Things to see and do
There's so much to see and do on a day out at England's Greatest Fortress.
Visit our NEW Dover Castle Under Siege exhibition and play area, discover Secret Wartime Tunnels beneath the castle, climb the medieval Great Tower or gaze across the English channel from the WWI Fire Command Post and Port War signal station.
Explore the extensive grounds, experience the battlements walk and take in the NEW view of the Castle from the Spur.
New: Dover Castle Under Siege
Discover Dover Castle's epic stories of siege. Located at the northern end of the castle, stunning visual displays, cinematic film and imaginative activities tells the story of how Dover has repelled its attackers through the years.
We’ve also reopened the medieval tunnels, complete with new audio-visual installations to enhance the dramatic atmosphere.
Find out moreNEW: Siege Play Area
Blow off some steam and learn all about siege warfare through play. Do you think you can defend the castle? Squeeze through the tunnels, scale the walls and fire the trebuchet. Watch out for fire! Use the buckets dotted around to put these out.
Whilst the kids are having fun, look out for our Vintage H Van, offering light refreshments during busy periods.
Discover the medieval court of Henry II
Step inside the Great Tower and immerse yourself in a medieval palace like no other.
Be transported to a world of courtly intrigue and royal ambition, as you experience the vibrant colour and rich furnishings of one of medieval England's most important castles. Discover the replica medieval kitchen in the basement and enjoy the spectacular views from the roof.
On select days costumed characters bring the medieval era to life with performances and interactive activities.
The Great TowerThe Secret Wartime Tunnels
Go deep underground and experience hidden tunnels within the white cliffs of Dover.
Discover thrilling special effects, dramatic projections and real footage that brings to life the incredible rescue of the British Army from the beaches of Dunkirk. Be immersed in the drama in the very tunnels where the operation was masterminded.
Operation Dynamo: Rescue from DunkirkBattlement Walk
Did you know that Dover Castle’s outer defences enclose an area of over four hectares, making it one of the largest castles in the British Isles?
Go for a walk along the impressive battlements and enjoy panoramic views of the North Downs and Kentish shoreline, including the Western Heights and, on a clear day, the shores of France.
The Underground Hospital
Travel through the atmospheric Underground Hospital on an immersive guided tour.
Discover the cramped conditions in the tunnels where patients, doctors and nurses lived and worked. Experience the sounds and smells of the castle’s Second World War dressing station with its operating theatre, wards and corridors.
Find out moreUncover Dover’s Roman and Saxon stories
Discover the oldest surviving lighthouse in the country, and one of the oldest in the world, the Roman Pharos. This remarkable survivor was once used to aid navigation by Romans across the English Channel from France.
Next door to the lighthouse is the Anglo-Saxon church of St Mary in Castro, a working church still in use today.
FIRE COMMAND POST AND PORT WAR SIGNAL STATION
During the First World War, the Dover area was officially designated as a fortress with Dover Castle acting as military headquarters. Our recreated fire command post reveals the story of this important period in the castle's history, and is also home to the only working British 3 Inch Gun in the world.
This restoration of the fire command post was supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Friends of Dover Castle.
Discover moreThe PWRR Museum
Located in the mighty keep of Dover Castle, the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment and Queen's Regiment Museum recounts tales of courage and sacrifice from one of England's oldest army regiments. The museum hosts a unique collection of objects, tracing the foundation of the regiment in 1572 right the way through to recent deployments in the 21st century.
Visit PWRR Museum's website