A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom York vs. Dover for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit York or Dover?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover

Dover is a natural, breathtaking, and iconic town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

York and Dover: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Dover?

Visitors will usually find more to do in York than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. York is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Dover is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Dover and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Also, York is famous for The Shambles. Dover is well known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is York different from Dover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York 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 York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Dover? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

York has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Dover Better for Nightlife?

York is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Dover Better for its Old Town?

York is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is York or Dover Better for Hiking?

Dover is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, York 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.

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Dover?

York is very good for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to York to go shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is York or Dover Better for Families?

York is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

York is one of the most popular family destinations. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Dover Better for Couples?

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Dover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York 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.

York is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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

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

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

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Dover a more walkable city?

York and Dover both are notable when exploring on foot.

York is somewhat walkable. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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 York Worth Visiting? and Is Dover Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dover or York?

How long in York or Dover?

It's fun to spend time in either York or Dover. In our opinion, York has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in York than Dover. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York 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 York.

One day in York or Dover?

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this medieval destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This city 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Dover?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Dover is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Dover?

York is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of York. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and food around the rustic destination of Dover. This town offers something for everyone. 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 York or Dover?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The iconic town of Dover offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Dover, we can see that Dover is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 Dover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dover than you might in York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Dover?

York has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Dover in the Summer?

Both Dover and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dover for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, York is generally around the same temperature as Dover. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Dover fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Dover. York usually receives less sunshine than Dover during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives more rain than Dover. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dover receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Dover in the Autumn?

Both Dover and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Dover in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

York is around the same temperature as Dover in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Dover fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dover. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 119 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Dover. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dover receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Dover in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Dover. Many visitors come to York in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Dover for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Dover can be very cold during winter. York can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, York is cooler than Dover. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Dover averages at about 4°C (40°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dover during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dover. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dover receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Dover in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Dover. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dover because of the natural beauty.

In April, York is generally around the same temperature as Dover. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Dover fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dover. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 162 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in April than Dover. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dover and York