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Dover Castle

Dover Castle: Hours, Address, Dover Castle Reviews: 4.5/5

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Dover Castle

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See all things to do
Dover Castle
4.5
6,206
#4 of 74 things to do in Dover
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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Tours & experiences
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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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
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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
Fabulous visit
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
Great day out
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
Fantastic Day out
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.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jason W
Towcester, UK13 contributions
An excellent day
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
Way too expensive
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
So much history
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
Brilliant experience and a must if your down this way
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.
Written 22 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nathan
Portsmouth371 contributions
Its a top attraction and worth a trip to Kent
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
Dover and out
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
Written 15 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
StaceyD
8 contributions
Enjoyable Day
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.
Written 26 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dover Castle
Dover Castle is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
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