Dover Castle
Dover Castle
4.5
About
The most iconic of all English fortresses commanding the gateway to the realm for nine centuries. Climb the Great Tower, meet the characters and immerse yourself in vivid medieval interiors. Then delve deep within Dover's White Cliffs to witness the drama in the Secret Wartime Tunnels. Roam through centuries of history at Dover Castle, from the Romans to the 20th century, in an action-packed day out.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- A LNorwich, United Kingdom48 contributionsA must when in DoverJust loved this place. Steeped in history you will spend nearly all day here. The tunnels and hospital are a must. My only complaint would be the freshness of the scones, very dry. The guides are very helpful,informative and reassuring when it comes to what to expect when you enter the tunnels. Something for everyone.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 March 2023
- Beverly SKingston, Canada6 contributionsMust-see! Interesting history!Buy tickets in advance to avoid the line, but buy tickets! We had a very enjoyable experience. Definitely bring your walking shoes and be prepared to walk up some hills. Fascinating history. Well done capturing all the multiple eras of historical events that took place here. Cool to see France as well!Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 April 2023
- alisdair tWorkington, United Kingdom6,329 contributionsA great full day out.Dover Castle is a great day out for all the family. We spent most of the day here. The Great Castle Tower, War tunnels, regiment museum, WW 1 Command post, The Saxon church, all worth spending time at. There is a lot of walking involved, but also transport for those less able to walk far. Nice cafes on site, although one was virtually taken over by a large group from a school.Visited April 2023Written 2 May 2023
- jbeanMelbourneFl72 contributionsDover Castle must seeIf you only have a short time in Dover a visit to the castle is well worth visiting. The view alone is worth it. I recommend pre buying your tickets and getting their at opening for us it was 10:00 am. Be prepared for some walking. Those with mobility issues can still be able to view most of castle. They do have a mobile transfer but it wasn’t available the day we were their. The WW2 hidden tunnels are very interesting. There is a spiral staircase that will lead you to the top of castle, it is not for the faint of heart.Visited April 2023Written 7 May 2023
- Amelia ABristol, United Kingdom39 contributionsFascinating and a great day outWe visited on a day with wild weather and it was still a great day out. Free for English Heritage members. We enjoyed the castle and the tunnels. Potential for lovely views when weather permits. A lot of the site may not be accessible due to steep steps and hills, and I would recommend planning ahead if you have additional needs.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 May 2023
- RonnieHampshire, United Kingdom17 contributionsDay well spentWe visited Dover Castle yesterday (13/5) from Hampshire. Fortunately we are English Heritage members as I noticed the admission price is fairly expensive. It was our first visit here and one we really enjoyed. The castle grounds are extensive and there is a lot of walking involved, steep hills, stairs and uneven surfaces - so wear a good pair of walking/hiking shoes/boots. We explored for a good four hours and actually didn’t manage to squeeze everything in that we wanted to see - so I would allow for the day there. The war time tunnels were really amazing and the experience was pretty moving/powerful. The castle is very well preserved with lots to explore. It was a beautiful day yesterday so the views were absolutely incredible. Compared to other English Heritage sites, there wasn’t many information boards to explain the history of each section we visited - having said that, there were staff members dotted around on every corner and on hand to share information and answer questions (Cliff in particular was fantastic) Over all an incredible day out and definitely worth ticking off the list!Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 May 2023
- Paul S445 contributionsCastle and Views from it were amazingWe did the underground hospital tour. Explored the castle with its decorated rooms and great views from the top. Luckily we had great clear weather. The English Heritage staff were helpful and full of information.Visited May 2023Written 12 June 2023
- William SMission Viejo, California13 contributionsDover Castle was amazing!You've got to go to Dover Castle! It was our very first activity that we did when we arrived in England, and we were very glad we went there. Give it at least 3 hours, minimum; there's a lot to see, and you can have a relaxing lunch at one of the cafes on site. Definitely do the Secret Wartime Tunnels tour. Walk the castle grounds. Tour the castle, all the way to the roof, and go see the chapel, as well. The views of the coast line are amazing from various places around the castle grounds.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 June 2023
- Dave CIllinois1,544 contributionsGo to the Front Entrance and spent hoursThe castle and grounds date back over 800 years and one could easily spend 5 hours here. As such, get there early. Our challenge is that we took the train to Dover and got off at the train station. Our app said it was a 1 mile walk. Well... that would include twisty roads, with a steep incline - so fortunately we found a bus. The bus takes you close to the rear entrance. The front entrance has a visitor center, instructions, and from reading the other reviews, access to guided tours. The rear entrance? We got brief instructions and a map. Having said that, we saw the history of England as relative to the castle, a war museum, quite a few grounds including a trebuchet! In the castle itself with royal bedroom, play area, dining, storage, kitchen, you climb stairs to fantastic views of the countryside from the top. We also saw the medieval tunnels, a medieval church, an ancient Roman lighthouse - and the last thing we saw was the actual visitor center. Took us 4+ hours for all that. Very well maintained and restored.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 July 2023
- BrianSterling, Virginia374 contributionsDay Trip Exploring DoverWith any EHS you need to make this trip an entire day trip. This site has so much to offer. From the Tunnel tours, to the medieval Castke and it’s surroundings. Learning about history is a given. I would highly recommend this for any WWII buffs that want to learn more and walk the actual tunnels that were integral in Operationn Dynamo.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 July 2023
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4.5
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Tim B
London, UK172 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Went to the bunker escape room challenge. We all found it great fun. Moderate difficulty and well run. Takes around one hour.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisB17_02
Sevenoaks, UK68 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Good historical venue, but as seems to be typical of the UK these days, the price is ridiculous. £52 for a couple to see the castle is pathetically overpriced.
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isobel
9 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
I cannot say enough about our wonderful day at Dover Castle. The staff were wonderful, particularly the tour guides for the WWII tunnels and the Underground Hospital. The tours and the guides were wonderful. The castle was one of the most compelling and beautiful sites we’ve visited in the UK. Truly worth the trip!
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hantsdee
Basingstoke, UK153 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Omg 6 stars!!
A fabulous day out exploring the main facets of dover castle!
The facilities are well located, the staff smiling and talkative, and so much to do!
Highlight was the tunnel tour - the storytelling via film on the walls was inspired. The battlements views and walk, the great tower and the Roman lighthouse just fab!
Coffee and cold drinks well priced and signposted really well too - spent 5 hrs walking 4 miles here today and loved it!
A fabulous day out exploring the main facets of dover castle!
The facilities are well located, the staff smiling and talkative, and so much to do!
Highlight was the tunnel tour - the storytelling via film on the walls was inspired. The battlements views and walk, the great tower and the Roman lighthouse just fab!
Coffee and cold drinks well priced and signposted really well too - spent 5 hrs walking 4 miles here today and loved it!
Written 3 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AprilForbes
Salisbury, UK828 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Wow, what an amazing castle and the views from the roof are wonderful.
There are a lot of stone stairs, if you have any mobility issues, this is not for you.
The rooms are amazing and so much history.
The grounds are very large and there is a lot to do, you can spend hours here.
I would definitely recommend a visit.
There are a lot of stone stairs, if you have any mobility issues, this is not for you.
The rooms are amazing and so much history.
The grounds are very large and there is a lot to do, you can spend hours here.
I would definitely recommend a visit.
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The up&down traveller
Milan, Italy59 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
So expensive!!! 26£ each person to see a Castle! Are we kidding? Feeling like they are stealing money out of my pocket! Don’t go! It doesn’t worth the expense in a foggy day.. always foggy there except if you are kissed by God
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob G
Gloucester, UK129 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
Returned to Dover Castle after many years and main aim was to vist the underground tunnels from which Operation Dynamo was planned. Very underwhelming experience, guide led through the tunnels stopping every so often to be shown a field about WW 2 and why Dunkirk happened. It was boil the end when we actually saw some recreated areas. To few and no activity, compared to this to the use by the FAA at Yeovilton use of hologram figures so very much a let down. The Castle itself was first class and a good day out .
Written 13 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily F
Ashford, UK28 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Great place with lots to do. Always many areas where you can eat. Staff are always kind and there is always new things going on.
Written 9 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
williamskdn
Pontypridd, UK994 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This is a great place to visit so much to see. The place is so interesting and covering lots of years of history. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Lots of walking due to vast area.
The tours available were really interesting and very informative about the wartime britain and how it has been used in modern time.
The medieval castle was really interesting and the rooms really great to see set out. The staff were very helpful and informative on the room.
The medieval tunnels were closed, which was a shame. But will return to come here as still did not see everything. This is such a nice place to visit and so interesting.
The tours available were really interesting and very informative about the wartime britain and how it has been used in modern time.
The medieval castle was really interesting and the rooms really great to see set out. The staff were very helpful and informative on the room.
The medieval tunnels were closed, which was a shame. But will return to come here as still did not see everything. This is such a nice place to visit and so interesting.
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
themaddog74
England299 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
I took our children to visit Dover Castle. They found being in a real medieval castle to be fascinating and enjoyed being able to wander freely in the castle, as well as touch some models of things that were used and eaten in the time the castle was used.
I was quite disappointed with the Wartime tunnels as some of the magic from when I used to take school groups here in the 2000's had been lost.
I was disappointed to have to wait and move through the tunnels with a crowd - I would have preferred us to have been able to move through at our own pace. I was looking forward to my children experiencing the smells in the kitchen and operating theatre that were put out when I used to take school groups here, but these had been lost. It was disappointing that you're not allowed to take photos in the tunnels.
The exit to the tunnels offers a good view of the English Channel.
I was quite disappointed with the Wartime tunnels as some of the magic from when I used to take school groups here in the 2000's had been lost.
I was disappointed to have to wait and move through the tunnels with a crowd - I would have preferred us to have been able to move through at our own pace. I was looking forward to my children experiencing the smells in the kitchen and operating theatre that were put out when I used to take school groups here, but these had been lost. It was disappointing that you're not allowed to take photos in the tunnels.
The exit to the tunnels offers a good view of the English Channel.
Written 7 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ray S
Winston Salem, NC22 contributions
Best way to get from cruise port to Dover Castle?
wwhughesjr
Spartanburg, SC269 contributions
We travelled to Dover Castle by car from River, England, a small community west of Dover, so I don't know about going to the castle from the cruise port. Talking with the cruise line is a good idea; I would imagine they would have information on this, but I've never been on a cruise. I think there is a TI not too far from the cruise port.
How do I pre-purchase tickets?
alisdair t
Workington, UK6,329 contributions
You can purchase tickets at the reception, or go to the English Heritage website
Apfm141
Telford, UK109 contributions
Is it possible to leave the castle and return on the day e. g to return to your car?
Geoff H
Sissinghurst, UK12,682 contributions
The car park at Dover Castle is outside the ticket office so once you have left the castle grounds you can go anywhere you want to presumably as long as you return to your car before closing time.
Can i buy tickets at the castle at the reduced price?
John D
Welwyn, UK350 contributions
There are reduced prices for children and senior citizens.
At present most EH attractions are very busy and if you wait and buy on the day you may find that you have to wait for "a spare slot" or not get in at all. For example, Framlingham Castle today (Monday 23 August) had people without prebooked tickets waiting over an hour to get in.
Martin T
Edenbridge, UK
We are a party of three all in our 80s and quite slow walkers would we be able to join a guided tour at about 10.45 am on the 15th September to last not more than two hours at the most
Martin T
Edenbridge, UK
We are a party of 3 all in our 80s and pretty slow walkers. Are we able to join a guided tour on the 15 September at about 10.45 am or so and lasting not more than two hours?
Thank you
tregarth01
Maidstone, UK58 contributions
I think so but for full details contact the English heritage website
Terry Saunders
Basildon, UK1 contribution
Is the castle open all year round
Margo T
Louisville, KY25 contributions
Starting in November the castle is closed during the week.
biletska
Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine16 contributions
Hi. Is there guided tours around the castle? Can we walk by ourselves? Thank you.
Vicky Rossouw
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa227 contributions
Very easy to walk it yourself. Lots of helpful staff if you need anything.
Meg0528
Papillion, NE66 contributions
We are planning a visit to the castle on a thursday in October. is it necessary to buy our tickets ahead or will we be able to just get in at the door/gate without worry of a sell out. Just asking as there is a chance that we may hold off until friday if there is no worries about sell outs
Louise J
Matlock, United Kingdom59 contributions
If you're making a special trip, to be safe book ahead. But it's an enormous site and I can't imagine them ever being full. You can fit a small town in there
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Claim your listingDOVER CASTLE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Dover Castle
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Dover Castle:
- Full-day White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Cathedral Tour from London (From £86.59)
- Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle & White Cliffs Guided Day Tour from London (From £117.15)
- Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour (From £96.78)
- Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Cliffs of Dover Custom Day Trip (From £96.78)
- Shore Excursion:Dover Cruise Terminal to London Stopover at Dover & Leeds Castle (From £845.50)
- Hotels near Dover Castle:
- (0.27 mi) Churchill Guest House
- (0.39 mi) Maison Dieu Guest House
- (0.26 mi) Castle House Guest House
- (0.39 mi) Travelodge Dover
- (0.30 mi) Premier Inn Dover Central (Eastern Ferry Terminal) Hotel
- Restaurants near Dover Castle:
- (0.29 mi) The White Horse Dover
- (0.16 mi) NAAFI Restaurant
- (0.46 mi) Cafe Melange
- (0.48 mi) The Elephant & Hind
- (0.39 mi) Dinos Italian Restaurant
- Attractions near Dover Castle:
- (0.02 mi) PWRR & Queen's Regiment Museum
- (0.02 mi) The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment and Queen's Regiment Museum
- (0.11 mi) Roman Lighthouse
- (0.29 mi) The White Horse
- (0.22 mi) World War Ii Tunnels