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

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Dover?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Dover. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a remote, stunning, and spectacular archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Dover

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

Outer 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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Dover?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Outer Hebrides than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Outer Hebrides is better known for its food, beaches, and hiking, while Dover is more popular for its museums & sights and impressive beauty. Dover is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Outer Hebrides is well known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries. Also, Outer Hebrides is famous for Barra.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Dover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Outer Hebrides
Dover

Dover is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Outer 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Outer Hebrides
Dover

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides is an experience not to be missed. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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 Outer Hebrides or Dover Better for Nightlife?

Outer Hebrides
Dover

The respectable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Outer Hebrides and Dover.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Outer Hebrides. You'll find the most options in the main town of Stornoway. Outside of town, most bars are attached to hotels or restaurants.

Dover is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dover Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides
Dover

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

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Dover is not a beach destination.


Is Outer Hebrides or Dover Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides
Dover

Outer Hebrides is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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 Outer Hebrides or Dover Better for Families?

Outer Hebrides
Dover

Both Outer Hebrides and Dover are notable family-friendly destinations.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

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 Outer Hebrides or Dover Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides
Dover

Outer Hebrides and Dover both high quality destinations for a couple.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

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 Outer Hebrides or Dover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides
Dover

Outer Hebrides and Dover are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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

Outer Hebrides
Dover

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

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

Is Outer Hebrides or Dover a more walkable city?

Outer Hebrides
Dover

Dover is a good destination for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable archipelago. There are many walking routes, but you'll need a car to cover the longer distances.


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

Should I spend more time in Dover or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Dover?

It's fun to spend time in either Outer Hebrides or Dover. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dover.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides.


  • How many days in Outer Hebrides or Dover? Ideal Length of Stay
    Outer Hebrides 4-10 
    Dover 2-4

One day in Outer Hebrides or Dover?

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this tranquil destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or Dover?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer 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 Outer Hebrides or Dover?

Outer Hebrides is a fun place to experience. In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or Dover?

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the 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. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Dover or Outer Hebrides?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Outer Hebrides is £123, 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 Outer Hebrides and Dover in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Outer 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 Outer 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.
    Outer Hebrides £51
    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: $170
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $56
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $100
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $67
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $56
  • Private Round-trip Transfer: Heathrow Airport ↔ Dover Cruise: $327
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $137
  • Dover Cruise Port→London Heathrow Airport: Private Transfer: $174
  • Door to Door Private Transfer from Dover to London: $245

Is it cheaper to fly into Outer Hebrides or Dover?

Prices for flights to both Dover and Outer 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
    Outer Hebrides £31
    Dover £38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Outer Hebrides £20
    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: $279
  • 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: $219
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $33
  • Dover Castle, White Cliffs, Leeds Castle: Private Tour: $1,307
  • Dover Castle,White Cliffs,Canterbury Cathedral: Private Tour: $1,307
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $185
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Outer Hebrides £6.36
    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: $187


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



When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Dover in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Dover. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Dover in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Dover. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 13°C (55°F), and Dover fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dover. In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Dover. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 212 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in July than Dover. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Dover receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Outer Hebrides 13°C (55°F) 
    Dover 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Dover in the Autumn?

Both Dover and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Dover in the autumn. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Dover fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Dover during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Dover. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Dover receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Dover in the Winter?

Both Dover and Outer Hebrides during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dover because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Dover can be very cold. Outer Hebrides can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Outer Hebrides is around the same temperature as Dover. Typically, the winter temperatures in Outer Hebrides in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Dover averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Dover. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 57 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Dover. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Dover receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Outer Hebrides 4°C (40°F) 
    Dover 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Dover in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Dover. The spring months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Dover this time of year.

In April, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Dover. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 7°C (44°F), and Dover fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Dover during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Dover. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Dover and Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides Dover
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 11°C (53°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 126 mm (5 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)