A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Inverness vs. Dover for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Inverness or Dover?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Inverness and Dover can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a cultural, traditional, and local city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover

Dover is a breathtaking, iconic, and rustic town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Inverness and Dover: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Inverness or Dover?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Inverness. Although Inverness and Dover are both popular with visitors, Inverness has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Inverness is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Dover is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Inverness is more touristy than Dover and is known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. It is also home to Loch Ness. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Inverness different from Dover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Inverness or Dover?

Inverness
Dover

Inverness is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

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.


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

Inverness
Dover

Inverness is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Inverness is an experience not to be missed. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Inverness or Dover Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Dover

Inverness is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

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.

Is Inverness or Dover Better for Hiking?

Inverness
Dover

Dover is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Dover is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Inverness is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Dover?

Inverness
Dover

Inverness is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Inverness. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Inverness or Dover Better for Families?

Inverness
Dover

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Dover.

Inverness is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Dover is a family-friendly city. 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 Inverness or Dover Better for Couples?

Inverness
Dover

Dover is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.


Is Inverness or Dover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Dover

Dover is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

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

Inverness
Dover

Both Inverness and Dover offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

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

Is Inverness or Dover a more walkable city?

Inverness
Dover

Inverness is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Inverness is a very walkable destination. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Dover or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Dover?

It's fun to spend time in either Inverness or Dover. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dover due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Inverness, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dover.

Families should spend more time in Inverness than Dover. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Inverness, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.


  • How many days in Inverness or Dover? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Dover 2-4

One day in Inverness or Dover?

In Inverness, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find food and museums around the town of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Inverness or Dover?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and food around the rustic destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Inverness or Dover?

Inverness is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Inverness. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the rustic town of Dover. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Inverness or Dover?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Inverness. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Dover is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Dover or Inverness?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, 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 Inverness and Dover in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Dover £62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Dover £124
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Dover

Looking for a hotel in Inverness 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 Inverness


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Dover Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Dover £39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Private Inverness Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $56
  • Private Inverness Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $56
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $65
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $65
  • Inverness Airport and Hotels Private Transfers: $95
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Private Transfer from Inverness City to Inverness Airport INV by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Private Transfer from Invergordon Port to Aberdeen Airport (ABZ): $115
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $130
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $228

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $54
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $54
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $65
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $98
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $130
  • Private Transfers from Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $146
  • Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport: $208
  • One-Way Taxi Transfer from Dover Seaport to London: $252

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Dover?

Prices for flights to both Dover and Inverness 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
    Inverness £49
    Dover £38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Dover £20

Tours and Activities in Inverness

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

  • City Discovery App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Discovering A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Capital of the Highlands: $6.47
  • Gateway to the Highlands: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Inverness: $6.99
  • Inverness and Outlander Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
  • Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $17
  • Walking Tours in Inverness City Centre: $19
  • Inverness Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $25
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $27

Tours and Activities in Dover

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

  • Pilgrims and Pit Stops: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Canterbury: $5.99
  • The Condensed Canterbury Tour: $13
  • The Canterbury Classic Tour: $16
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour: $19
  • Canterbury Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour: $19
  • Small-Group City Running Tour in Canterbury: $26
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $28
  • From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back: $107
  • Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury: $151
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $170
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Dover £7.71

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Legendary Glenmorangie Distillery Visit: $165
  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $209
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,113

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: $176


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Inverness and Dover, we can see that Inverness is more expensive. And not only is Dover much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dover would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dover and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness than you might in Dover.

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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Dover?

Inverness has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Inverness and Dover, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Inverness or Dover?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Inverness or Dover in the Summer?

Both Dover and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Inverness because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dover this time of year.

In the summer, Inverness is cooler than Dover. Typically, the summer temperatures in Inverness in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Dover averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Dover. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Dover during summer. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Inverness usually receives more rain than Dover. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dover receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Dover 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Dover in the Autumn?

Both Dover and Inverness during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Inverness is generally cooler than Dover. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 9°C (49°F), and Dover fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Dover. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 119 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in October than Dover. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dover receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Dover 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Dover in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Dover. Many travelers come to Inverness for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dover in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Dover can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Inverness. Inverness is cooler than Dover in the winter. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dover fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Dover during winter. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Inverness usually receives more rain than Dover. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dover receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Dover 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Dover in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Dover. Many visitors come to Inverness in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Dover for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Inverness is cooler than Dover. Typically, the spring temperatures in Inverness in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Dover averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Dover. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 162 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Dover. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Dover 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dover and Inverness

Inverness Dover
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)