The 28 best neighborhoods to see in Dover (2024)

Dover Castle is one of Englands oldest and most imposing castles, located on a hilltop above the shortest seacrossing between Britain and Europe. It has served as the countrys first line of defence for centuries, while also housing secret wartime tunnels and an underground hospital. The Battlements Walk offers views of the castle from atop its walls, while the Roman Lighthouse is one of only a few extant lighthouses in England.

As a member of English Heritage, entrance here was free. There is ample car parking space as well. Staff here were all really lovely and kind, also very knowledgeable. My four kids, aged between 6 and 12, had a really good time, so much to see including a wonderful tour of the underground tunnel system. Lots of amazing history, great views and the main tower was very well kept. If you are a member of English Heritage, I would definitely recommend this place. My youngest was also studying about castle life at school and it really helped him understand castle life and he enjoyed telling his class about his trip. Big thumbs up to all the staff for being so helpful and kind.

Asim Khawaja — Google review

An amazing place to visit and one of England's top castles for sure. The castle complex is huge with the keep offering impressive views of the whole town of Dover and to the French coastline. Easily 3+ hours of things to see. One of the most impressive I found were the Roman lighthouse and medieval church which underline the significance of the site. Also has very interesting WW2 history with a fascinating tour of the tunnels in which the Dunkirk evacuation was planned.

Henry Gayfer (Harry) — Google review

You can easily spend a whole day here - the castle grounds are massive and there’s a lot to see. The tower can be done quite quickly as there’s actually not much to see inside and the interior is very dated but worth it to climb to the top and see the great views.Definitely recommend doing the war tunnel tour - very interesting and very well put together.

Chantal Johnson — Google review

Great place for kids. Castle itself is not wheelchair or pushchair friendly and there are lots of steps in the castle to get to rooms and top of the castle. They have got handrails. The rest of the grounds have paths. The tunnels are pushchair and wheelcahir friendly as long as your prepared to push them back up the hills. Had great story telling show for the kids in the castle. Stunning views from the tip of the castle. Staff super friendly.

Gillian Selby — Google review

A beautiful historic location with plenty to do and see for a whole day out. Suitable for families. Plenty of parking. Good visitor centre with information. A good restaurant with good choices of hot and cold food and drink. Very picturesque. Staff very friendly and informative. Wet particularly enjoyed the mini show with the king and his son in the main throne room.

Tom Dupplaw — Google review

Really must visit this! So much to see and we only had two hours. Enthusiastic and super-friendly staff, impressive and well-kept collection. And apart from all that: the views over the harbour and the sea are absolutely stunning!

Bob Lefevere — Google review

Dive into history and the gorgeous sites here in Dover. There is ample parking and walkways that are nice if you are pushing a pram. My "big kid" really enjoyed the tunnel tour while my 9 & 16yr old enjoyed exploring the medieval castle and grounds. We spent easily 2.5hrs but could have spent longer here. If you are an English Heritage member, there is also a cottage on the castle grounds that you can rent. Prices are on the website.

Elizabeth NVelazquez — Google review

This is simple one of the best Castle I've visited, vastly huge and impressive a full day is required. The war tunnels are a must the Dunkirk exhibition is truly emotional. The views from the top of the tower are spectacular. Car parking on site, has a couple of cafes / shops. The role this castle has played in our history is amazing

Steven Moseley — Google review

One of best castle to visit in England - wonderful kept and fully of history. The tunnels are great - but I recommend making them the first things you do as the queues can get rather long. Defiantly allow yourself a whole day there to see everything - we arrived when it opened and lefts just before closing and I'm still not sure if we saw everything. Loads of parking and great for kids.

Stephanie williams — Google review

I love Dover Castle, it is beyond fantasticSo many pivotal pieces of history happened here. You can spend an entire day exploring the premises, walking around and learning. Incredibly views, wonderful staff. A great day out for all ages. The price is quite steep but given the vastness, can't really complain! I believe you can get 10% off if you buy the day before online, so would recommend doing this!

Natasha G — Google review

Beautiful place perfect for a family dayout. The view from top is just spectacular. The castle, up and downhill walk around the garden is fun will keep everyone active all day.The staff are very kind and helpful. They will help you plan the route if you're not sure where to start or if it your first time. Overall, the visit was great. Children had fun all the time. The Castle is a must visit place.

J Grg — Google review

I recently visited Dover Castle, managed by the National Trust in England, and it was an incredible experience. The highlight for me was the immersive journey into history at the war rooms, where you could almost feel the past come to life.The breathtaking views from the castle are simply awe-inspiring. The white cliffs of Dover, the English Channel, and the serene landscape create a picture-perfect setting that's not to be missed.However, I must mention that the parking situation was a bit inconvenient. Despite parking being available, we were directed to park outside the castle, which required at least a 20-minute walk, and this was quite challenging with young kids and a buggy. The gravelly and hilly path added to the difficulty.On the positive side, the history within the castle walls is incredibly rich, and the maintenance of the site is top-notch. The tickets were reasonably priced for the value you receive, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.Be prepared for a lot of walking as exploring the castle and its surroundings can easily take 4 to 6 hours. I would highly recommend carrying water and snacks to keep energy levels up as you delve into this historic gem. Despite the parking hiccup, Dover Castle is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking stunning views of the English coastline.

Ajay — Google review

Absolutely loved my day at Dover Castle! The tower was my favourite with some amazing views at the top. The underground hospital tour was surprisingly entertaining, really well done, I felt I went back in time. I only regret the medieval Tunnels were closed to the public.

klaudyna kawecka — Google review

A must visit. Massive place with lots of different periods of history. Medieval tunnels are shut until summer 2024. We really enjoyed the great tower and looking through all the rooms. Great views of Dover. The church was nice too. Great place for people of all ages. Can be very windy.

Isabel — Google review

A massive place, so allow I’d say half a day of not all of it to visit. Tunnels are fab and views from the top of the tower are great. Cafe serves half decent food but overpriced as always at these places. Picnic is probably a better option if there a few of you.Negative points for me is the bad signage and the lack of information boards to tell you what things are. Also the amount of distance you have to walk just to get to a toilet! Also the rudeness of some of the staff here is a disgrace! The woman in the shop next to the war tunnels has a bad attitude and would not show my daughter where the magnets were when asked! I wasn’t allowed in the shop due to not having my mask and she couldn’t even be polite about that! Also, if you’re going to enforce mask wearing then at least tell your staff to put their masks right over their face instead of just under their noses. One rule for all not just for us!! I’m not an anti masker, I forgot it.Other then the negatives, I would visit again and allow myself more time to explore.

Caroline B — Google review

I was expecting just a castle but it actually has quite a bit more which surprised me. I found the tunnels in the cliffs more interesting than the castle as it's a bit different . We spent about three and a half hours there and missed a few things to see. The kids seemed to really enjoy it.

Stuart Wright — Google review

Amazing day. Kids loved it, loads to see. Would advise anyone who wants to go in the tunnels to get there early and do it straight away as wait times can build up. Summer holidays they have things for the kids to do on the green in front of the castle. Get the map in the ticket office it will help to make sure you see everything. There is a cafe and tea room but also plenty of picnic benches and grass if you take a packed lunch.

olly — Google review

Gorgeous view and super friendly staff! Little to do on Dover itself, but would definitely recommend a day trip just in the castle. With nice weather, you can even have a picnic on the castle grounds.

Fátin — Google review

What a fascinating place! I used my mobility walker and it was a bit of a challenge in some areas, but there is a courtesy disabled electric bus going constantly around the site which will pick you up and drop you off where you want to go. The staff are so friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable about the castle. The views over the Port of Dover are amazing. The Naafi Restaurant was nice although a bit pricey for a family to dine there. A meal of a small portion of macaroni cheese and a portion of garlic bread was priced about £9. I had a little bottle of juice and a bottle of spring water and it cost £5.75. I subsequently found that complimentary tap water is available. The staff were very helpful and friendly and there was an excellent disabled toilet with an adult hoist. Complimentary Mobility Scooters are also available on a first come first serve basis. If you need assistance to visit the castle, you can get a complimentary ticket with your adult ticket for your carer. We had a fantastic experience visiting and there is so much to see and do that to do it justice it would take another visit!

Rachel Camm — Google review

One word Stunning! I know if you heard it but never came along here you will feel the same even if you’re British or not. From the very beginning with a tiny bridge it starts your special journey. Castle, chapel, view or war tunnels it’s truly stunning. Be careful about to spare enough time because it’s big enough and tunnel tours are not self made tour. If you’re an English heritage member it’s free entrance. If you’re not become one.PS. I would expect a better museum admission because of that many things would be more original or similar as it is not look like a toy specially inside the castle if it’s not main purpose of the design.In tunnels you don’t even see the video specially at the second part.

I IGK (Daydreamer) — Google review

Stunning experience! Staying in Premier Best Western Hotel on the seafront. Staff were so lovely. 5 min drive to Dover Castle. Fantastic 2 nights away!

Jane Ross — Google review

I was a bit taken aback by the £30 entrance fee! But there is bundles to see and do here. Spent nearly 2 hrs walking around, up the Tower and along the battlements. Fantastic views of the Channel and the port. Nice cafe onside too, if expensive. Would advise again ordering the pizza, we didn't have it but everyone that we saw order it, sent it back.

Emma Hunter — Google review

Very easy, enjoyable day out. The Great Hall was the highlight, whilst the underground tours of the tunnels provided a fascinating glimpse at the second World War. We went on a Friday so it was relatively quiet but with a few school trip groups.

Tamara Marshall — Google review

I have been to this castle many times with my children. Everytime they love it and find something else to be excited about. The war tunnel are amazing , the castle is spectacular! On a sunny day you can see France from the castle. Spectacular views and steeped in history. I have been many times as a teacher and as a parent and highly recommend due to the facilities, the history and the knowledgeable staff!

Val Ross — Google review

A nice place to visit with scenic views all around and a peek into the history of the castle! You can also see the artillery and anti-aircraft guns used in WW 2. Be ready to walk a lot, though! Mind that the queues to the WW 2 tunnels might be longer!

Kaushal Vyas — Google review

Unforgettable experience!!!! Many place to visit (we spend 4 hours there) and the view are BEAUTIFUL me and my partner walk there from the city centre. Make sure u choose the sunny day and don’t forget to enjoy the view!!!

Pinn Sat. — Google review

Visiting Dover Castle was an enriching experience! Delving into the history of England's first frontier was fascinating. The castle's historical significance is palpable, and the views are breathtaking. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about England's rich heritage.

Omar Bhatti — Google review

Huge site, with lots to see. As a dog owner, dogs have very limited access on the site. I'm fine with this, but it's not clear why English Heritage policy varies so much. We have visited similar sites as members and have been able to access much more. Biggest issue wasn't able to get any drinks because dogs not allowed in cafes and no outdoor vendor at all. It would be a benefit to consider a kiosk type arrangement somewhere.Lots of kids activities laid on for Easter, queues for the tunnels and hospital, but well managed and didn't wait long (dogs also not allowed into these).Would benefit from Audio guides. Lots of history but not that well explained, so some areas information overload and some with no information at all. Some new displays evident which were much better.

Gail Davies-Walsh — Google review

Very large grounds with lots to explore. The castle itself has been kept in a way that represents how it would of been many years ago. The 2000 year old lighthouse is a fantastic piece of architecture that has really stood the test of time. Lots of modern fitments still in place including gun posts when it was protected in WW1/2. Great views from the top looking down across Dover. Plenty of parking, restaurant and lots of toilets to use, staff are very friendly and helpful. A great day out for everyone.

Karl Venus — Google review

Excellent and very well preserved example of castle building. Make sure to save plenty ty of time to experience the WWII tunnels and stories. Make sure to join English Heritage prior to going and sign up for entrance to the site and centers. If short on time, visit the tunnels first, then the castle grounds.

James Vickery — Google review

Beautiful large castle with lots of grounds to walk around, a really interesting walk around the interior with halls to visit and a route up to the roof as well as fascinating wartime tunnels with a really fantastic tour and videos. A couple of gift shops too with the usual stuff and a lovely cafe with proper cooked food too (although obviously quite expensive). Overall an excellent day out and you could easily spend a full day here so make sure you have plenty of time!

T Gage — Google review

The 28 best neighborhoods to see in Dover (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Last Updated:

Views: 5717

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Birthday: 1992-02-16

Address: Suite 851 78549 Lubowitz Well, Wardside, TX 98080-8615

Phone: +67618977178100

Job: Manufacturing Director

Hobby: Running, Mountaineering, Inline skating, Writing, Baton twirling, Computer programming, Stone skipping

Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.