Bucket list experience:
Credit Shutterstock.com/Valery Egorov
Known as the ‘Key to England’, Dover Castle is the largest castle in England, originally commissioned back in 1160 by Henry II, and subsequently enhanced by later kings including Henry VIII. It has long played a pivotal role in British conflicts, including the English Civil War, the Napoleonic Wars and the Second World War, evidenced by a rich legacy of moats, keeps, and secret underground tunnels, with drama lurking in every tower and turret.
During the English Civil War, it was held for the king but fell to a Parliamentarian trick without a shot being fired, sparing it the demolition job received by many other British castles.
Secret tunnels under the castle have played a critical role in the castle’s history since the Napoleonic Wars. A permanent exhibition uses artifacts, real-life stories, imagery, and original wartime footage to tell their fascinating story, including a vivid recreation of the 1940 Dunkirk evacuation.
The Great Tower has been restored and richly furnished, complete with costumed actors, to give an insight into life in the medieval court of Henry II.
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Destination Guide >Dover castle is about 1.5 hours’ drive from London; there’s free on-site parking. Dover Priory Station (about an hour by train from London St Pancras) is 1.5 miles away.
You don’t need to pre-book, but it’s recommended to guarantee entry and get a discount.
Wartime tunnel tours (about 50 minutes) are part-guided and depart at 10-minute intervals. Access to the Underground Hospital is by guided tour only (about 20 minutes).
The castle is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday. From November to mid-February, it is only open on weekends.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
London
£105 | Rating 4.23 / 5 [202 ratings]
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£134 | Rating 4.91 / 5 [86 ratings]
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London
£815 | Rating 4.90 / 5 [11 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[18.9 miles]
A sexy, sophisticated bolthole with a fantastic restaurant, a stone’s throw from historic Canterbury.
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Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[23.8 miles]
Built in the cathedral grounds, this sleek hotel is quiet, conveniently central and offers unrivalled views of the magnificent cathedral from your bedroom.
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Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[23.9 miles]
Sleekly-designed hotel in an excellent central location the heart of Canterbury, with great dining options.
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Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[24.4 miles]
Wonderful, central 15th century house converted into a stylish boutique hotel with a gorgeous garden.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Kent, United Kingdom (UK)
A character-filled, historic and lively town rich in British history dating back to Roman times. The spectacular cathedral is the home of the Church of England.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Canterbury , Kent , United Kingdom (UK)[23.7 miles]
One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Britain, with stained glass windows dating back to the 12th century. Home of the Church of England, and the final resting place of Thomas Becket.
Best for ages: 18+ | £14
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Sandwich, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[16.7 miles]
The Royal’s circular layout, natural landscaping and the sheer quality of its very best holes – the 4th, 6th and 15th – make this England’s greatest links course. It’s a tough track, and a good score is well-earned, but its rewards are timeless.
Best for ages: 13+ | £160
Canterbury , Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[23.1 miles]
The oldest church in the English-speaking world, St. Martin’s is part Roman, part Saxon and part medieval, and has been a place of worship continuously for over 1,400 years.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[23.3 miles]
Originally created as a burial site for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent, the ruins are a tranquil spot for a quiet walk or picnic, away from the hubbub of the busy High Street.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Canterbury , Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[23.9 miles]
A museum, gallery, library and visitor centre all housed in an elegant, Grade II-listed building, with exhibits including prehistoric artefacts found in and around Canterbury and works by local artists.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
