The Grand Shaft staircase will reopen for its first open day in 2026 on Sunday 15 March for self-guided walks up and down the unique and fascinating triple helix staircase hidden inside Dover's White Cliffs. Built during Napoleonic times, this is an amazing example of engineering ingenuity.
Access and self guided exploration are free but donations are welcome. All money raised goes back into the work to maintain the Western Heights by the Western Heights Preservation Society.
Nearby refreshments are at the Citadel Cafe located outside the mighty Citadel gate complex.
How to find the staircase
- For ground level access to the Grand Shaft use postcode CT17 9DA.
- For access via the Western Heights, park at St Martin's Battery car park and follow the path.
- On What3words, the top of the Grand Shaft is ///october.decking.grand ; the bottom of the Grand Shaft is ///steady.install.caged