Dover Castle


Discover 2000 years of fascinating history and an amazing day out for the whole family.

Dover Castle is an Attraction. Area Dover

Where

Castle Hill Road
Dover
Kent
CT16 1HU

What3words location

float.above.skins

Useful info

  • Available: Accessible toilet/s
  • Available: Baby changing
  • Available: Blue badge/ accessible parking bay/s
  • Available: Coach parking available
  • Available: Coach parties welcome
  • Available: Family-friendly
  • Available: Food and drink on site
  • Available: Guide dogs, Hearing dogs and Registered assistance dogs welcome
  • Available: Licensed
  • Available: On-site parking (charges may apply)
  • Available: Public transport nearby
  • Available: Season ticket/membership available
  • Available: Visitor toilet/s

Admission

Admission fees

Contact

Rising above the famous White Cliffs high above the Channel, this mighty fortress has been the site of royal intrigue and epic sieges and was at the centre of the crucial effort to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Allied troops from the beach of Dunkirk during World War II.

The Great Tower

Step inside the Great Tower, constructed in the 1180s, and immerse yourself in the royal court of King Henry II. Experience the vibrant colour and opulence of one of medieval England's most important castles as you're transported to a world of courtly intrigue and royal ambition.

The Secret Wartime Tunnels

For over 200 years the tunnels have provided shelter, safety and secrecy to those defending our shores. Delve deeper into the history of the tunnels, from Napoleonic times to the Cold War in this exhibition. Tours of the different levels within the Secret Wartime Tunnels last approximately 30 minutes each, plus a recommended 30 minutes in the Wartime Tunnels exhibition.

Operation Dynamo

Experience the drama of the Dunkirk evacuation in the very tunnels where the desperate rescue operation was masterminded. State-of-the-art effects and real film footage combine to bring those dramatic events of May 1940 to life.

Underground Hospital

Travel deep into the white cliffs to explore the atmospheric Underground Hospital. Converted into a hospital for injured troops in 1941, visitors today can experience the sounds, smells and atmosphere of the World War II hospital with its operating theatre.

A family of four looking at film footage of Operation Dynamo projected onto a tunnel wall.
Operation Dynamo film footage © English Heritage

Don't miss

  • Visit the Anglo-Saxon church of St Mary-in-Castro
  • Admire the Roman pharos (lighthouse)
  • Be impressed by the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment Museum
  • Spot ships in the English Channel from the Admiralty Lookout
  • See the World War l Fire Command Post
  • Go ghost hunting and feel the eerie chill in the medieval tunnels
  • Work up an appetite on the battlements walk
  • Enjoy spectacular views whilst eating a picnic or take refreshments at the cafes
  • Be tempted by the unique gifts at the shop in the Inner Bailey.

New experience launching summer 2024!

Works are currently underway in the castle’s northern defences and the route past this area of the site is closed – along with the medieval tunnels - until the experience launches this year.

The new experience will reveal the dramatic history of the northern defences where you’ll be able to place yourself within the story of the castle, stepping into the shoes of those who lived, worked in and protected it during the most testing times in the fortress’s history. There will also be an interactive play area and access to parts of the castle which have never previously been open to the public.