Dover Castle tells the tale of the evolution of a fortress, and no fortress in England boasts a longer history than Dover Castle.
Commanding the shortest sea crossing between England and the continent, the site has served as a vital strategic centre since Roman times. William the Conqueror strengthened the existing Anglo-Saxon fort in 1066, both Henry II and Henry VIII made their own additions, and Vice Admiral Ramsay famously oversaw the Dunkirk evacuations from the tunnels built into the cliffs beneath the castle.
Dover’s wartime secret The White Cliffs are one of England’s most celebrated sights, yet hidden inside them is a fascinating and secret world. Deep underground lies an extensive network of tunnels – some first dug during the Napoleonic Wars, but so strategically useful that they continued to be used right through to the 20th century.
Discover the labyrinth of Secret Wartime Tunnels built deep within Dover’s famous White Cliffs. Sights, sounds and Pathe news clips bring the drama of its strategic role during WWII alive. Walk through the rooms where Sir Admiral Ramsay planned the “miracle of Dunkirk” and tour the underground hospital as you follow the story of a wounded wartime pilot. Access to the Secret Wartime Tunnels is by guided tour only.
Opening times:
1 Nov-31 Jan – 10am-4pm (Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun)
1 Feb-31 Mar – 10am-4pm (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun)
Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan
By road:
The castle lies to the east of Dover town centre
By train:
Dover Priory – Southeastern Trains (1.5 miles)
By bus:
Stagecoach 15/X
Kent Passenger Services 593
Website:
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Address:
Dover Castle, Dover, Kent (Map)
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