Dover Castle

NEW: Dover Castle Under Siege

In 1216, rebel barons offered the English throne to Prince Louis of France in a bid to overthrow King John. In May, Louis and his army swept through southern England. But Dover Castle refused to surrender. Over the next year, it withstood two epic sieges, and became a thorn in Louis’s side as his invasion faltered. 

Now, for the first time, the story of siege has been brought to life with immersive interactive displays, reopened medieval tunnels and an imaginative new play area. A new viewing area offers panoramic castle views from the northern Spur, and there’s also the chance to learn about the life of a soldier at the castle during the Napoleonic Wars. 

Book online, save 15%

NEW FOR 2024

Watch this trailer to see what you can expect when you visit Dover Castle Under Siege.

Book ahead and save 15%

New Siege Play Area

Step into the world of siege warfare through interactive play. Think you have what it takes to defend the castle? Test your skills as you squeeze through tunnels, scale walls, and fire the mighty trebuchet. Watch out for fire! Use the buckets scattered around to put out the flames.

 

Book online and save 15%

Make the most of your visit - don't miss:

The story of siege

Step inside the casemates to discover stunning visual displays, cinematic film and imaginative activities that tell the story of the siege.

You’ll be introduced to key players in the story. See our newly discovered 18th century door, which will be on display.

Siege! Play Area

In our new play area, themed around the Great Siege, kids can blow off some steam and learn through play.

Squeeze through tunnels, scale walls and fire the trebuchet – do you think you can defend the castle? 

The Spur tunnels

Go underground and explore the labyrinth of tunnels, originally built during the medieval sieges and expanded to prepare for potential invasion during the Napoleonic era. New audio-visual installations enhance the dramatic atmosphere.

A new view

Emerge from the Spur Tunnels to enjoy one of the best views of the castle. Stand where the attackers during the siege would have been camped. They would have been met with this view of the castle - would you have felt intimidated by its majesty?

A reconstruction drawing of Dover Castle on the eve of the siege in 1216. The barbican is in the foreground, with the main (north) gate beyond
A reconstruction drawing of Dover Castle on the eve of the siege in 1216. The barbican is in the foreground, with the main (north) gate beyond
© Historic England / English Heritage Trust (illustration by Bob Marshall)

The Sieges of Dover Castle

Discover how the mighty Dover Castle resisted the determined 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. 

Learn more

Discover Dover Castle's history

  • The Sieges of Dover

    Read about the two sieges of Dover in 1216 and 1217 during King John’s reign, and the circumstances that gave rise to this attack.

  • The Angevin Empire

    King Henry II, who built Dover Castle’s great tower, also created the largest European empire of his age, stretching at its height from Scotland to the Pyrenees. 

  • Dover Castle: The Georgian Fortress

    Read about Dover Castle’s transformation into a permanent barracks and artillery fortress in the Georgian era, a role that continued into modern times.

  • Eleanor de Montfort and the Siege of 1265

    Caught up at the centre of a civil war, Eleanor de Montfort held Dover Castle against the king in 1265 after her husband and eldest son were killed in battle.

Plan your visit

  • Plan your visit

    For everything you need to know before your visit including directions, food and drink and access information.

  • Things to see and do

    There's so much to discover on a day out at Dover Castle.

  • Dover Castle Events

    Discover our exciting events programme - there's something for all the family.

Become a member

The South East boasts a huge variety of English Heritage sites from quaint castles to unique Roman sites. Make the most of what this region and the rest of the country has to offer with an English Heritage Membership.

Join today