Things to see and do

Dover Castle - Family Property Guide

Bring the whole family for a day full of adventure, excitement and discovery across the centuries at Dover Castle.

Step inside the Great Tower, where the kids can sit on the royal throne and learn about life in a medieval castle through interactive exhibits and games. Explore the secret wartime tunnels of the Second World War, deep underground in Dover's white cliffs. There's plenty to do for all ages, and lots to keep everybody entertained.

Family Essentials

  • Food and drink: The NAAFI restaurant offers a range of hot food cooked using local ingredients where possible, as well as sandwiches, homemade soup, local scones, cakes and local ice-cream. In addition, there is also the Great Tower Cafe, and the small Tunnels Tea Room. An Ice-Cream van is also open in sunny weather during school holidays.
  • Toilets: Male, female and disabled toilets are available in five different locations across the site.
  • Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome in the castle grounds. Assistance dogs welcome throughout the site.
  • Parking: Free parking within the grounds for up to 200 cars, plus off-site parking at peak times.

Fun for all ages

There's something for the whole family on a day out at Dover Castle. From the furnished royal rooms of the Great Tower to the secret medieval and wartime tunnels, kids will love exploring and discovering. There are plenty of interactive exhibits and games, plus - on selected days - costumed characters bring the medieval court to life.

Dover Castle is a young adventurer's dream, with more than 80 acres of open courtyards, hills and mounds to explore and conquer. 

Great Tower Lookout

When visiting the Great Tower, be sure to make your way up to the rooftop which offers spectacular 360-degree panoramas across the English Channel, as well as a higher view of the castle grounds. Is your family eagle-eyed enough to spot these features from the roof?

  • The Roman Lighthouse: Situated next to the Anglo-Saxon church, the Roman Pharos (lighthouse) is one of the oldest buildings in the castle grounds, dating from around 50 AD.
  • Peverell's Tower: This tower built high within the castle walls was named after William de Peverell, a Norman knight granted lands following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The tower is now one of Dover Castle's two holiday cottages.
  • Cannons: See how many you can count from the roof of the Great Tower. There are cannons from all eras in place around the castle's walls and defences.

Things to do

  • Climb the Great Tower: The Great Tower is the centre of the castle, with six main rooms to explore including Henry II's own private chamber. Up the spiral staircases, the whole family is rewarded with views from the rooftop.
  • Explore the Wartime Tunnels:  The Operation Dynamo exhibition in the Secret Wartime Tunnels allows visitors to discover the stories of the second world in these tunnels deep underground Dover’s White Cliffs.
  • Be a King or Queen: Step inside the magnificent King's Hall for a taste of medieval regal life, as the kids atop the royal thrones and imagine life as King or Queen of the castle.

More to explore

  • Family Events

    From Victorian seaside fun and medieval jesters to the drama of jousts and sieges, our family events have something for everyone.

  • Family Membership

    Enjoy unlimited access to over 400 historic places across the country with family membership from £50.

  • Days out for under £20

    Looking for a great experience that won't break the bank? Here are our top picks for family days out on a budget, all across the country.

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