Dover Castle

Absolutely a fantastic place to visit oozing with history. The site is large so allow plenty of time. It's also hilly and within the castle there is a lot of stairs. The tunnels under the castle were fascinating especially if you have an interest in WWII. Though they date back to the late 1700s. Tours are run at regular intervals and the staff are extremely knowledgeable. All staff were helpful and nice. We were able to park on site but I imagine school holidays could cause an issue sometimes. There's is a carpack for disabled drivers much closer and on a flatter level near the castle itself. Plenty of toilets dotted around the grounds and a cafe and ice cream van as well as one serving hot drinks and snacks. Small p.ay area with climbing equipment for children. Great views over Dover and the port. Also visit the Saxon Church that is within the grounds.

VISIT DATE: MON 27 & WED 29/10/2025 VISIT TIME: 11:30 - 16:00 / 12:00 - 16:00 I visited this wonderful English Heritage site during the October half-term with my 6-year old daughter and my mother. As the site is so large and we are EH members, we had the luxury of spreading our visit across two days, which is a really good idea if you like to look at everything properly as it is such a large site, which so much history. On the first visit we explored church, the Roman lighthouse (the oldest structure at the location), the Keep and the buildings around it. The church is still in use today, with services for the local community every Sunday, but was probably built to serve the soldiers and their families. The Keep is really well laid out, with recreations of furniture and other items to show how it would have looked in the medieval period. For those who are willing to climb ask the stairs, there are also excellent views from the roof over the surrounding countryside and Dover and the harbour. After the Keep, we visited the military history museum and exhibition, then explored the tunnels. My daughter also spent time in the play area, which she really enjoyed and, throughout the day, we completed the half-term challenge of finding the various symbols on signs dotted around, which had Halloween related facts on them. On our second visit we focused on the other parts of the castle, namely the tunnels used during the Second World War, going on the two tours of these, which use sound, light and smell to try and evoke a sense of the time and place. As part of this, you come out on a section overlooking the harbour. It is quite strange to stand on the walls of this historic site and hear the tannoys announcing the coming and going of the ferries! As with all EH sites, there is a good second-hand bookshop, a lovely cafe (though we had brought our own lunches) and a gift shop. Whilst pathways are accessible, many are very steep as the castle is on top of a large hill and a lot of the buildings are also not accessible, but there is still a lot to see externally if you can. Just be mindful of the fact that there is a lot of walking, though they do run a shuttle bus around the site for the less mobile. Plenty of parking available, which is included in entry fees — visit the EH website for costs. Toilets around the site are also pretty good. Highly recommend visiting. Oh, and take a pre-written postcard, already stamped, for the unique experience of posting a letter there as there is a postbox inside the castle that is still in use, which I always forget about when I visit!

Lovely place to visit. Rich in history from Henry II, to the 2 world wars and operation Dynamo. The tunnel guides tour always gets filled pretty quick, even on weekdays. I'd suggest getting there at least 10 mins before the next tour time.

Make this the first place you visit. The only problem is no where else will live up to this multifacited defencive complex. Allow at least 4 hours. Great toilets in many places. Good parking. Good places to eat. Bring a lightweigt wheelchair if you have restricted mobility, there are a lot of steps if you want to explore, and you will probably need to rest. A lot of effort has been made to make many places accessable.

While I'm in the reviewing mood I had to make a review about this amazing Castle that is drenched in history, with excellent and knowledgeable staff to add. This is the heart of Dover and definitely my favourite Castle in the UK, I have been here multiple times over the years but never reviewed it! So much things to see and do!

It sounds like you had a great experience exploring the "Key to England." Dover Castle is such a massive site that its maintenance is no small feat, and it's great that you noticed the care put into it. Here is a draft of about 215 words that expands on your points while maintaining a constructive and appreciative tone. Feedback: Visit to Dover Castle My recent visit to Dover Castle was a truly impressive experience. The first thing that struck me was the extraordinary scale of the site. The sprawling grounds offer a sense of historical grandeur that is hard to find elsewhere, allowing visitors to breathe and explore without feeling crowded. It is clear that the site is exceptionally well-maintained; the preservation of the Great Tower and the cleanliness of the surrounding ramparts reflect a high standard of care from the heritage team. Walking through such a pristine environment made it easy to immerse myself in the different layers of history, from the Roman Pharos to the medieval keeps. However, to further enhance the visitor experience, I would suggest improving the onsite signage. While the current displays are helpful, I found myself wishing for more detailed name boards and interpretive plaques throughout the grounds. Specifically, more granular information about the specific functions of smaller buildings or ruins would be beneficial. More detailed boards would help bridge the gap between the visual beauty of the castle and its complex tactical history, ensuring that visitors walk away with a deeper understanding of the specific roles various parts of the fortress played. Overall, it was a fantastic day out, and with a bit more descriptive signage, it would be a perfect historical journey.

Dover Castle is one of England’s most impressive and strategically important fortresses, often called the “Key to England.” It sits high on the White Cliffs overlooking the English Channel near Dover, Kent. Over 2,000 years of history – from Roman times to the Cold War. Built largely in the 12th century by Henry II, with later major additions. Played a crucial role in defending Britain against invasions from Europe.

Was a wonderful visit,went there with a friend of mine and we explored everything the castle had to offer. Under the castle there are some interesting tunnels with a lot of interesting stories. You will learn a bit about the war and the importance of the castle in the past. It's worth the money.

Dover Castle is a must visit if you are anywhere in the area. Lots of interesting history. The castle is pretty large and of course almost everything is uphill so be prepared for that if it is an issue for you. They have live actors and storytellers and activities for children. There is also a cafe and small gift shop.

Dover Castle, for over 2,000 years has been England's frontline defense against potential invaders. Perched dramatically atop the White Cliffs of Dover, the enormity and imposing castle stood strong and intimidating to would be invaders. More recently, secret World War 2 Tunnels were dug underground, concealing a vast complex housing a hospital and communications center...amazing and a must see. The castle itself is epic as well, with incredible medieval defenses and giant rooms with recreated decor and furniture...I felt like a child inside a Lego Castle. The one upsetting part is that upon arrival we were not informed that sections of the castle would close at 4 or 430pm, despite the official close time being 5pm. We arrived at 3pm, and ended up missing certain sections because they closed early than expected. A warning from the staff would have been helpful as this was likely a once in a life time visit for me.

So, when I last wrote about Dover Castle, I had pretty much said that I hadn't been there for a while (namely 2011) and I decided to write something about it anyway because while it had been years since I actually visited the castle, I wasn't sure if I was ever going to be able to get back, and also it was unlikely to be going anywhere. Well, as it turned out I did managed to get there, namely because I decided to spend a few weeks travelling around Great Britain. When I first visited I had a car, but having been to England, and by extension Europe, a few times now, I've pretty much worked out that you can get almost anywhere without a car, so yeah, this time we rocked up in Dover by train. Like, while I wouldn't say that it is too far from the station, it's still a bit of a hike, and up a hill as well because, well, at the time it was built hills tended to be pretty decent sites for castles. Yeah, this place is pretty awesome, but you can probably work that out already. In fact it is still pretty intact, but that probably had something to do with it being used as a forward command base during World War II. In fact the hill is riddled with tunnels which was a hospital for airforce pilots who had just made it back over land. Sadly you can't take any photos inside (or at least I didn't, I can't quite remember, but it is pretty dark down there - not that that matters these days). The castle itself is pretty cool as well, or the Norman section that is, which is basically the huge square building in the centre. That's the bit that William the Conquerer built (or more precisely got other people to build because I'm not sure if he would have had the time to individually build it). It is quite different from when I was last here though since I don't remember there being a single way through - but that was cool because it means you don't get lost (which is actually quite easy to do). Oh, and if you walk there you get a discount as well, which is also pretty cool.

Good site for learning history and geography but it's too big and expensive. Bring at least £15 and prepare to walk at least 2km or more. Recommended for tourists and hikers/walkers

Who DOESN'T love a castle that dates back to 1100 AD? Located near the White Cliffs of Dover, this magnificent castles looks over the English Channel and the town of Dover. I love British history and could have easily spent 4 hours exploring and learning. Besides it's impressive size, I think what is most fascinating about this castle is that is has survived through countless battles and both World Wars. There are two tours of the underground tunnels, and I was told the hospital annex is fascinating. Unfortunately, I was with a tour group and should have gone on this tour prior to exploring on my own. Ensure you have comfortable footwear as there are A LOT of stairs and a lot of walking, some of it is pretty steep. Also be prepared for high winds and rain! It was by far the windiest place I have been during my two trips to Southern England. I also recommend spending the £3 for the National Heritage book on the castle. It has great photos and also summarizes the history presented across the grounds.

It's expensive but worth at least a one time visit. History buffs buffet. History ranging from Roman castles to WWII tunnels. There are two tunnel tours: Operation Dynamo (aka Dunkirk evacuation) and the medical/hospital tour. Both are worth a visit but if you are time constrained the Operation Dynamo is your first choice. You'll need at least four hours but a combined visit to Dover Castle and a walk along the Dover Cliffs is possible given lots of stamina.

Dover Castle was amazing. The war tunnels are much due. There is a line but it's well worth the weight. I highly suggest putting this on your to do list.

This castle was one of my favorites in the country the combination of original elements as well as reconstructed sections shows not only what the castle looks like today but also what it would have looked like in the past. There were many people wearing period outfits and reenacting scenes, making the castle feel much more alive. I recommend this castle to anyone passing through the area not only for the castle but also for the stunning views of the white cliffs.

Dover castle is a much more expansive property than I expected, encompassing many buildings and you could easily spend hours exploring if you wanted to. We loved how many rooms remain in their original state allowing visitors to see the Kings bedroom, kids bedroom, kitchen and dining rooms among others. There are also two guided underground tours- we did the one focused on the war with Hitler showcasing the underground barrocks and command center. The tour was informative, but lacked any staff personality as they essentially point you from room to room where a video or audio are played stripping out any interactivity sadly. If you show a train ticket you receive a 20% discount. We took a direct train from Saint Pancras Station. It is possible to do both the Dover Castle, and the Dover White Cliffs in one day, it's a lot of walking and you should allow several hours for each. The

Dover Castle was interesting, and a great value for the money. We left absolutely exhausted after hours and hours of exploration. We had planned for other Dover experiences, but honestly, the castle alone is an full-day's experience. NOTES: -As with any castle, prepare for a ton of walking, no air conditioning, and lots of uneven, unstable pathing. This one happens to also be situated on an intense hill, making for lots of uphill and downhill walking and stairs. I set a new record on my FitBit for 100 flights of stairs in a single day. -Take a car or transit to Dover Castle if walking up really steep hills is difficult. Dover Castle is located up the steepest hill I think I've ever walked in my life. It was "only" a mile from Priory station to the castle itself, but it was almost entirely up this insane hill. It's going to be one of the roughest miles you've ever walked. -A few restrooms around the castle including handicap accessible ones; they're a bit spread out (and only on the ground floors) so make sure you go before you head up any of the towers or castles. -I did not find any refillable water stations here. There's no point in bringing your own water bottle. Even the water for washing your hands in the (nice, modern) bathrooms said it wasn't safe for drinking. You'll need to buy bottled water from the cafes and gift shops here. -Lots and lots of outdoor time. I'd recommend sunscreen and to plan for a cloudy day if you want the best photos possible with sun blotches all over people's faces. We got sunburned. PROS: -The siege-themed children's play area is absolutely adorable. I'm not a kid, so y'know, not for me, but it's a lot of cool activities around medieval sieges and castles. Lots of fun stuff to climb and explore, and I wished they had an adult-sized one because it seemed really fun. -Lots of gift shops spread out throughout the place where you can also buy bottles of water. It was a ridiculously hot day, so we ended up going through quite a bit of bottles (I wanna say 7 or 8). -There's lots of grass and flat surfaces to sit on outside. Inside the castles, they spread benches through every couple of rooms. -The view from the top of Dover Castle is pretty. I'd honestly say you can get a very similar view if you just walk along the outer castle walls and battlement areas (with the cannons) if the idea of walking up so many steps is exhausting. I didn't feel the top of the Castle view was necessarily better enough to justify all those stairs (they're circular, twisty stairs with lots of people on them). -Tons of space. Even with an extremely-full parking lot of other visitors, you could pop out to the battlements or any outdoor area to have enough space to feel like you were really the only ones in the castle. With such a sprawling castle layout, you can really go on our own adventure and "get lost" (they have maps) exploring new things. Unlike some castles that are very "walk this pathway until you see it all", Dover lets you explore most of the grounds at your own pace and adventure tolerance. The tours and the castle itself are really the only "Point A to Point B" spots. CONS: -I really wasn't that impressed with the Operation Dynamo Underground Tunnels tour. It's free and included with your admission, so I have to give it that, but I've never felt so much like a cattle being led to slaughter as I did in that tour. Tours start every twenty minutes, so it starts with waiting in the baking sun for awhile. Then you're led into a room to watch a movie. You're then led through the hallways into another room where the host explains a few things (with actual display placards and information on the walls around you) before leading you into another room. There's never any real stopping point to stand and read the info or really absorb the creepiness and expansiveness of the underground tunnels. You're constantly being led through a hallway to watch a movie in a new room and the tour guide won't let the group continue until you also go with. -As with many castles we've done, photography is a no-go in many of the tour rooms due to "copyright". -A few odds and ends weren't really working right. A light in the throne room was directly oddly, illuminating people's feet instead of the heads of the seated person when throned. Some buttons for audio/noises on some of the displays didn't work when pressed.

This British national treasure is located nearby the White Cliffs of Dover, and is a great visit to get in touch with the history of the area and of England. The castle's beginnings start with it's establishment as hillside fortifications around 500BC, continuing through the ages as use for various functions by varied rulers with construction demolitions/additions leading to it's current blueprint established around 1180AD by Henry II. Dover Castle held notable roles in both World Wars I and II, as a strategic defense base and garrison by the British Royal Navy to protect against German subs, airborne missile strikes, and with WWII, a hospital annex and naval headquarters for Operation Dynamo which rescued over 300K troops from Dunkirk. Tickets to the castle are currently £23 for regular adult admission with discounts for seniors, students, and members. There are two well-organized tours of the secret wartime tunnels (one focusing on the hospital annex, the other on Operation Dunkirk headquarters,) with regularly scheduled start times that you need to queue up for since there is a limit of about 25-35 people per tour. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and answered everyone's questions, even staying afterwards with a few people who had additional follow up questions post-tour. After our tour, outside on the lawns overlooking the Dover Strait, there happened to be an insightful live display of anti-missile artillery guns (no ammunition of course) with local performers in costume, to show what responsibilities of soldiers would have been during WWI and II to shoot down any incoming threats. The Great Tower with medieval displays are a fun and colorful look at what life in the castle may have looked like, in addition they have some family friendly activities posted daily. And the gorgeous panoramic views atop the tower are not to be missed! Note for accessibility: for those needing assistance walking the paths, there are small accessibility vans that can be called or flagged down to bring visitors between some areas of the castle.

We really enjoyed Dover Castle! I enjoyed the medieval history and the WW2 history in one place. The castle was very well preserved and had a lot of interactive exhibits. We got to see a parade of actors in military uniform playing fife and drums also! There is definitely something for every member of your family. We had some scones with cream and jam and tea at the cafe. They were good and the cafe had a lot of other options available as well. We took the guided tour through the WW2 tunnels and it was very informative and definitely held our interest. There were also several nice gift shops available.

Dover Castle is a medieval castle in Dover, Kent, England. It was founded in the 11th century and has been described as the "Key to England" due to its defensive significance throughout history. Also sits on the coastline known for the shortest sea crossing between England and continental Europe. Step inside the Great Tower and discover the grandeur of Henry II's medieval palace. Explore vividly-recreated rooms filled with colourful furnishings and imagine the world of courtly intrigue and royal ambition. Make sure to climb to the rooftop for unmissable views across the English Channel. The nearest station to Dover Castle is Dover Priory, which is served by trains on the South Eastern Main Line from London St Pancras International and London Victoria. From Dover Priory it's roughly a 26-minute walk to the castle.

The castle and grounds date back over 800 years and one could easily spend 5 hours here. As such, arrive 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. We got brief instructions and a map from the rear entrance. Having said that, we saw the history of England as relative to the castle. We saw a war museum. We saw the castle itself with bedroom, play area, dining, storage, kitchen, and 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 preserved.

Wear good shoes, if the weather hints at rain or cold wear warm clothes, if it's a hot day take a hat, it's waaaaaaaay up there and such a neat view from just about every area you walk to and from. There are a couple areas that are super steep to walk down and then remember you have to go back up. There is a set of stairs that's not for the faint of heart or those that are claustrophobic, but even if you are, there's still plenty to see and enjoy. If you like watching movies with castle scenes this helps bring it all to life and in perspective.

It's a fun spot, very campy. In some ways it's overly touristy and not as focused on being authentic. However I gave it 4 starts instead of 3 because the views from the top are spectacular!

Amazing! Spent 6 hours here exploring the castle with the family. Super worth the stop.

Expect to spend at least four hours here if you really want to see everything. Walking inside and around the 1180s castle, and the added buildings over the centuries, is a fascinating tour through English history. The property has had additions for hundreds of years, right up through its use in the World Wars. The guided tour of the WWI tunnels and how British soldiers used them is interesting and educational. You can freely walk the rest of the grounds and explore at your own pace. There's a train, sometimes, to help get you around the site (when it's running that is; wasn't when we visited). A restaurant is on the property, which we didn't try (so can't review it). Parts of the site are quite hilly, so be prepared to walk and climb. Those who can't walk a lot will need breaks or just won't see everything. Definitely worth the price of admission! And just a few minutes drive away are the white Cliffs of Dover, with a really good restaurant overlooking the water.

If you're in the area this is a must see! Parking was quick and easy, ticket line was very short. We toured the WWI tunnels as well as the Castle. We spent 3/4 of the day exploring. Some great views from the castle, a lot of history. We ate at the shop inside the castle walls. I suggest getting here early to avoid the crowds. We visited during the peak of summer.

This is without a doubt the No.1 visitors' attraction in Dover. A grand, grand area with numerous single attractions that include not the just the Great Tower, but underground WWII tunnels, an underground hospital, an old church and whatnot. I first visited this place in 2010, and i thought it was high time for a revisit. The entrance fee at UKP 25 for an adult is fairly steep, but there are special prices for families, and you can park your car on the lot. The guides are volunteers, and they're knowledgeable and extremely welcoming. I much enjoyed the short trip around the underground WWII hospital, shame one was not allowed to take photos there. But my primary interest has always been the historical castle itself, and there's plenty to see. The Great Tower is the main point of interest, and that's also where the main Café is located. Expect a queue and very, very slow progress! In the end I went to a smaller café on the same grounds where there was no queue. For families this is clearly a full day attraction, my curiosity (and energy) faded after 3 hours of climbing steps. There are several "events" spread throughout the day, included in the ticket, among them a "Ghost Walk", which I think is intriguing, but I didn't have the energy to take. I did meet one of the performers later in the day at a local pub and recognized him immediately even without the whiteface makeup. Access to the Castle is available by car or by walking up the hill from the city centre.

I love learning about WWII. And if you're a fan of such history, then a visit must be paid to Dover Castle to see the tunnels they used during the war. I hear that the best tours are the night tours, so inquire about those if you can stay the night in Dover.

After a long day at the white cliffs, our next destination was Dover Castle. We arrived rather late, so only had a little over an hour to explore, but as there was a special event at the tower after hours, we knew we'd have an opportunity to adventure through that area later in the day. The castle grounds are quite expansive and there are many outlying buildings within the outer walls. We started off by taking the second to last tour of the day through the war tunnels, which is a mostly automated 50 minute experience; I honestly thought the automation was gimmicky and unnecessary, I could have watched a documentary if all I wanted was voice overs and images projected on walls, the short period of time when we had our guide actually talking were much more interesting. The castle grounds stretch between buildings from different time periods and you are free to roam anywhere you like, from the oldest surviving lighthouse in the country, the Roman Pharos built around AD43, which you can actually walk into and touch, over the Anglo-Saxon church right next to it, to the great stone castle itself, which dates back to 1180. With such a strategic location, overlooking the shortest sea crossing between England and the continent, the castle has a vast and varied history, much of which has been preserved and documented. There have been settlements, forts and fortifications in this spot since the iron age! After closing time we headed straight to the great tower, which is beautifully outfitted with furnishings and decorations mimicking it's 12th century use, with royal bed chambers, a throne room, kitchens, church rooms, schools and armories. The staff was stellar and very willing to engage in conversation about the exhibition. The tower alone is worth the entry fee, with a plethora of rooms to explore and a stunning view from the battlements. Sheep are kept as versatile lawnmowers, they were grazing outside the castle walls when we left for dinner. Dover castle is absolutely gorgeous, stuffed to the brim with history and absolutely worth a visit!

What a great trip, so much history. This weekend luckily for me was a World War II reenactment. Soldiers walking around, reenacting the war. Inside was a great visit on how life was back in the day. And right on the shores of the White Cliffs of Dover, a must visit when you come to London.

Having booked by email " to guarantee" a slot I was disgusted to arrive ( three of our party of five having driven from London) on time Saturday morning to be told the decision had been made to close the Castle. I raised the point that they could have emailed those that had booked on line only to receive a blank look! Five minutes later we received an email advising us that the decision had been made to close the Castle. A minimal apology and no offer of a compensatory drink or snack should we decide to visit on a future occasion . Obviously one cannot control the weather but one can AND SHOULD improve communications and take steps to encourage future business.

Absolutely underrated historic and educational gem! One can easily spend half to a whole day here. The decorations and live actors are well thought out and enjoyable. The view you get of the Dover harbor and the town is breath taking! Visiting the war tunnel takes more than an hour, as the tour leaves every twenty minutes, and the tour takes 45 mins. Same for the underground hospital as well. A must visit!

I have been travelling globally for years for both business and pleasure, including multiple trips to the UK.  This week marks the first time I have brought my 10 and 11 year old daughters overseas. Unfortunately, my family and I (and our tour guide and driver) had what has probably been the worst experience at a national tourist site that I can remember ever having.   My daughters were very excited to see Dover Castle and we drove all the way from London arriving at the gates at precisely 4:15pm.  The staff member who met us at the gate said we could not come in because the ticket office had closed.  Our guide politely tried to ask him to allow us in and the agent said absolutely not.   The website and almost any other information I could find indicated the castle closes at 5pm daily and states that you can buy tickets and enter at any time during regular business hours.  Our guide said the same to the gate agent - that he had routinely brought people in at 4:30pm and had experienced a regular practice that visitors in before the 5pm closing could usually walk around until 5:30pm before being asked to leave. After multiple refusals, the gate agent agreed to let us pass through the gate to turn around given it is a narrow one-way entry.  When we circled up to the top of the hill and parking lot, we exited the vehicle to take a picture of the castle and the English Channel.  We were not out of the car for even a minute when we heard yelling behind us and turned to see a white-haired man running towards us waving his hands and screaming that we needed to get back in the vehicle.   We snapped one photo and began moving back to the car when this man ran right up in front of my face with both my daughters at my side and was literally screaming at us that we were trespassing and needed to get back in the car and leave immediately.  The guide tried to calm the situation and said we just wanted to snap a picture, that we were tourists and were supposed to visit today as part of our tour.   The agent continued to yell that he didn't care and I looked at him and asked him that maybe for a second he could think of the two young girls he was screaming in front of, and think about what they were thinking when they drove all the way from London to see the castle and this is what happened.  He raised his voice and started to yell over me before I could even finish speaking.  I turned and got into the car and he proceeded to kick the sliding door and tried to shove it closed.  Given it is an automatic door, it would not close.  My daughter's seat was right next to the open door and we could not drive away.   The driver jumped out and ran around and told the man he had damaged the door on the outside and had screwed up the sliding mechanism so it would not close.  At this point, the same agent who had met us at the gate, ran up and made the screaming white-haired guy go away and refused to give any of us his name. I honestly am not sure that he was not intoxicated given his dissheveld appearance and complete lack of control.  We continued to tell the gate agent that this man had damaged the car and that we were going to call the sheriff.  Finally we were able to get the door closed and just left. The gate agent refused to identify the man who had damaged the car and verbally abused and threatened all of us, and the agent refused to offer any conciliation.  It was a truly horrifying and deeply disappointing experience.  When I apologized to my daughters for not getting to see the castle they said "Dad, that guy was a crazy jerk, I don't want to go there." So that's our June 2022  experience at Dover Castle and with English Heritage.  Whoever that guy was, he should not continue to be employed a single day longer and should be brought up on both assault and property damage charges in my view. I would not show up at Dover Castle after 4pm notwithstanding the posted close time...

This was by far my favorite castle that I visited this trip. The ability to roam around and see touch the items was by far a better experience than the others. The staff were very friendly, except the gentleman in the cafeteria by the world war 2 area. I suggest getting here early to be able to walk around the grounds. There is a shuttle that takes you up to the castle from the tunnels, but the hike up is not too bad.

From far away and up above the Castle looks huge. It's amazing that it survived ww2. Inside it was ok, it seemed smaller once you came inside. The tunnel tour took about 45 min and you are allowed to go through a small portion of the tunnels. Not sure if it's worth the day trip from London, but at the same time it's a cool castle. On the white cliffs of Dover. Has some old war museums on site also.

I went to Dover Castle in Dover (Kent) England on 7/12/2013 (July). It was my first time there. There are actually two main things to see there: Dover Castle itself and the Tunnels used during World War II. It pays to see both. A Blue Shuttle Bus takes you from the town to the Castle. When I asked someone where the famous White Cliffs of Dover were - he said your standing on them. Dover Castle is well preserved and includes even a Roman lighthouse (probably built in the second century A.D.). The Church of St. Mary in Castro (the largest and finest. Saxon building in Kent) is also within the Castle walls. World War II buffs will greatly enjoy the tunnels. Plus, I took many photos that day.

Can't say the word "amazing" enough. Scenic, plenty of informative signs, plenty of accessibility to intimate parts of the castle, a trolly to bring people who have trouble making the climb. Tour are available for the underground hospital and secret wartime tunnels. Even the cafe/restaurants are delicious and "£" in affordability. The restaurants offered 4 main meal options for an average of 8.5£, but they piled on sides that were included. They had pastries for extra payment. Plenty of history to make you feel warm, especially when you climb to the brisk, windy top of the castle.

I really enjoyed this castle, During WW II, tunnels were used as secret operations rooms, where telephone and radio communications could be sent out without detection, they were also used as an underground hospital and command center. You can see the castle and a reconstruction of the World War II tunnel scenario. The views are amazing of the cliffs, water and you can see France. You can also take a ferry over to France as well. When viewing any castle...be prepared to walk.

I really enjoyed my visit here and so did my young son. Plenty of space for him to run around, things to climb, and a big terrace on top of the great hall to play with a bouncy ball. The price is a little steep, but you can easily spend a day there. All the tunnels, history and views are worth it. And this castle is old! Like, started in the 11th century old! How cool is that.

This is a great tourist location which is run by people who are immersed in the history of it! There are two very different aspects of the castle. The World War II tunnels and hospital are guided tours that take you through historic, preserved scenes from the war. The tours have surprising technology in them for a WWII site. There were very cool video presentations that cast projections onto the walls like shadows of real people. The dialogue playing through the speakers was very cool too. All of the videos were very interesting and well done. After moving on from the hospital and war tunnels, we tackled the main part of the castle. This is where the place gets knocked down a star. The interior of the castle was very cheaply furnished. Everything looked like corny wood and cheap plastic. It was interesting to explore and it was very vast, but they definitely held back. Especially compared to the war sights.

This was a pleasant surprise on our trip. Dover castle is huge and full of history! I think it was around 25£ which was pretty steep, but it was a lot of fun. You could explore just about all of the castle and read about its history. I would recommend at least half a day; a full day if you want to see everything.

Overall: A great day out, don't miss out on the war tunnels! I'm not really into castles, but J is. We were members of the English Heritage thingy-me-jig and got in for free. I have to admit, this castle is definitely worth a visit, even for people who aren't in to castles. It's a very large complex with nice views. Don't miss out on the war tunnels. The war tunnels alone were worth the money (had we paid). It's amazing that such an ingenious labyrinth of tunnels were built during the war.

Dover as a city may have seen better days, but the castle certainly does make for a great day out. While you should be prepared to hoist your hiney up and down some major hills at any castle, this one is particularly steep and the grounds go on and on making it the sort of day out the requires an early to bed and a day to be lazy afterwards. The grounds are beautiful, and with views of the white cliffs and the channel from one direction and the rolling hills of the countryside on the others, it is breathtaking. As mentioned by another yelper, you must must make time to check out the not-so-secret war tunnels...but only if you aren't overly squeamish when discussing war wounds, or afraid of enclosed spaces. It can be a bit oppressive down there, but certainly worth it. Overall, I really liked that the castle explored the various uses of the grounds throughout history from medieval to present day. It's a fantastic afternoon out, especially for children who might need to have a good run around inbetween tours. It was money certainly well spent and I would go back to check out the things we missed given the opportunity.

The secret wartime tunnels are worth a visit on their own. You have to book your tour in advance and they do get very busy but it is very interesting and shows how the tunnels were used as a hospital. If you can, go on one of their activity days. We went at August bank holiday and they had a 'trenches experience' which was excellent even though we had to queue for about an hour.

THis is an interesting day and and an insight into a little bit of British wartime history. The tunnels look like they would have been a fairly grim place to have had to live and work - but it is fascinating seeing the old fashioned 'state of the art' technology and getting a feel for what it must have been like. Worth a visit - especially for those into their military history.

Dover castle makes a great day out for all the family. There's plenty to see here, from Secret Wartime tunnels (which can be a little bit scary for small children) to seeing the King's bedroom! If visiting in summer there a lot of places to have a lovely picnic (though there is a restaurant and various places to get a cup of tea or an ice cream). If visiting in winter try to go on an event day, the kids were captivated by the princess that told them a story at christmas last year.

Expensive at £20 a person but a popular place so you can see why. Spent s fair amount of time here. Interesting to see the recreated rooms with the colourful decor they would of used back then but for some reason it does take away the authentic feel from the place even though making it more like historians think it was. An amazing place though with the White cliffs near by so easily a full day out. Sausage rolls in the cafe aren't too bad either!

Yes, many things to see in this country, with such a long history, but this is big definite DO IT!! Make sure, you are rested, do this tour first of the day. You will do a lot walking and stair climbing, and take a camera. Good weather is also a plus, as you're in and out. The history of this place goes back 2000 years, to the Romans. The present castle was built recently, in the 1180s, they did a bit upgrading and refurbishing over the next 800 years. (I make a funny). Henry II, had the castle built to protect the English coast. On, a nice day, you can see some of the French coast. There are five different areas to visit, it really is an all day event. See the Roman pharos (lighthouses), and the church of St. Mary-in-Castro, which is suppose to be the best late-Saxson building still around in Kent. The Great Tower is a re-creation, but it's done exactly the way it was, so appreciate what was so painstakingly re-created. Lots of cool weapons for us guys to appreciate, and plenty for your noble Lady. If you have trouble walking, there are several different ways to get around the area. Be sure to grab a brochure, when you enter, as it has a big map. I personally was not a big fan of their restaurant, but the gift shop is interesting, you could spend a small fortune. Remember this whole area was involved with the military history of England right up into the Cold War, to protect this part of the coast. I almost waved off the underground tunnels, because it's a guided tour, and I was tired, but glad I didn't, because of the cool sound and light effects. There were approximately 3 miles of tunnels, but you're only allowed into certain areas. It will add at least a couple of miles to your day of walking. Don't miss this place!!

Dover castle: wow. We had only two or three hours--plan more time if you can. Main keep fun for kids--decor and sounds gave the flavor of a medieval castle. View from the top magnificent. Don't miss the well in the keeps interior. They have live actors for special events. Roman legion there during our summer visit. Large gift shop. Parking easy. We didn't get to explore exhibits from world wars. So much history in an awesome fortress!

This is a huge castle and you do have view of the dover cliffs which is nice. There is no easy way to get there on your own (which we did from London by train). Then we walked 10-15 to a bus stop (Bus 15) and had it take us the steep long hill. You don't want to walk it. It's a little confusing to get to bus stop from the train station so map it before you do. The Tunnel tour was not great and it's not worth a long wait so unless you like to watch video clips I would skip. The great Tower is worth the climb.

Great day out, lots to see and do. Quite a bit of walking, and lots of steps. Gift shop is very very expensive and so are the cafes and restaurants so if weather is good take a picnic. Only downside was the toilets were dirty in the restaurant, male and female.

I am a member of English Heritage so i can enjoy this great castle for free.I would suggest getting there early as the secret wartime tunnels get very very busy.You have a guide and go around the tunnel in groups of 25 , you first are shown a fifteen minute film of what happened at Dover Castle in the war.Then you are shown around the tunnels.The guides are excellent and very informative.I went recently and there are some new coffee places to go and get a piece of cake and coffee.There is lots to explore.Dover Castle is great place for all the family to visit and have fun day out.

Been there twice and really liked it. The outside is more gorgeous than the inside. The water front and small far view of France, the white cliffs at the edge, all the green and of course the castle and surrounding structures. Its very peaceful and beautiful. Loved the chapel inside the castle.

Great castle to visit (I visited in 2002). Expansive grounds set atop of hills on the cliffs - I was happy to have a good pair of walking shoes and some water. The war tunnels are a must, and I found that things/items that were exhibited/displayed were maintained in good order to give the feel how it was. The keep is older than the U.S.A., but I guess a lot of things are. There were a lot of castles I'd visit once and be happy with it, but I would consider visiting Dover Castle again to spend more time walking about - the grounds and views were spectacular. Sidenote: The ferry over the Calais was nice... to look back at the white cliffs when you're in the Channel, it's a wonderful site to see. Especially on a clear day.

This castle has been one of our most important strategic defensive sites since the Iron age. It's a great day out, partially accessible by wheelchair, a good fun day out with lots of educational value and architectural treats. Nice cafe and disabled toilets, carer gets in free, parking available.

I'm an American in England for a year as a student. I've been trying to take day, or overnight, trips to experience the history and culture. It is also noteworthy that I am a student of History and that always colors my experience and perspective of historical museums and the like. I was really excited about visiting this site. Most historical sites have a particular era or event to attach themselves to. This place has history from the Roman era forward, and is luckily situated in a way where these histories don't entirely obstruct the tangible parts of the previous histories. For example, the Roman lighthouse is intact and (largely) unchanged by later builders like the Saxons who build the church immediately next door a thousand years later. Onsite is a multitude of historical themes, so this feels a little like actually visting several museums very near to each other. There is the Roman, the Saxon, the Medieval, the Napoleonic era, WWI, WWII, and a bit of Cold War, and probably a few sub-genre could be added. It seems to me that full experience of the whole place could not be done properly in a single day. ( I state this to inspire you to show up early and to suggest to the proprietors of this place that a two-day ticket might be a good option) My wife and I decided, first, to do the 1 hour tour in the tunnels relating to the Dunkirk evacuations of WWII. This is a major event of both British History and, for non-Brits, WWII in general. The best part of the tour is the guided opportunity to go down into the tunnels within the Cliffs of Dover. I imagine, if this were done in America liability and insurance fears would have scuttled this type of tour, but here it was done and I appreciated that. The presentation is done well, and the multimedia is pretty impressive, but I felt like the pazazz of the light show that they used for the experience felt too artificial and over the top. It prevented me from clear and uncomplicated observation of the space. I suspect this goes over very well with youngsters, but for myself it was a distraction, and the content could have been watched on a documentary on Netflix or something. Additionally, their narrative was a bit fragmented. Consequently, after finishing the tour my wife (a non-historian) was in need of some Q&A to help reconstruct what the presentation was trying to narrate for us. My summary of this part of the Dover site as a whole, is that it was my least favorite part. After that we went up to the Roman lighthouse and the Saxon church. Both are very neat. I liked the stained glass windows of the church and the brickwork. Also, the earthen and brick fortifications around the two buildings made a great vantage to see these building as well as the areas around them. There was some confusion by some of the visitors who couldn't figure out how to enter the church, don't miss the inside, it's well worth it. We went from there to the Castle, and quite specifically the keep. We went straight to the top and spent considerable time just taking photos. The views from the top is simply amazing. As we were beginning to make our way down through the displays inside the keep they announced the closure of the keep. this was disappointing as it was (I think) about 20 minutes before 4pm when they started ejecting us. Their hours are already constrained, they shouldn't eject people from the primary sites early, in my opinioin. As a consequence, we were only allowed a breeze through opportunity to see the displays in the keep, but my impression is that they were oriented mostly on kids. Shiney swords and suits of chainmail, next to colorful tapastries. It's all well and good, but there were no signs or other written materials here to give real historical insights. (apparently you can buy at additional costs a guidebook for this part at the front gate, which rankles me) After leaving the keep, we were expecting to get sheppared to the exit, but we were given nearly another hour to aimlessly wander, which took us through the dimly lit medieval tunnels and along portions of the curtain walls. I was particularly impressed with the overlap of Napoleonic era modifications to much older fortifications. It's interesting to see how military engineers make use of what's already at hand. Ok, lets talk price. At nearly twenty quid per person for adults two things should change in my opinion. Firstly, you shouldn't be charged for additional guidebooks. That's just crass in my opinion. Secondly, the hours should be either extended, or tickets should allow reentry for the following day. Conclusion: Three things... firstly, show up early because it's a lot to see and their operational hours are short. Secondly, if you are short on time, skip the Dunkirk tour and just netflix a documentary about it. Thirdly, appreciate that so many distinct historical things are in such a small space. Don't miss this, even at its overpriced entry.