Dover Castle
A man and a woman walk along a grass path with a huge castle behind them

Plan your Dover Castle itinerary

Not sure how long to spend at Dover Castle? See our itineraries below so you can make the most of the time you have on site.

If you’re taking the shuttle bus from the port to the castle, we’d allow half an hour each way for your journey. And don’t forget to set your watches to UK time to make sure you’re back in time for your boat.

All of our on-site tills accept Visa, Mastercard and Amex.

A tall, imposing castle keep made from stone

If you have 1 hour ...

  • Head straight to the Great Tower and explore the vibrant medieval interiors.
  • Climb to the top to see views across the whole site and the English Channel.
  • Head to the gift shop for a taste of mead, and to pick up a souvenir from your day.
A woman walks through a doorway into a tunnel lined with cannons

If you have 3 hours ...

  • Dive into the forgotten tale Dover under siege through hands-on displays and games, then explore the medieval tunnels that were used to defend the castle.
  • Visit the Great Tower to discover colourful medieval interiors and see spectacular views across the English Channel.
  • Visit Britain’s oldest lighthouse, the Roman Pharos next to the Anglo-Saxon church of St Mary in Castro.
  • Refresh with a cream tea in one of the cafés, and pick up a memento of your trip from the gift shop.
A man, woman and three children walk towards an old stone tower

If you have 5 hours ...

  • Dive into the forgotten tale Dover under siege through hands-on displays and games, then explore the medieval tunnels that were used to defend the castle. Head out to the spur to enjoy a panoramic view of the castle. 
  • Visit the Great Tower to discover colourful medieval interiors and see spectacular views across the English Channel.
  • Refuel with lunch in the NAAFI restaurant before you head to the World War One Fire Command Post for the best view of the White Cliffs of Dover. On Saturdays throughout the summer, catch our volunteers firing the guns.
  • Visit Britain’s oldest lighthouse, the Roman Pharos next to the Anglo-Saxon church of St Mary in Castro.
  • Enjoy a tasty treat from the Great Tower café, or on warmer days, the ice cream van on Palace Green. Pick up a souvenir or try a taste of mead in our gift shop before heading home.