Description
Dover Castle is strategically positioned at the shortest crossing between England and Continental Europe, a 12th Century fortress that has been of great historic significance throughout British history. Lots to see and do with re-enactments, tunnel tours, children's events, theatre productions, and even murder mystery events. There are 80-acres of grounds featuring battlements, curtain walls, and other military items, 2 museums, plus an adventure playground and play area for children. Immersive tours of the Great Tower, Secret Wartime Tunnels, and the Underground Hospital are also available.
It is steeped in history - William the Conqueror decided to build a castle at Dover to increase defences after the Battle of Hastings, remodelled in the 1180s by King Henry II and other kings over the years. The castle significantly contributed to the 2 World Wars and the Cold War. In World War I, the Navy controlled ships in and out of the harbour from the Castle’s signal station at the cliff edge. In the 18th Century, a network of tunnels was dug into the cliff face to use as barracks as there was a threat of an invasion from Napoleonic France. During World War II, these were brought back into service and were home to the command centre that evacuated British troops from Dunkirk; during Operation Dynamo. The tunnels were then extended to be used as an underground hospital and a headquarters for those organising the 1944 invasion of Europe. During the Cold War, the tunnels were used as a secret location for the British government to organise and make preparations for life if Britain was attacked by nuclear weapons.
New for 2024 is Dover Under Seige with immersive interactive displays, reopened medieval tunnels and an imaginative new play area
Opening Hours
2024
January, 3rd and 4th February
Weekends
10am-4pm
5th to 18th February
Daily
10am-4pm
21st February to 22nd March
Wednesday to Sunday
10am-4pm
23rd March to 30th June
Daily
10am-5pm
1st July to 1st September
Daily
10am-6pm
2nd September to 27th October
Daily
10am-5pm
28th October to 3rd November
Daily
10am-4pm
9th November to 22nd December
Weekends
10am-4pm
27th top 31st December
Daily
10am-4pm
Last entry 1 hour before closing
Further times TBC.
Price
English Heritage member: Free
Online price
Without donation/With donation
Adult: £20.90/£23
Child - 5-17 years: £12.70/£14
Child - under 5 years: Free
Concession: £18.10/£20
Family - 1 adult & up to 3 children: £33.60/£37
Family - 2 adults & up to 3 children: £54.50/£60
Memberships and overseas visitor passes, and online discounts are available
Please note prices change depending on the season - tickets at the gate are always higher than online.
Accessibility
Wheelchair access is available within Arthur’s Halls, Stone Hut, Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, and Queen’s Regiment Museum. Lift only in Secret Tunnels, not in the Medieval part of the castle. Great Tower has steep flights of narrow steps on the upper floors. On site, there is a land train that stops outside the upper car park, Blue Badge Holders car park, Medieval Tunnels, and the NAAFI restaurant. Please note, that they are presently unable to take bookings for mobility scooters by telephone. If you wish to book one of the several mobility scooters they have available on site, please contact by email using Dover.Castle@English-Heritage.org.uk
Train
Dover Priory - 1 mile.
Bus
Stagecoach in East Kent 15, 15X, 80, 80A, 81, 93.
Parking
Free onsite and further offsite parking with free mini-bus connection during peak times and events.
Dogs
Grounds only, on lead.
Advisory Notes
If you purchase a walk up ticket on the day of the event, the ticket price will be higher than those listed above.
Additional Notes
Travel to Dover Castle by train, bus or bicycle and be rewarded with 20% off your walk-up ticket.
Facilities
Cafe • Picnic Area • Shop • Toilet • Disabled Toilet • Adult Changing Area • Baby Changing Facilities • Free Parking
Picture Credit: © English Heritage.
