Explore our castles and forts

There’s something magical about visiting ancient English castles and forts and even more so when they’re in beautiful locations by the sea.

Iconic, symbolic and very historic

Here in White Cliffs Country we have three magnificent coastal castles and as many forts chronicling thousands of years of fascinating history waiting to be explored.

  • Dover Castle, the world-famous medieval citadel on the cliffs built by Henry II, the 'Key to England' and Winston Churchill’s base for operations during World War II; there's even a Roman lighthouse in the grounds!
  • Deal Castle, built on the orders of Henry VIII, one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in the country and part of his chain of coastal defences along the south coast
  • Walmer Castle and Gardens, once a Tudor artillery fortress but more recently a stately home for the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports, among them the Duke of Wellington and HM the Queen Mother
  • Richborough Roman Fort which saw the beginning – and almost the end – of Roman rule in Britain
  • Fort Burgoyne, built in the 1800s to protect Dover Castle from attack
  • Drop Redoubt, a Napoleonic fort with the incredible Grand Shaft (a triple helix staircase from the clifftop to shore).

Time travel into the past as you explore these nationally significant fortresses and fortifications and follow in the footsteps of monarchs and military leaders of the past.