A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Orkney Islands vs. Dover for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands and Dover can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a pristine, remote, and serene archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Dover

Dover is a breathtaking, iconic, and rustic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Orkney Islands and Dover: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Dover?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Orkney Islands. Although Orkney Islands and Dover are popular destinations, Orkney Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Orkney Islands is very popular for its food and beaches, while Dover attracts visitors for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Dover is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. It is also well known for The Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

How is Orkney Islands different from Dover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Dover?

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Dover and Orkney Islands.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Orkney Islands. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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 Orkney Islands or Dover? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands is an experience not to be missed. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Dover Better for Nightlife?

Dover is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Dover doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Dover Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for the beach. However, Dover is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Dover is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Dover Better for Hiking?

You'll find very good hiking in both Orkney Islands and Dover.

Many visitors go to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

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.

Is Orkney Islands or Dover Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Dover.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Orkney Islands or Dover Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Dover are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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.

Is Orkney Islands or Dover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Orkney Islands is a very popular archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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

Orkney Islands is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

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

Is Orkney Islands or Dover a more walkable city?

Dover is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Dover or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Dover?

It's fun to spend time in either Orkney Islands or Dover. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dover.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Dover 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Dover?

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums that this pristine destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This archipelago 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 Orkney Islands or Dover?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands or Dover?

Orkney Islands is a fun place to experience. In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums 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 Orkney Islands or Dover?

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the museums and food that this natural destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Dover, we can see that Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Dover Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Dover?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Dover in the Summer?

Both Dover and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dover this time of year.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Dover in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Dover fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Dover. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 212 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in July than Dover. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dover receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Dover in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Dover. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is cooler than Dover. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Dover averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Dover during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Dover. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Dover receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Dover in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Dover. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Dover. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Dover fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Dover. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 57 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Dover. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Dover receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Dover in the Spring?

Both Dover and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Dover for the natural beauty during these months.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Dover in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Dover fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Dover during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Dover. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dover and Orkney Islands