River Dour
The River Dour is a chalk stream which flows from Kearsney to Dover docks. The chalk stream habitat of the Dour is globally rare and the crystal-clear waters support an abundance of wildlife.
The river is easily accessible from Dover town centre and is a ten-minute walk from Dover Priory train station. The four mile signposted ‘River Dour Greenway’ trail follows the river from sea to source as it passes through the town of Dover and ends at the village of Temple Ewell. The river can also be easily accessed while visiting Pencester Gardens in Dover and Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens in Kearsney.
Find out more about our Heritage Lottery funded project Our Finest Dour, which set out to raise awareness of the importance of the River Dour. An overview of the project is here.
The Kent Downs National Landscape funded Dour to Downs project is now underway, continuing on the work from Our Finest Dour but adding new elements. To find out more please email riverdour@dover.gov.uk
Things to look out for
Brown trout, kingfisher, grey wagtail, egret, heron, dragonflies, water crowfoots, water starworts, watercress, water forget-me-not.
Visitor Information
Open: 24 hours
Parking: Nearby parking available at De Bradelei Wharf Car Park, Waterloo Crescent Car Park, Stembrook Car Park, Kearsney Abbey.
Accessibility: The River Dour Greenway trail is wheelchair accessible.
Dogs: Welcome on leads.
Facilities: Public toilets available at Kearsney Abbey and Stembrook Car Park. Refreshments available at Kearsney Abbey Tea Rooms and from a variety of cafes and restaurants in Dover town.
Nearest bus stops: Pencester Road (multiple routes), Wellington Dock (Route 61, 90, 93), The Railway Bell, Kearsney (Route 15, 68, 90)
Other information: To help protect the wildlife please do not enter the river or allow your dog to enter the water.
