Thousands more reach London by train, crossing the English Channel.
But only ferry passengers arriving from Calais or other ports in France or Belgium get to see the White Cliffs of Dover before debarking.
Despite this, the White Cliffs of Dover, several kilometers wide and up to 150 meters high, remain one of the landscapes most dear to the British people and one of the symbols of the United Kingdom worldwide.
Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover is more than just a scenic experience: it's a geological, biological, and historical journey into the deep memory of the United Kingdom.
Here, you walk through millions of years of natural history and millennia of conflict, departures, returns, and hope.
It's a place that unites the power of nature with the fragility of human history and it's deeply moving.
The cliffs, formed from brittle limestone that formed during the Cretaceous period, have been protected by the National Trust for decades.
Access to the cliffs and the viewpoints is free, but a donation (which can take the form of a purchase or a drink at the Visitor Center or the lighthouse) is always appreciated.
If you arrive by car and park by the Visitor Center, it's a short walk away.
If you walk from Dover station, it's a bit longer but the best views of the cliffs are right after the Visitor Center, and it's important to remember that the paths leading to the cliff edge can be very dangerous.
In classic British style, there are no warning signs or safety features as people are expected to be responsible.
The White Cliffs of Dover are undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in the UK and amongst the most scenic day trips outside London.
This natural spectacle offers breathtaking views, fresh sea air and a glimpse into the most authentic British landscape.
The cliffs overlook the English Channel and, on clear days, even allow glimpses of the coast of France but it's not just the landscape that makes them special: these cliffs are a national symbol and during the Second World War, they represented the gateway to England and a sort of protective wall against invasion.
Today, they have become an ideal place to walk in nature, breathe deeply, and admire one of the most iconic views in the country.
The path which runs along the cliffs is easily accessible and allows you to walk at your leisure, with spectacular views of the ocean and Dover Harbour.
It's a trail suitable for everyone, although there are some slightly uphill sections.
The contrast between the white limestone rock and the green vegetation creates an almost surreal landscape and if you love photography, you'll have enough material to fill your phone's gallery here.
Also along the trail is the evocative South Foreland Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse managed by the National Trust where you can stop for a break, enjoy tea in the small tearoom, and learn about the history of this building, once crucial for navigation on the Channel.
Just minutes from the cliffs is the majestic Dover Castle, considered one of the most important medieval fortresses in all of England.
Its strategic location has meant it has been used as a defensive bulwark for centuries, dating back to Roman times.
Today, it can be visited and offers a fascinating journey through time: from the medieval towers to the court of Henry II, to the underground tunnels used during World War II as a secret military command.
In my opinion, if you decide to organize your trip independently and have extra time, a visit to the castle will add a rich historical content to your day.
