Yes, the castle’s fantastic and the white cliffs are iconic but there’s been an exciting resurgence recently for this seaside town – so often regarded simply as the step-off point for Calais. Let a local expert be your guide…
The Kent coast arts and culture scene is synonymous with groundbreaking contemporary art, buzzy venues, and vibrant cultural communities. Our county’s shores are a focal point for independent artists, musicians and performers to contribute to a dynamic grassroots scene, with open studios, street art and festivals celebrating everything from the visual arts to spoken word and experimental music. Ask anyone where to get a taste of this scene and you’ll hear the same three names: Folkestone with its Triennial, Whitstable with its Oyster Festival and Biennale and Margate with its open studios and The Turner Contemporary.
But what if I were to tell you that, among these cultural hotspots, there was another arts and cultural gem, under-appreciated and waiting to be discovered? It’s Dover – a place that’s got far more to offer than just being a place from which you get the ferry. Over the last decade, Dover has become home to a burgeoning number of community-driven arts and culture projects that are transforming my home town. Rather than sending you up to the castle and cliffs, as most guidebooks will do, instead I’m going to give you my insider’s rundown…
Travis on the decks at one of The Art Club’s sold-out events. Credits: Charlotte Marie Robinson @cm.robinson The Art Club
Founded by three friends, Alfy, Rory, and Travis (hence ART), in response to the lack of a culture and music scene for young people, The Art Club is one of Dover’s newest and coolest additions.
This is your one stop shop for a pick-me-up during the day and to get down in the evening, serving speciality coffee and award-winning pastries from Folkestone’s Docker Bakery, and boasting a fully stocked bar with great signature cocktails.
While primarily a house music venue, you don’t need to be a fan of the genre to have a great night out. The team regularly welcome a wide variety of live acts, host comedy, quizzes and poetry evenings, and collaborate with other Kentish venues, such as wine merchant John Dory of Sandgate, to create great pop-up events.
As I leave, a group arrives to set-up the space for a book launch, and I remark to Travis that there’s something here for everyone here. ‘I never really like referring to it like that,’ says Travis, ‘it makes us seem a bit jack of all trades, master of none. I would say we’re jack of all – but doing alright.’
Drop down to one of The Art Club’s packed out club nights, or one of their many great workshops and events, and you’ll find what these guys have created is a whole lot more than Travis’ modesty will admit.
facebook.com/theartclubdover
The smART Project’s new home and exhibition space. Credit: Jay Smalley Dover smART Project
A short walk from The Art Club, just off Dover’s historic seafront, The Dover smART Project’s new Gallery in Bench Street hosts monthly exhibitions and workshops offering creative opportunities and experiences that build confidence, improve wellbeing, and broaden aspirations and perspectives through art. Full disclosure here: I am a Trustee!
The exhibitions cultivate and showcase creative expression from every part of Dover’s community, bringing overlooked stories and hidden talents into the spotlight. May’s ‘The Art of Age’ is a retrospective of works by the ‘recycled teenagers’, a group for those with dementia that helps combat social isolation. The group includes a number of former professional artists who, through the group, have rediscovered their confidence. Expect some truly fantastic pieces to be on display and available for purchase. For Dover smART Project founder Dawn Foulkes, this is one of the happenings that she is most proud of, ‘every picture tells a story,’ she says.
The gallery also stocks exclusive work from local artists, making it the perfect spot to pick up unique gifts for the art lovers in your life, all while contributing to a life-changing charity. Look out, too, for the regular Sip & Paint sessions, where canvas, easel, paint and brushes are provided for a fee, along with sweet treats and herbal teas. Come on your own or bring friends, a bottle and extra snacks. Work in a relaxed, creative environment, that take home your artwork – all while supporting Dover SmART’s work.
doversmartproject.co.uk
It’s all in the detail: re-opening any minute after a multi-million pound restoration project, Dover’s Maison Dieu. It’s possible to stay here too, via the Landmark Trust. Credit: Andy Aitchison/Landmark TrustAndy The Maison Dieu
Dating back to the 13th century, the Maison Dieu, now the town hall, originally served as a hostel for pilgrims on the route between Canterbury and Rome. Part medieval hall, part bonkers gothic revival masterpiece by Victorian architect William Burges, the building has undergone a multi-million pound restoration to reveal its past splendour and unlock it as a community and events space. You can book a tour of this amazing historic building guided by an excellent team of volunteers, and while you’re there, be sure to check out their action-packed events calendar.
What was once the Mayor’s Parlour has been converted into a Landmark Trust holiday rental that will open for guests in the summer, offering an exciting opportunity to experience a Dover landmark in an entirely new way. landmarktrust.org.uk
Seeing Dover differently: Simon Bill with his book. Credit: DAD Dover Book & Tour
If there is one thing to take away from Dover, it should be a copy of Simon Bill’s Dover, available from the shop in the Dover Museum (which is also well worth a visit, with the fascinating Bronze-Age boat to discover here, for a start – dovermuseum.co.uk).
With funding and support from DAD (Dover Arts and Development, a not-for-profit company that supports and facilitates all sorts of Dover arts projects), Simon provides an illuminating insight into Dover’s cultural and historical fabric. The book is in equal parts provoking, amusing and illuminating, covering everything from slow worms to teenagers to hidden tunnels. It weaves a compelling narrative that stands in stark, defiant contrast to the stereotypical impression that many have of Dover.
Simon Bill – bringing Dover to life in his new book. Credit: Mark Cator Simon has conducted a number of talks as part of the project both locally and throughout the country to continue the invaluable conversation the book starts – and more talks are planned for the summer, so keep an eye on the DAD website.
Without DAD, amazing projects like Simon’s would not have been possible, I’d thoroughly recommend subscribing to its newsletter or following their socials to see what exciting things they have planned in the future.
dadonline.uk
If you already know Dover, you’ll understand what it offers: not just cliffs, castle and a route to Calais, but a great community full of amazing people with fantastic ideas like Dawn, Travis, and Simon. No, we’re not Folkestone, Margate or Whitstable, but Dover is culturally and artistically unique, evolving and authentic. Visit for yourself and see!
Comfort and quality throughout, from dining to sleeping to bathing. Credit: The Marquis of Granby
Three of Dover’s best hospitality hot spots
Coffee and more
Head to Rebels on Marine Parade, where you can enjoy not only an excellent cup of single-origin jo but locally-produced food too, including cake, toasties made from Docker bakery sourdough bread and zingy Zak’s kombucha. Oh – and did we mention Rebels has a sauna, here too? Bring your bathers, so you can indulge and enjoy an invigorating sea-dip afterwards – if you dare!
rebelsdover.com
A great local pub
Fancy a swift pint with history on the side? It’s got to be The White Horse in St James St, dating from the 14th century, reputedly with its own ghost and where you’ll find a friendly welcome (from the very much living) and good pub grub. thewhitehorsedover.com
Make a stay of it
The Marquis of Granby
Nestled in the serene beauty of Dover’s Alkham Valley, the award-winning Marquis of Granby combines fine dining and a welcoming country pub atmosphere, making it the standout location to eat, drink, and sleep after a day out taking in Dover’s cultural scene. Think rustic charm and roaring fires on colder days (yes, it might be late spring, but this is England we’re talking about) – and a west-facing patio that’s perfect for catching an al-fresco bite in warmer weather while enjoying amazing sunset views. Menus are seasonal and feature local ingredients, while bedrooms in this historic building are both comfortable and stylish.
marquisofgranby.co.uk