Dover Castle: Hours, Address, Dover Castle Reviews: 4.5/5
Dover Castle
Dover Castle
4.5
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
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10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Top ways to experience Dover Castle
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
144 within 5 kms

The White Horse
722
0.5 km££ - £££ • Bar • British • Pub

Dinos Italian Restaurant
460
0.6 km££ - £££ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Blakes of Dover Restaurant
306
0.6 km££ - £££ • Bar • International • European

Il Rustico Restaurant
485
0.8 km££ - £££ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean

Aspendos Dover
247
0.7 km££ - £££ • Mediterranean • Turkish • Middle Eastern

NAAFI Restaurant
147
0.3 km££ - £££ • Cafe • British • Vegetarian Friendly

The Elephant & Hind
48
0.8 km£ • Bar • British • Pub

Marine Court Table Table
667
0.5 km££ - £££ • Bar • British • Vegetarian Friendly

Calcutta Port Indian & Asian Restaurant
151
0.9 km££ - £££ • Indian • Asian • Healthy

Castle Take-Away
219
0.6 km£ • Quick Bites • Seafood • Fast food
Attractions
74 within 10 kms

PWRR & Queen's Regimental Museum
27
34 mMilitary Museums • Speciality Museums

The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment and Queen's Regiment Museum
1
37 mHistory Museums

Roman Lighthouse
29
0.2 kmAncient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Fan Bay Deep Shelter
270
0.9 kmHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery
255
0.8 kmHistory Museums

P&O Ferries - Day Trips
1,251
0.6 kmFerries

The White Cliffs of Dover
2,903
1.4 kmGeologic Formations

Fort Burgoyne
5
0.5 kmHistoric Sites

St Paul's Roman Catholic Church
1
0.5 kmChurches & Cathedrals

Dover White Cliffs
6
0.6 kmGeologic Formations
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Popular mentions
4.5
6,206 reviews
Excellent
4,473
Very good
1,323
Average
269
Poor
91
Terrible
51
Paul M
Carmarthen, UK28 contributions
May 2022
What a great day out. Wonderfully preserved castle, with excellent staff, informative and entertaining tours and a fascinating insight into both ancient and more modern history. Would highly recommend a visit to anyone who hasn't been there.
Written 20 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
oomdavie
Chandler’s Ford, UK119 contributions
May 2022
What a great day out. So much history in such a small area. Knowledgeable, helpful staff, good cafe and an all round educational and enjoyable experience. Wholeheartedly recommend.
Written 16 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lollyheff
2 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
I have been to Dover Castle many times over the years but jot since 2018 and this was my first time back since I myself started working in the tourism industry.
I can honestly say that we had a great day and every member of staff we met was polite, helpful and obviously loved their job very much. From the lady in the admissions box at the pedestrian entrance, the man at the pizzeria (who had to deal with a card machine that wouldnt work due to first day opening problems) to the tunnel tour guides, everyone was fantastic and was only too happy to help.
Highly recommend to all and I will be back many times.
I can honestly say that we had a great day and every member of staff we met was polite, helpful and obviously loved their job very much. From the lady in the admissions box at the pedestrian entrance, the man at the pizzeria (who had to deal with a card machine that wouldnt work due to first day opening problems) to the tunnel tour guides, everyone was fantastic and was only too happy to help.
Highly recommend to all and I will be back many times.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jason W
Towcester, UK13 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
A great day out a must for anyone who loves History or the great atmosphere of the place as you absorbe the castle and its History
Written 7 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Matthew M
3 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Horribly expensive. £35 for our adult is disgusting, we’re in a time of hardship when we should be encouraging walking and enjoying nature, try to get families away from their homes and a dependency on technology. But no, with these prices it’s a massive deterrent. I didn’t go in and I honestly gelt cheated for having to walk up there. Shame on everyone involved. Deeply disappointed. Fortunately the cliffs can’t be made into a capitalist nightmare.
Written 7 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bill A
Spring Lake, NJ548 contributions
May 2022
For me, Dover Castle is most impressive for its longevity. On the site, you'll find a lighthouse that dates back to the time of the Romans. The castle itself dates back to the 11th century. And, more recently, the site served as a defensive position during the second world war. Unfortunately, we were unable to take either of the two guided tours as the wait times were long. So, if you are going on a holiday weekend, I recommend that you get there early. Even, without the guided tours, we enjoyed a self guided tour of the church, the tower and the ramparts. If you are visiting Kent, this should definitely be on your short list of things to do.
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Aaron S
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Family
Dover Castle has long been on my list of places to visit in England. Yesterday I finally got there and wow, I wasn't disappointed.
I would recommend any babies to be carried in a sling/carrier as there are lots of stairs and no lifts. That aside, it is a great day out for the whole family. Make sure you get here at 10am as there is a lot of ground to cover and 2 of the tours are 20 minutes and an hour.
The staff here where so friendly and very approachable. I am not brilliant with heights and when I spoke to the staff they couldn't help me enough. As I got into the grand gallery the staff on the entrance had already radioed to let them know my worries about walking across the roof to get back down.
One of the staff member who's name has slipped from my memerory (sorry) was brilliant. He made his way up the stairs with me as I attempted to try to get the full experience and my legs went as I saw the view from a window as we ascended. The staff member kept me calm reassured me that it was OK and helped me down a different way, so thank you very much.
There are some brilliant views from the grounds and you can see how busy the port is throughout the day.
I would recommend any babies to be carried in a sling/carrier as there are lots of stairs and no lifts. That aside, it is a great day out for the whole family. Make sure you get here at 10am as there is a lot of ground to cover and 2 of the tours are 20 minutes and an hour.
The staff here where so friendly and very approachable. I am not brilliant with heights and when I spoke to the staff they couldn't help me enough. As I got into the grand gallery the staff on the entrance had already radioed to let them know my worries about walking across the roof to get back down.
One of the staff member who's name has slipped from my memerory (sorry) was brilliant. He made his way up the stairs with me as I attempted to try to get the full experience and my legs went as I saw the view from a window as we ascended. The staff member kept me calm reassured me that it was OK and helped me down a different way, so thank you very much.
There are some brilliant views from the grounds and you can see how busy the port is throughout the day.
Written 22 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nathan
Portsmouth371 contributions
Apr 2022
What a castle, great location and history. Was busy on a Good Friday but did not feel like that which is great. Free parking and great value for English Heritage member. The big tower well worth the steps to the top and the tunnels worth the wait to get on a tour. Also got to see some Choughs about to be released into the wild. Cannot speak highly enough of the place, and also dog friendly if you are able to share the hound and look at things individually which is what we did and it was fine. Thanks for a great day out.
Written 17 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
IzzOli Adventures
Greater London, UK36 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
The castle itself was amazing however there were no information boards in any room within the great tower , which would have made for a better experience. The whole site was lacking information- and In areas inside the great tower we were left to make up our own minds on the rooms given the furniture within. Not something you have to do and most other sites.
Cafe was very expensive - £3.75 for a sandwich for my daughter - I’ll never understand why places like this rip people off for food or shop items for that matter - a pen in the gift shop was £3.50 - but wouldn’t have paid more than £1.50 for it.
The kids would have bought something but the prices are unrealistic. Surely more would be sold if price more reasonably. Spent nearly £20 on two coffees a sandwich and two cookies ! In the cafe
Cafe was very expensive - £3.75 for a sandwich for my daughter - I’ll never understand why places like this rip people off for food or shop items for that matter - a pen in the gift shop was £3.50 - but wouldn’t have paid more than £1.50 for it.
The kids would have bought something but the prices are unrealistic. Surely more would be sold if price more reasonably. Spent nearly £20 on two coffees a sandwich and two cookies ! In the cafe
Written 15 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
StaceyD
8 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Absolutely breathtaking, fantastic and informative tours of tunnels and old hospital.
Stunning views and fantastic food (gluten free) really enjoyed the whole day.
Stunning views and fantastic food (gluten free) really enjoyed the whole day.
Written 26 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Apfm141
Walsall, UK99 contributions
Is it possible to leave the castle and return on the day e. g to return to your car?
Geoff H
Sissinghurst, UK7,427 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, UK348 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, UK44 contributions
I think so but for full details contact the English heritage website
Terry Saunders
1 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.
Julia T
Stoke-on-Trent, UK22 contributions
Do you allow dogs.
Dan Brejza
Ashford, UK261 contributions
I don’t believe you can take dogs. Personally I wouldn’t
Meg0528
Papillion, NE64 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 Kingdom58 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
ADREAMCOMETRUEGH
NAPLES, FLORIDA89 contributions
We will be stopping in Dover, May 2020, via a cruise ship. We would like visit the castle. I am not finding tours of just the castle and just from Dover, itself. Will someone offer suggestions? What would be the best way to GET to the castle from the cruise port? And if others have taken tours from a cruise ship, will you please recommend companies, attractions? Thank you.
srevogel
Worthing, UK59 contributions
Hi. Really not much in Dover a part from the port and some shops. The castle however is totally worth a visit. Especially now they have opened up the war tunnels. I would suggest a taxi from the port. Would cost less than £10.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dover Castle
- Dover Castle is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
- We recommend booking Dover Castle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 18 Dover Castle tours on Tripadvisor
- 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 £52.93)
- Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle & White Cliffs Guided Day Tour from London (From £106.87)
- Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour (From £100.77)
- Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Cliffs of Dover Custom Day Trip (From £90.59)
- Shore Excursion:Dover Cruise Terminal to London Stopover at Dover & Leeds Castle (From £497.20)
- Hotels near Dover Castle:
- (0.43 km) Churchill Guest House
- (0.42 km) Castle House Guest House
- (0.62 km) Maison Dieu Guest House
- (0.49 km) Premier Inn Dover Central (Eastern Ferry Terminal) hotel
- (0.63 km) Travelodge Dover
- Restaurants near Dover Castle:
- (0.25 km) NAAFI Restaurant
- (0.46 km) The White Horse
- (0.63 km) Dinos Italian Restaurant
- (0.78 km) Il Rustico Restaurant
- (0.61 km) Blakes of Dover Restaurant
- Attractions near Dover Castle:
- (0.03 km) PWRR & Queen's Regimental Museum
- (0.04 km) The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment and Queen's Regiment Museum
- (0.18 km) Roman Lighthouse
- (0.46 km) The White Horse
- (0.89 km) Fan Bay Deep Shelter