Dover Castle Visitor Information

Opening hours, admission prices, how to get there, accessibility, and everything you need to plan a smooth visit.

Opening Hours 2026

Dover Castle's hours vary significantly by season. The summer schedule (28 March – 24 October 2026) runs every day; outside that window, opening days reduce.

Monday – Sunday10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.)

Summer (28 March – 24 Oct 2026): Daily, 10am–5pm, last entry 4pm.

Late autumn (25 Oct – 1 Nov 2026): Daily, 10am–4pm, last entry 3pm.

Winter (2 Nov – 23 Dec 2026): Saturday & Sunday only, 10am–4pm.

Christmas closure: Closed 24, 25 and 26 December 2026.

✅ Useful Tip

Last entry is always one hour before closing. Always confirm seasonal hours on the English Heritage website before travelling.

Admission Prices

AdultFrom £23.60
Child (5–17 years)From £14.50
Under 5sFree
Family (2 adults + up to 3 children)From £61.70
English Heritage MemberFree
💡 Did You Know?

Book online at least one day ahead via English Heritage and save 15% on the gate price. Arrive by public transport or bicycle for a further 20% Good Journey discount (on-the-day gate tickets only — not combinable with online discount).

How to Get to Dover Castle

By Train

High-speed Southeastern service from London St Pancras International to Dover Priory takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. From Dover Priory, take bus route 15 or 15A (4-minute ride) or walk uphill for approximately 25 minutes.

By Car

Address: Castle Hill Road, Dover, CT16 1HU. Signposted from the A2 and M2. On-site parking opens at 10am (approximately 200 spaces).

By Guided Day Tour from London

The most convenient option — Dover Castle tours from London depart around 8–8:30am and handle all transport, entry, and guiding. Most combine Dover with Canterbury Cathedral, Leeds Castle, or the White Cliffs.

How Long Does Dover Castle Take?

Allow at least 3–4 hours to cover the Great Tower, Secret Wartime Tunnels, Roman Pharos, and grounds. A full day is possible and rewarding, especially if you attend a tunnel tour and the new Dover Castle Under Siege exhibition.

Accessibility

  • Five accessible toilets on site; Changing Places toilet in the NAAFI Restaurant
  • Great Tower accessible via a lift in the modern entrance section
  • Secret Wartime Tunnels include steps and narrow passages — not fully accessible
  • Assistance dogs welcome throughout
  • Wheelchair users: contact English Heritage in advance to discuss your visit

Facilities on Site

  • Cafés: Two cafés plus additional food outlets
  • Picnicking: Permitted on the grounds
  • Shop: English Heritage gift shop near the entrance
  • Parking: On-site (200 spaces, opens 10am)
  • Dogs: Welcome on the grounds on a lead; not permitted in buildings (except assistance dogs)

Dover Castle Location & Map

Dover Castle
Castle Hill Rd., Dover CT16 1HU
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