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. At this English Heritage site, there is lots to see and do. Regular events include re-enactments, tunnel tours, children's events, and theatre productions.
It is steeped in history - William the Conqueror built 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 18^th Century, a network of tunnels was dug into the cliff face, used as barracks due to the threat of invasion from Napoleonic France. During World War II, these were put into service and became home to the command centre that evacuated British troops from Dunkirk during Operation Dynamo. The tunnels were then extended and used as an underground hospital and a headquarters for those organising the 1944 invasion of Europe. Explore them and learn how, during the Cold War, the tunnels were used as a secret location for the British government to organise and make preparations if Britain was attacked with nuclear weapons.
Tunnels Update
The Operation Dynamo section of the Secret Wartime Tunnels is currently closed for essential maintenance. The Underground Hospital is open, but not accessible by wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Things to Do & See
There are 80 acres of grounds featuring battlements, curtain walls, other military equipment, and two museums. Plus, immersive tours of the Great Tower, Secret Wartime Tunnels, and the Underground Hospital are also available. See Dover Under Siege, featuring immersive interactive displays, visit the reopened medieval tunnels, plus an imaginative new play area. There is also The Bunker Escape Room at the castle, and you can stay at two properties inside the walls of Dover Castle.

Explore Dover
Discover more top attractions in South Kent, with our Dover Area Guide, or visit our What's On and Things to Do sections, filter by location, for current events and more attractions and activities in Kent.

Opening Hours
2026 to 2027
Until 6th April
Wednesday to Sunday: 10am to 4pm
April 6th to 24th October
Daily: 10am to 5pm
25th October to 1st November
Daily: 10am to 4pm
7th November to 20th December
Weekends: 10am to 4pm
27th December to 3rd January
Daily: 10am to 4pm
6th January to 14th February
Weekends: 10am to 4pm
15th to 21st February
Daily: 10am to 4pm
24th February to 14th March
Wednesday to Sunday: 10am to 4pm
Last entry 1 hour before closing.

🎟️ CLICK ON THE WEBSITE LINK UNDER THE MAIN IMAGE ABOVE FOR THE OFFICE TICKET PAGE FOR DOVER CASTLE🎟️

Price
English Heritage member: Free
Non-Member online*
With donation/without donation
Adult: From £27.20/£24.65
Child - 5-17 years: From £13.60/£12.32
Child - under 5 years: Free
Concession - students/over 65 years: From £24.65/£22.35
Family - 1 adult & up to 3 children: From: £40.80/£37.06
Family - 2 adults & up to 3 children: From £68/£61.79
Carer: Free
* 15% saving for advance tickets, gate tickets are higher
Admission price includes the Secret Wartime Tunnels tour; some events may incur additional fees, even for members.
Top Tip: Please note prices vary by date.

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. The 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.
Sensory Packs: Free sensory backpacks available to borrow - can be reserved.
Disabled Parking: Blue Badge Holders' car park (near to Great Tower) pay at Canon's Gate pay box. On event days, you will be directed to park at other locations on site, no parking near Great Tower.

Train
Dover Priory - 1 mile uphill.

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. Assistance dogs are welcome elsewhere.

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.

Car-Free Discount
Travel to Dover Castle by train, bus or bicycle and get 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.

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