English (UK)
English (US)
Français
Deutsch
Español
Italiano
Nederlands
简体中文
Castle
Dover Castle
Grade I listed castle founded in the 11th century on the cliffs above the port, run by English Heritage.
A mini guide to
Dover
Dover Castle, the white cliffs and the busiest ferry port to France
Photos
1 / 5Welcome to the area
Dover Castle, the white cliffs and the busiest ferry port to France
Dover faces France across the Strait of Dover, the narrowest part of the English Channel. Dover Castle, founded in the 11th century, stands on the hill east of the town above the Eastern Docks, and the white cliffs run along the coast on both sides; the National Trust's visitor centre is at Langdon Cliffs.
In the town, Dover Museum in the Market Square holds the Bronze Age Boat and the visitor information centre, Maison Dieu was founded in 1203 for pilgrims, and the Western Heights fortifications include the Drop Redoubt and the Grand Shaft. Most visitors pass through the port: allow time to see the castle and the cliffs.
Highlights
Start here
If you only have a few hours, these are good places to begin.
Church
St Mary in Castro
Anglo-Saxon church inside the castle grounds, beside the Roman lighthouse.
Roman site
Roman lighthouse
Remains of a Roman lighthouse in the castle grounds, used as the bell tower of St Mary in Castro.
Cliffs
White Cliffs of Dover
Chalk cliffs up to 110 metres high on both sides of the town; the National Trust looks after the stretch east of the port.
Directions Website Report a problem with White Cliffs of Dover
Underground tour
Fan Bay Deep Shelter
Second World War tunnels under the white cliffs, opened by the National Trust on guided tours on set days.
Directions Website Report a problem with Fan Bay Deep Shelter
Lighthouse
South Foreland Lighthouse
Grade II listed lighthouse at St Margaret's Bay, run by the National Trust, about a 2-mile walk from the white cliffs car park.
Directions Website Report a problem with South Foreland Lighthouse
Find your way
On the map
The map shows Dover and the streets around it. The Getting there page lists nearby stops and stations.
Insider tips
Before you go
1
Check what is open at the castle
English Heritage said in November 2026 that the Operation Dynamo tunnel tour was closed for maintenance and the castle was open at weekends: check before you go.
2
Walk to the cliffs
The National Trust says Langdon Cliffs is about 2 miles from Dover Priory, a 40-minute walk with a steep climb.
3
Allow time at the port
DFDS advises arriving 120 minutes before departure on its Dover to Calais route to allow for border controls.
4
Visit the museum first
Dover Museum in the Market Square also houses the visitor information centre.
Tips from the Britlens editors
Canterbury & Kent
More areas to explore
18 sights · 30 places to eat
Canterbury
The cathedral, the medieval walls and the Westgate on the River Stour
Open the mini guide →
7 sights · 30 places to eat
Whitstable
Oysters, a working harbour and a long shingle beach facing the Thames Estuary
Open the mini guide →
20 sights · 26 places to eat
Margate and Broadstairs
Sandy bays, Turner Contemporary, Margate Old Town and Dickens's Broadstairs
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Dover (area photo): Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Dover Castle: Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- St Mary in Castro: Michael Coppins, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Roman lighthouse: HARTLEPOOLMARINA2014, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- White Cliffs of Dover: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Fan Bay Deep Shelter: Inklin235, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- South Foreland Lighthouse: Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Dover Museum: Nessy-Pic, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Maison Dieu: Hajotthu 13:39, 11. Jun. 2009 (CEST), CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Drop Redoubt: David Anstiss, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Grand Shaft: Doverpast, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Samphire Hoe: Helmut Zozmann, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Canterbury: Hans Musil, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Whitstable: Michael Garlick, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Margate and Broadstairs: DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Deal: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Canterbury & Kent