A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Saint Andrews vs. Dover for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Dover?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Dover, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a charming, quaint, and peaceful university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Dover

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

Saint Andrews and Dover: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
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 Saint Andrews or Dover?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Andrews. Although Saint Andrews and Dover are both popular with visitors, Saint Andrews has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Andrews is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Dover is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Saint Andrews is popular for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. It is also home to The Old Course. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

The Old Course
The Old Course

How is Saint Andrews different from Dover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Dover?

Saint Andrews
Dover

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Saint Andrews and Dover.

Saint Andrews offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dover. 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 Saint Andrews or Dover? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Andrews
Dover

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews is an experience not to be missed. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

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 Saint Andrews or Dover Better for Nightlife?

Saint Andrews
Dover

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

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 Saint Andrews or Dover Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews
Dover

Saint Andrews is very good for the beach. However, Dover is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Saint Andrews to enjoy the beach. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Dover is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Andrews or Dover Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews
Dover

Dover is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint Andrews. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Dover?

Saint Andrews
Dover

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Dover Better for Families?

Saint Andrews
Dover

Saint Andrews and Dover are both good destinations for the whole family.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Dover is a family-friendly university town. 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 Saint Andrews or Dover Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews
Dover

Saint Andrews and Dover are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Dover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Saint Andrews or Dover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Andrews
Dover

Dover is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or Dover Better for Students?

Saint Andrews
Dover

Saint Andrews is a world-class destination for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Saint Andrews. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Dover is not popular with students.


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

Saint Andrews
Dover

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

Saint Andrews has a few public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

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

Is Saint Andrews or Dover a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews
Dover

Saint Andrews and Dover both are good when exploring on foot.

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dover or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Dover?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews.


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

One day in Saint Andrews or Dover?

Even though Saint Andrews is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the natural destination of Dover. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Saint Andrews or Dover?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Andrews. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Dover?

Saint Andrews is a fun place to experience. Saint Andrews is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the natural destination of Dover. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Saint Andrews or Dover?

Saint Andrews is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful town of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, and The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Dover or Saint Andrews?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Andrews is £215, 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 Saint Andrews and Dover in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Andrews £116
    Dover £62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Andrews £232
    Dover £124
Compare Hotels in Saint Andrews and Dover

Looking for a hotel in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews


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.
    Saint Andrews £53
    Dover £39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $55
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $55
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $66
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $98
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $131
  • Private Transfers from Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $147
  • Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport: $210
  • One-Way Taxi Transfer from Dover Seaport to London: $252

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Andrews or Dover?

Prices for flights to both Dover and Saint Andrews 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
    Saint Andrews £62
    Dover £38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Andrews £45
    Dover £20

Tours and Activities in Saint Andrews

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

  • Rebels, Romance & Raisins St. Andrew's Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm): $18
  • St Andrews Golf Oriented Heritage Tours - Town and Old Course: $19
  • St Andrews History Tours: $19
  • St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer: $19
  • St Andrews Walking Tours: $19
  • St Andrews Ghost Tours: $20
  • The Original St Andrews Photo Shoot Tour: $82
  • Private St Andrews Dark Side Tour: $145
  • Private St. Andrews: Home of Golf Old Course Walking Tour: $146
  • Private St. Andrews Tour with Dedicated Local Guide: $146
  • Private St Andrews Town Tour for Future Students: $146

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: $27
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $29
  • From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back: $108
  • Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury: $153
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $172
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $177

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Andrews £26
    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: $176


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Andrews and Dover, we can see that Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews Expensive? and Is Dover Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Dover?

Dover has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Dover in the Summer?

Both Dover and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Dover. Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Dover during summer. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Andrews usually receives more rain than Dover. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dover receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Dover in the Autumn?

Both Dover and Saint Andrews during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dover this time of year.

In October, Saint Andrews is generally cooler than Dover. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 10°C (49°F), and Dover fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Dover. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 119 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dover. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dover receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Andrews 10°C (49°F) 
    Dover 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Dover in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Dover. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dover for the museums and the cuisine.

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

Saint Andrews usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dover during winter. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Andrews usually receives more rain than Dover. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dover receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Dover in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Dover. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Dover in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint Andrews is cooler than Dover. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Andrews in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Dover averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dover. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 162 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dover. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Andrews 7°C (45°F) 
    Dover 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dover and Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews Dover
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)