Things to see and do

Dover Castle Family Guide

Bring the whole family for a day full of adventure, excitement and discovery across the centuries at Dover Castle.

We've just opened a NEW siege-themed play area, at the Dover Castle Under Siege part of the castle - don't miss it!

With over 80 acres of open countryside, the castle grounds is a young adventurer's dream - there's plenty of open courtyards, hills and mounds to explore and conquer. 

Book ahead and save 15%

New for 2024

We’ve been working on a major new attraction in the northern part of the castle! Dover Castle Under Siege, will tell the story of the castle’s most challenging times through exciting new interactive activities, a play area and re-imagined underground tunnels.

Now open

Things to see and do

King or queen for the day?

Step inside the magnificent Great Tower for a taste of medieval royal life.

Explore the colourful rooms of King Henry II's palace and learn about what life in a royal household. For a more authentic experience, we don't have any information panels in the tower but you can learn the history by visiting the 'A family at war' exhibition first.

Explore Secret Tunnels

Discover stories from the World War Two and explore the labyrinth deep underground in Dover's white cliffs - the Secret Wartime Tunnels.

Don't miss fascinating guided tour of the Underground Hospital

Live history weekends

On selected weekends during each season, see costumed historical characters perform scenes of life at the castle during the reign of Henry II. 

Family events

From mighty clashing knights in our jousts to adventure quests spent exploring the castle grounds, the programme of events at Dover Castle has something for all the family!

Family Essentials

Food and drink: The Great Tower Cafe and the NAAFI Restaurant offer lots of variety, with sit-down and takeaway options. There's also a small tearoom by the tunnels. An ice-cream van is also open in sunny weather during school holidays. 

Toilets: Male, female and disabled toilets are available in five different locations across the site. 

Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome in the castle grounds. Assistance dogs welcome throughout the site. 

Parking: Free parking within the grounds for up to 200 cars, plus off-site parking at peak times.  

Need more information? Our handy Plan Your Visit guide should be able to help with planning your castle adventure.

Plan your visit

The Great Tower Lookout

When you visit the Great Tower, make your way up to the rooftop for amazing 360-degree views across the English Channel. Can you spot these features?

  • The Roman Lighthouse or Pharos is one of the oldest buildings in the castle grounds, dating from around 50 AD. 
  • Peverell's Tower, named after William de Peverell, a Norman knight from the Norman Conquest of 1066 – now one of the castle's two holiday cottages. 
  • How many cannons can you count from the roof? There are cannons from all eras in place around the castle's walls and defences. 

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