Free Entry
Exterior can be viewed during daylight hours
Address:
Reculver Lane, Reculver, Kent, CT6 6SS
The imposing twin towers of the medieval church at Reculver dominate the skyline of Herne Bay, acting as a navigation marker for ships at sea. This was the site of one of the earliest Roman forts built against Saxon raids on the 'Saxon Shore'. It later became the site of an Anglo-Saxon monastery before becoming the parish church for Reculver. The tall towers were built in a remodelling of the church in the 12th century.
Much of the site has been lost to coastal erosion, but alongside the twin towers are the ruined remains of the early Roman fort.
The site has undergoing a major restoration project click on the link to see a film about what we have done to look after this incredible site Conservation in Action: Reculver Towers and Roman Fort - YouTube
Read more about the history of Reculver Towers and Roman Fort.
Interior opening hours
Join our volunteers for special access to the interior of the north tower, 11am – 3pm, on the following dates in 2025. Space inside the tower is limited, so there may be a short wait, and last entry is 15 minutes before closing.
| JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER |
| Sat 12 Jul | Sun 17 Aug | Mon 15 Sep |
| Sun 13 Jul | Mon 18 Aug | Tue 16 Sep |
| Tue 19 Aug | Fri 19 Sep | |
| Sat 20 Sep | ||
| Sun 21 Sep |
Our opening times change throughout the year. Visit this page regularly for the most up-to-date schedule.
Before You Go
Parking: There is a charged public car park next to the site, not managed by English Heritage.
Access: There is disabled access to the grounds, via a long slope from the car park.
Facilities: There are toilets and a café available at Reculver Country Park which is not managed by English Heritage - see the Visit Reculver website for more details.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.
Other Information: Special access to the interior available 11am-3pm on select days. Last entry is 15 minutes before closing.
Drone flying: Please see our Drone guidance
Plan a Great Day Out
After exploring the ruined 12th century church and remains of a Roman 'Saxon Shore' fort, why not continue the Roman theme at Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre, evocatively situated amid the East Kent marshes. In AD 43 it overlooked a sheltered channel where the invading Roman forces first came ashore.
Just outside the medieval walls of Canterbury is St Augustine's Abbey, one of the most important sites in English history. Marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, the abbey was founded by the saint himself.
End your day at the coast at Walmer Castle and Gardens. Discover how the castle honoured the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and enjoy homemade refreshments at the Lord Warden's Tearoom.
