The striking white portion of the cliffs formed naturally as chalk deposits embedded themselves into the side of the cliffs millions of years ago.
The White Cliffs of Dover face continental Europe, specifically France. On clear days visitors can easily view France across the strait with the naked eye.
The cliffs sit as high at 300 feet in some spots. The actual chalk, comprised of a fine limestone, lies as thick as 1,000 feet in some areas.
With its close proximity to continental Europe, the White Cliffs of Dover have served as an important wartime location. In fact, tunnels and bunkers were carved into the brittle cliffs as fortification points during World War II.
The cliffs have inspired various works of art, including the well-known World War II song "(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover." William Shakespeare, Rudyard Kipling and Jamaica Kincaid have all made mention of the cliffs in their writings as well.
