A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Inner Hebrides vs. Dover for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Inner Hebrides or Dover?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Inner Hebrides or Dover? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Inner Hebrides

Inner Hebrides is a stunning, natural, and peaceful islands. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Dover

Dover is a natural, breathtaking, and iconic town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Inner Hebrides and Dover: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Inner Hebrides or Dover?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dover than Inner Hebrides, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dover is better known for its museums & sights, nightlife, and impressive beauty, while Inner Hebrides is more popular for its beaches. Dover is more touristy than Inner Hebrides and is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Also, Dover is famous for The White Cliffs of Dover. Inner Hebrides is well known for its rugged landscape, beautiful coastline, and local whisky.

The White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover

How is Inner Hebrides different from Dover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dover and Inner Hebrides. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Inner Hebrides or Dover?

Inner Hebrides
Dover

Dover is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Inner Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Inner Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Inner Hebrides or Dover? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inner Hebrides
Dover

Dining out at restaurants in both Inner Hebrides and Dover can be an enjoyable experience.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Inner Hebrides. It wasn't long ago that there was a limited selection of restaurants on the islands, but these days you shouldn't have much trouble finding some Scottish classics. The area continues to grow its restaurant scene, which highlights regional ingredients and the local whisky distilleries.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Inner Hebrides or Dover Better for Nightlife?

Inner Hebrides
Dover

Dover is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Inner Hebrides is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Inner Hebrides. People don't come here to be surrounded by crowds, so you won't find much nightlife in the area.

Is Inner Hebrides or Dover Better for Beaches?

Inner Hebrides
Dover

Inner Hebrides is a well-known place for the beach. However, Dover is not a beach destination.

Inner Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The islands offer a truly unexpected sight, with white sand beaches and blue waters. Some of the best beaches to visit include Calgary Beach on the Isle of Mull, Machir Bay on the Isle of Islay, and Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye.

Dover is not a beach destination.


Is Inner Hebrides or Dover Better for Hiking?

Inner Hebrides
Dover

If you're looking to go hiking, Inner Hebrides and Dover both have great trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Inner Hebrides. To fully experience the area's natural beauty, you really should go on a few hikes. The hikes are varied in landscape, length, and skill level. Some of the favorites include Beinn an Òir, Coire Dubh, and Ben More.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Is Inner Hebrides or Dover Better for Families?

Inner Hebrides
Dover

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Inner Hebrides or Dover.

Inner Hebrides is a family-friendly islands. Beaches, wildlife spotting, and boat tours all make for a fun adventure for the whole family. These islands offer a unique and truly rewarding experience that is fun for everyone.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Dover. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Is Inner Hebrides or Dover Better for Couples?

Inner Hebrides
Dover

With fun activities for couples, both Inner Hebrides and Dover make for a great place to visit.

Inner Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who want to move at a slower pace and soak up natural beauty will appreciate these islands. There are sandy beaches, welcoming communities, and spectacular views that offer both romance and a little adventure.

Couples visit Dover frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.


Is Inner Hebrides or Dover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inner Hebrides
Dover

Inner Hebrides and Dover are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Inner Hebrides. The islands have some campsites that let you fully enjoy the area's stunning natural beauty.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

Is Inner Hebrides or Dover Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Inner Hebrides
Dover

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Inner Hebrides and Dover.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inner Hebrides. Ferries and some local buses are available. It's also possible to find there-and-back day cruises to the islands.

Public transit is generally limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Inner Hebrides or Dover a more walkable city?

Inner Hebrides
Dover

Inner Hebrides and Dover are notable when it comes to walkability.

Inner Hebrides is somewhat walkable. There are some islands that are small enough to wander around on foot. There are also some islands, like Iona, that are car free.

Dover is a somewhat walkable place. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.


For even more information, also check out Is Inner Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Dover Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dover or Inner Hebrides?

How long in Inner Hebrides or Dover?

It's fun to spend time in either Inner Hebrides or Dover. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Inner Hebrides due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Inner Hebrides, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dover.

Couples should spend more time in Dover than Inner Hebrides. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dover that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dover than Inner Hebrides if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Dover.


  • How many days in Inner Hebrides or Dover? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inner Hebrides 3-5 
    Dover 2-4

One day in Inner Hebrides or Dover?

In Inner Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this peaceful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This islands offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Dover, you'll find museums and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Inner Hebrides or Dover?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inner Hebrides. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Dover is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Inner Hebrides or Dover?

Inner Hebrides is a fun place to experience. In Inner Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Inner Hebrides or Dover?

You'll find food around the stunning destination of Inner Hebrides. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the town of Dover. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Dover or Inner Hebrides?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Inner Hebrides is £142, while the average daily cost in Dover is £124. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Inner Hebrides and Dover in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inner Hebrides £67
    Dover £62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inner Hebrides £134
    Dover £124
Compare Hotels in Inner Hebrides and Dover

Looking for a hotel in Inner Hebrides or Dover? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Inner Hebrides


Hotels in Dover


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dover Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inner Hebrides £76
    Dover £39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

  • Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport: $220
  • Private Transfers from Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $171
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $57
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $102
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $68
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $57
  • Private Round-trip Transfer: Heathrow Airport ↔ Dover Cruise: $328
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $138
  • Dover Cruise Port→London Heathrow Airport: Private Transfer: $175

Is it cheaper to fly into Inner Hebrides or Dover?

Prices for flights to both Dover and Inner Hebrides change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Inner Hebrides £31
    Dover £38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inner Hebrides £22
    Dover £20

Tours and Activities in Dover

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dover are as follows:

  • Canterbury Landmarks Private Walking Tour: $280
  • Canterbury Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $283
  • Canterbury's World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour: $240
  • Christmas Tales in Canterbury – Private Walking Tour: $223
  • Dover & White Cliffs Tour; Canterbury, Coastal Towns & Castles: $225
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $33
  • Dover Castle, White Cliffs, Leeds Castle: Private Tour: $1,312
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $186
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $180
  • Literary & Cultural Heritage: Canterbury Private Walking Tour: $224
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour: $20
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inner Hebrides £7.71
    Dover £7.71

Sample the Local Flavors in Dover

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dover:

  • Full Day Wine Tour in Sussex and Kent: $191


When comparing the travel costs between Inner Hebrides and Dover, we can see that Inner Hebrides is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Inner Hebrides Expensive? and Is Dover Expensive?.