RNLI Dover Lifeboat Station

Open to visitors daily, Dover's state-of-the-art lifeboat station has a welcoming visitor centre and gift shop, plus fantastic views of Dover seafront, castle and cliffs.

Attraction Dover

Where

New Marina Curve Road
Dover
CT17 9FQ

What3words location

amends.outlooks.saves

Useful info

  • Coach parties welcome
  • Family-friendly
  • Guide dogs, Hearing dogs and Registered assistance dogs welcome
  • Off-site parking (charges may apply)
  • Wheelchair user friendly
  • Dog-friendly
  • Parking

Admission

Free entry

Contact

RNLI Dover lifeboats have been saving lives at sea for over 165 years and its crews have received over 30 awards for gallantry. Today, the station operates the largest lifeboat in the fleet, a Severn class lifeboat, which you will be able to see when you visit the station (as long as it's not out at sea). 

Orange and blue lifeboat with blue sky overhead
Dover's Severn class lifeboat

The station is a short walk along the Marina Curve on Dover seafront, at the end of the marina. There is no parking next to the station, but you can park in bays along the seafront and follow the path past the marina. The path is smooth and fine for wheelchairs (and the station is wheelchair accessible; there is a lift from the ground floor to the upstairs visitor centre).

Learn about the RNLI's vital work and about the history of Dover Lifeboat Station in the visitor centre where children can try on Lifeboat Kit and you can see the full adult kit on display. You can talk to volunteers about what it's like to be a volunteer and the type of work the Lifeboat supports. Afterwards, browse the shop and buy a memento or two to help support the charity.

Visitor Centre & Shop hours

  • Monday to Friday 10am-2pm
  • Saturday 10am-5pm
  • Sunday 10am-4pm

Please note: the station is staffed by volunteers, so although the team aim to open the visitor centre whenever the shop is open, this is subject to volunteer availability. Opening times will be displayed in the shop window. 

Group visits and coach parties

Groups are welcome to visit and formal talks and tours can be arranged. Please contact the station in advance to discuss your requirements, to check their availability and to book a date/time.

Advance notice is also required for coach party visits, even if a talk is not booked, so that the team can make sure enough volunteers are on hand. 

Shelves stocked with RNLI branded gifts and toys
Find gifts, toys, cards and more at the RNLI shop.
Display boards and a dummy dressed as lifeboat crew.
Learn about the RNLI's work at the Dover visitor centre.
Email Visitor Information