Accessible White Cliffs Country

White Cliffs Country aims to be accessible to all our visitors with facilities to cater for all tourists' needs. This page provides key information and useful tips for disabled access in the area.

White Cliffs Country - well known for its unique history and heritage and some of the country’s most spectacular scenery - offers independent boutique shopping, great arts and culture, and a wealth of places to eat and drink. It is important to us that as many people can enjoy White Cliffs Country as possible and we continue to work towards improved accessibility for visitors across the district. To make planning your perfect break a little easier, here's information on getting to and around White Cliffs Country, inspiration for things to do while you're here and helpful links.

You will soon be able to search for accessible places to stay, eat and drink and things to do via our listings pages - please check back soon - but in the meantime, please contact our Visitor Information Centre team who has all the accessibility information for the area. Alternatively, use the Chat function on this site to ask any questions you may have about accessibility in White Cliffs Country.

Accessible travel

Trains  South Eastern operates across the nine train stations in the district and all have induction loops and accessible ticket machines. There is some step-free access in most of the stations, but not between platforms. South Eastern offers some useful information about accessible train travel here.

Taxi  The traintaxi database gives details of accessible taxi operators serving the area around each station.

Bus Public buses are operated by Stagecoach and you can find details about bus accessibility here. The company runs a Journey Assistance Cards scheme for those who need help using the bus (showing the card makes it easier for bus drivers to understand what extra help you may need). Click on the link to apply.

Car parking  Disabled drivers may park for up to three hours (not to exceed the maximum period) free of charge in Dover District Council car parks, providing a disabled person's valid blue badge and clock are displayed. Additional parking should be purchased from the machine. Most pay and display car parks have wide bays dedicated to disabled drivers. Disabled persons on-street parking exemptions apply.

A cross-Channel ferry coming towards the camera in a calm sea. — The Port of Dover ferry terminal has facilities for disabled passengers and ferry operators offer a range of support for those with additional needs. (Photo © Paul Wells)

Travelling by ferry

Eastern Docks passenger terminal

Passengers with disabilities are advised to contact their ferry operator and/or port authority at least 48 hours before departure and present themselves at an agreed time and place ahead of the published embarkation time. DFDS Seaways, Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries all run from the Eastern Docks and offer a range of support to those with additional accessibility needs.

The passenger terminal provides:

A loop system Induction loops to amplify announcements or conversations for passengers wearing hearing aids are available within the main passenger buildings. Just look for the distinctive ‘ear’ symbols. Port Reception staff are trained in deaf awareness so you can rely on an understanding response at all times.

Toilet facilities Unisex disabled restroom facilities are available in various locations throughout the Ferry Terminal. Wheelchair-friendly ramps are also fitted on all split-level buildings and walkways.

Port of Dover cruise

The Port of Dover also serves as a major international cruise ship terminal for turnarounds and port of call visits with two dedicated cruise terminals. Terminal 1 is within a charming converted Victorian railway station and Terminal 2 is a sleek, modern building offering state-of-the-art facilities. Both terminals offer:

easy-access car parking
wheelchair ramps and walkways
toilets with disabled facilities
lifts to all floors.

An area of green grass in front of a white building housing Kearsney Cafe with trees in the background and a blue sky. — Kearsney Cafe at Kearsney Abbey is home to one of the Changing Places toilets in the district.

Accessible toilets

There are separate facilities located within eight of the public toilets in the district. Access to these facilities is with a Radar Key (which can be used in public toilets belonging to over 400 local authorities and many transport, retail and leisure providers).

Changing Places Toilets  Standard accessible toilets will not meet the needs of all people with a disability but Changing Places toilets will. There are Changing Places toilets at Kearsney Abbey, Dover Leisure Centre and Buckland Hospital in Dover, Deal Library and Wingham Wildlife Park.

Find a Changing Places toilet

Mobility centres

If you need a little extra help getting around while visiting White Cliffs Country, there are places to hire wheelchairs and mobility scooters for a range of needs:

Deal Mobility
Clarkewrights, King Street, Dover. Tel 07444 298540
Care 'n' Comfort, London Road, Dover. Tel 01304 339121

A passenger and skipper driving the Wetwheels South East boat in Dover Harbour. — Everyone gets the chance to be Skipper in the Wetwheels South East boat.

Experiences and attractions

Wetwheels South East offers a range of fully accessible boat trips out of Dover Harbour aboard their specially adapted boat.

Wingham Wildlife Park has partnered with KultureCity to create an accessible and inclusive day out for those with sensory needs and invisible disabilities, including a fully trained and certified team, tools and quiet zones. The park also has tarmac paths throughout, step-free access or lifts, disabled parking and disabled access toilets (including a Changing Places facility).

Dover Castle offers its own mobility scooters for hire to fit through the tunnels and has wheelchair access to much of the grounds (but not all - please check). There is a wheelchair-accessible, free-to-use mobility bus to help visitors access the steeper areas.

Samphire Hoe has a recommended 2-km ‘access for all’ route around the nature reserve with an average gradient of 1:15 with some steeper sections and occasional cross slopes (maximum 1:25). Less mobile visitors can book a Tramper all-terrain mobility scooter (which must be booked in advance).

Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery has lift access to all floors and is wheelchair accessible. Don't miss the Channel Crossings special exhibition.

The Battle of Britain Memorial is wheelchair accessible throughout the site with adaptations and provision for those with additional needs. Euensguide.com gives it 5 stars - read the full review here.