Citadel Sessions:

Art at the Western Heights

DATE

Tue 7 Oct 2025 

TIME

6pm - 8pm

LOCATION

Western Heights, Dover 

SUITABLE FOR

Adults

Join us at The Citadel Café for a relaxed and welcoming evening of creativity, conversation, and community.

In this hands-on art session, David Cooper, a local artist and experienced art tutor, will help you create artwork inspired by the unique landscape and history of the Western Heights. Whether you're a complete beginner or already love to draw or paint, this is a chance to explore your creativity in a friendly, supportive setting.

 

Location information

The Citadel Welcome Centre Café

Citadel Road, Dover, CT17 9DP

What3Words ///fact.soulful.yummy

 

About the event

You’ll have the chance to try sketching, painting, and pastel techniques, using local stories and surroundings as inspiration. Acrylics, pastels, watercolours, pencils, and paper will be provided, but you’re also welcome to bring your own art supplies and canvas if you prefer.

We recommend exploring the Western Heights beforehand and bringing photos with you—this way you’ll have more time to create with David's expert guidance.

And if you’re not feeling creative, that’s okay too! You’re very welcome to join us just for tea, biscuits, and a chat.

 

About the facilitator

David Cooper is a local artist with over 50 years’ experience teaching art. He has led a fascinating life, studying at the Moseley School of Art in Birmingham as a young man, working as a Batman artist for DC Comics in New York in the 1970s, and leading art holidays in Greece and on Fred Olsen cruises.

Now living locally, he has developed a soft spot for Kent landscapes and seascapes and enjoys capturing their beauty in his artwork. He volunteers with English Heritage to share his passion, knowledge, and experience with others.

 

About Citadel Sessions

Citadel Sessions is a series of free monthly events where you can explore the Western Heights through history, art, creative writing, and more. Come to one session or join us for the whole series—it’s entirely up to you.

Spaces are limited to 30, so please book in advance to reserve your spot. We’d love to see you there!

 

This event is part of English Heritage's Reaching Greater Heights project and Dover District Council's Western Heights Regeneration project.

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Reaching Greater Heights is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to restore historic chalk grasslands at Dover Castle and Western Heights, protect rare wildlife and heritage, and empower local communities through volunteering, learning, and activities.

With support from Historic England and the UK Government, Dover District Council are working to regenerate Dover’s Western Heights—restoring historic views, improving safety, and reconnecting the site with the town through conservation, community engagement and heritage-led regeneration.

 

Prices

Type Price
English Heritage members Free
Adult Free
Child, 5-17 years Free
Concession Free
Family (2 Adults) Free

How to find us

Property: Western Heights, Dover
Address: Drop Redoubt Rd, Dover, CT17 9DZ
Location: Dover, South East

Membership starts from £42

Membership gives you unlimited access to castles and gardens, historic houses and abbeys, and kids go free...

Join Now

UNLIMITED ACCESS TO OVER 400 HISTORIC PLACES

Live and breathe the story of England at royal castles, historic gardens, forts & defences, world-famous prehistoric sites and many others.

FREE ENTRY FOR UP TO SIX CHILDREN

Free entry for up to six children accompanied by an adult member (under 18 years and within the family group).

FREE HANDBOOK TO PLAN INSPIRING DAYS OUT, WORTH £10.95

Complimentary full colour handbook worth £10.95. Plus our award winning Members’ Magazine delivered three times a year.

FREE OR REDUCED ENTRY TO OUR EXCITING EVENTS