-house in the 1500s.
Inside, you’ll find character everywhere: low ceilings, historic details, and the famous Channel swimmers’ signatures on the walls celebrating successful crossings. On cold days, that mix of history and warmth is exactly what you want: good food, well-kept drinks, and the feeling that you’re sitting in a place that has seen centuries of winters before yours.
It’s also a natural meeting point if you’re travelling with friends or family: easy to find, close to the main sights, and a comfortable spot to plan the next day’s adventures.
Conclusion
Winter in Dover is a season that combines the delightful charm of a quaint historic town, the tranquillity of the outdoors, snug local taverns, and a variety of events, with the charm of the chilly weather in the town of the sea. For sure, there must be a trace of every memory with every street from these days of rediscovering ancient tunnels, taking cliff-side views, and the very local food and warming up.
If you really want to catch the heritage of Dover, aside from the White Horse, which is an amazing local line pub barely brought back to the 14th century- one of the oldest pubs in the town with a fascinating history still dated back to the 14th century – be sure to visit The White Horse pub.
