Dover Castle Tours and Activities

Dover Castle which includes château or palace, heritage architecture and general coastal views
Dover Castle featuring heritage architecture and château or palace
Dover Castle which includes interior views and château or palace
Dover Castle showing military items, heritage architecture and a castle
Dover Castle featuring château or palace, a sunset and heritage architecture


Unparalleled views of the English Channel, secret wartime tunnels and the “Key to England” await discovery at this cliffside medieval castle.

Dover Castle sits grandly on top of the White Cliffs of Dover and has been Great Britain’s front line against invasion for more than 20 centuries. Medieval chambers, complex military defenses and secret wartime tunnels await explorers of the largest castle in England. Founded in the 12th century, the “Key to England” has had a long and dramatic history. Its informative tours bring the past into the present day.

Experience medieval court life in the Great Tower, once the royal court of King Henry II. Kids will enjoy the recreated regal palace and its costumed characters, including the King and Queen, which bring these historical figures and their stories to life.

The Dover Castle fortress walls were used for protection and defense for the British, even in World War II and the Cold War. Discover the labyrinth of tunnels that concealed an underground hospital.

Wander across the castle grounds and enjoy unparalleled views across the English Channel. Visit the Anglo-Saxon Church and the ruins of a Roman lighthouse. A gently sloping path follows the battlements above the cliffs to the Admiralty Lookout. Buy some lunch and a drink at the on-site restaurant and café and stop by the Dover Castle souvenir shop as you leave.

Dover Castle is located on top of Castle Hill, approximately 1 mile (1.2 kilometers) from the center of town. The castle is easily accessible by car and offers free on-site parking. A local bus route and a cycle path also run through the area.

Ticket prices include a tour of the tunnels and access to the castle grounds. Dover Castle has limited opening hours throughout the colder months and during public holidays, so check ahead to avoid disappointment. A full day is recommended to explore the castle and its surroundings, so pack a picnic or some English scones and take a break in the royal gardens.

Popular places to visit


Top Dover Castle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa

Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Dover Waterfront, Waterloo Crescent, Dover, England
Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa
Dover Town Rooms

Dover Town Rooms

2.5 out of 5
5 Eastbrook Place, Maison Dieu Road, Dover, England
Dover Town Rooms
St Martin's Guest House

St Martin's Guest House

3 out of 5
17 Castle Hill Road, Dover, England
St Martin's Guest House
Hubert House Guesthouse

Hubert House Guesthouse

4 out of 5
9 Castle Hill Road, Dover, England
Hubert House Guesthouse
Churchill Guest House

Churchill Guest House

4 out of 5
6 Castle Hill, Dover, England
Churchill Guest House
Park Inn Palace

Park Inn Palace

2 out of 5
1 Park Pl, Dover, England
Park Inn Palace
Castle Guest House

Castle Guest House

4 out of 5
10 Castle Hill Road, Dover, England
Castle Guest House
Maison Dieu Guest House

Maison Dieu Guest House

3 out of 5
89 Maison Dieu Road, Dover, England
Maison Dieu Guest House
Victorian Town House in Dover

Victorian Town House in Dover

Dover
Victorian Town House in Dover
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dover Castle

A visit to Dover Castle offers a range of activities, including guided tours that delve into its rich history and stunning architecture. For a complete experience, consider a day trip that allows you to explore the surrounding area, including scenic ferry rides. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in this iconic landmark's fascinating stories and breathtaking views.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Capel le Ferne Farmers Market, located 8.0km away, offering a mix of local produce and unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, 25.7km away, features a variety of shops and family-friendly entertainment options.

Recreation

At Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf with scenic views, about 14.5km from Dover Castle. For tranquility, visit Kearsney Abbey Gardens, 4.8km away, where you can relax amidst beautiful landscapes. Crabble Stadium, 3.2km from the castle, offers an energetic sports atmosphere.

Adventure

Explore the scenic Leas Promenade hiking trail, located 12.9km from Dover Castle, perfect for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Experience a thrilling ride on the Leas Lift funicular, situated 11.3km away, ideal for families seeking fun. Don't miss the natural beauty of Reinden Wood, also 11.3km from the castle.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Dover Castle! Catch a show at the Astor Theatre for a touch of culture, or enjoy a romantic film at Cineworld Dover. For family fun, visit the Family Amusements - Ramsgate Boulevard for classic arcade adventures. Exciting options await!

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dover Castle

If you're visiting Dover Castle, you'll find a wealth of experiences to suit any traveller. Explore the stunning beaches, picturesque harbour, and dramatic cliffs in the area. This destination offers a blend of culture and outdoor adventure, making it perfect for anyone keen on history or nature. Be sure to discover the magnificent Dover Castle itself, a must-see attraction that showcases the rich heritage of this iconic landmark.

  • White Cliffs of Dover: These iconic chalk cliffs offer breathtaking views and a sense of adventure. Stretching along the coastline, they provide excellent walking trails and stunning scenery, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike.
  • Dover Beach: A beautiful sandy beach located a short distance from Dover Castle, Dover Beach is ideal for a relaxing day by the sea. Enjoy the gentle waves, take a stroll along the shoreline, or indulge in some beachside activities with picturesque views.
  • Dover Harbour: This bustling harbour offers a blend of scenic beauty and maritime charm. Watch the ferries come and go, enjoy waterfront dining, and take in the stunning views of the cliffs and coastline that surround this vibrant area.

Best time to go to Dover Castle

The best time to visit Dover Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.5°F (7.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April48.7°F (9.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dover Castle

To save money on your trip to Dover Castle, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Avoid Saturdays for cheaper stays, opting for Tuesdays instead. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly accommodation and sort results by price for the best deals. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings. Look for options with full refunds and free cancellations to ensure flexibility. Remember to explore free activities around the castle and utilise public transport for economical travel.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dover Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dover Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Dover Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will show you a range of sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Dover Castle hotel accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.