Dover Castle


Discover 2000 years of incredible world history and a memorable 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 English 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.

English Heritage members can visit the castle free of charge. Non-members are advised to book in advance online to save 15% on the ticket price. The admission price includes the Secret Wartime Tunnels tour, but additional charges for members and non-members may apply on event days.

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.

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

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.

Dover Castle Under Siege

Discover how the mighty Dover Castle resisted the sieges of 1216 and 1217 during the First Barons’ War, when King John fought against a coalition of English barons and Prince Louis, heir to the French throne.

In 1216, rebel barons offered the English throne to Prince Louis in a bid to overthrow King John. In May, Louis and his army swept through southern England, but Dover Castle refused to surrender and it withstood two epic sieges.

The story of siege has been brought to life at the castle with immersive interactive displays, reopened medieval tunnels and a new play area where you can step into the world of siege warfare through interactive play. Test your skills as you squeeze through tunnels, scale walls and fire the mighty trebuchet!

There is also a new viewing area with panoramic castle views from the northern Spur, plus the opportunity to learn about the life of a soldier at the castle during the Napoleonic Wars.

A family of five sitting on a wooden bench with Dover Castle in the background
Take a pew while you enjoy the northern Spur view © English Heritage.

The Bunker Escape Room

Experience a fully-immersive escape room, deep within the Secret Wartime Tunnels of Dover Castle.

The Bunker Escape Room pits visitors against the clock in a thrilling scenario inspired by the Castle’s real life Cold War history. Muster your friends, family and colleagues, and work together as a group to find clues, solve puzzles, crack codes and complete challenges as you try to make it to the safety of the bunker.

Don't miss...

  • the Anglo-Saxon church of St Mary-in-Castro
  • the Roman pharos - England's last surviving Roman lighthouse
  • the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment and Queen's Regiment Museum located in the Keep
  • Admiralty Lookout, where you can spot ships in the English Channel
  • the World War l Fire Command Post
  • the battlements walk
  • spectacular views of the town and surrounding countryside
  • the gift shop in the Inner Bailey.