1 / 20
🏰Dover Castle
Dover Castle is a massive medieval fortress with over 2,000 years of history, offering families a chance to explore secret wartime tunnels, climb the Great Tower, and see the original Roman lighthouse. Kids love the interactive exhibits in the underground hospital and the chance to dress up in medieval costumes. The castle also has a large outdoor area with cannons and battlements to explore.
- Highlights for families: Secret Wartime Tunnels (spooky and educational), Great Tower with recreated medieval rooms, Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment Museum, and outdoor cannon firings on special event days.
- Ages: Best for children aged 5 and up, but younger kids will enjoy the open spaces and costumed characters.
- Facilities: Café, gift shop, baby-changing facilities, and accessible paths (steep in places). Parking available (chargeable).
- Practical tips: Allow at least 3–4 hours. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs and slopes. Check the website for seasonal events and family activity trails.
Travel tips
Allow plenty of time for exploration
Plan for at least 3–4 hours to properly explore the castle, tunnels, and tower without feeling rushed.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes
There are many stairs and slopes throughout the castle. Ensure children have proper footwear for safe, comfortable walking.
Check for seasonal events and activities
Visit the website before your trip to find family activity trails, costume dressing-up sessions, and special cannon firing events.
Baby-changing facilities available
The castle has baby-changing facilities, making it manageable for families with infants and toddlers.
Great Tower has medieval room recreations
Children enjoy climbing the Great Tower to see recreated medieval rooms. It's a highlight for most visiting families.
Secret Wartime Tunnels appeal to older children
The underground tunnels are spooky and educational. Older children (8+) tend to find them particularly engaging and memorable.
Accessible paths, but steep in places
While paths are generally accessible, some sections are steep. Buggies may be challenging; consider a carrier for younger children.
Parking is available but chargeable
The castle has a car park on site, though you'll need to pay. Budget for this cost when planning your visit.
Interactive exhibits in the underground hospital
The underground hospital features hands-on exhibits that keep children engaged and help them understand the castle's wartime history.
Medieval costume dressing-up available
Kids can dress up in medieval costumes to enhance their imaginative exploration of the castle.
Outdoor areas with cannons to explore
The large outdoor area with cannons and battlements offers space for children to run and explore beyond the indoor exhibits.
Café available for refreshments
There's a café on site, though it's worth bringing snacks and drinks, especially for younger children with particular preferences.
Roman lighthouse to discover
The original Roman lighthouse is an interesting historical feature. Children enjoy spotting it and learning about the castle's ancient origins.
Best for ages 5 and up
The castle is designed primarily for children aged 5+, though younger ones can enjoy open spaces and costumed characters.
Good for rainy days
Much of the castle is indoors or covered, making it a suitable activity during poor weather.
Gift shop for souvenirs
A gift shop is available if children want to take home a memento or souvenir from their visit.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Sign in to leave a review
Nearby places
St. Margaret's Beach
2.4 miSt. Margaret's Beach is a peaceful shingle beach nestled between the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and Kingsdown. It's a hidden gem offering a quieter alternative to nearby beaches, perfect for families seeking a relaxing day by the sea. - **Highlights**: Fossil hunting, rock pooling, stunning cliff views, and a gentle sea breeze. The beach is dog-friendly year-round. - **Facilities**: A beachfront café serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and ice cream. Public toilets are available nearby. Parking is limited; arrive early in summer. - **Practical Tips**: Best at low tide when the sand is exposed. Bring sun protection and sturdy shoes for the pebbles. The beach is accessible via a steep path, so not ideal for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
10.4 miPort Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a 600-acre wildlife park and luxury hotel set in the Kent countryside, offering an African safari experience in the UK. Families can explore vast enclosures home to over 700 animals including giraffes, rhinos, lions, gorillas, and bears, with many opportunities for close encounters. Highlights include the 'Safari Road' (self-drive or safari truck tours), 'The Ark' indoor play barn, 'Dinosaur Forest', and 'The Giraffe Lodge' where you can feed giraffes from your window. Children's activities include animal talks, feeding times, and a petting corner with smaller animals. Facilities: multiple cafes and restaurants, picnic areas, shops, and buggy rentals for easy transport. Accommodation ranges from hotel rooms to glamping tents and treehouses. The reserve is mostly outdoor, so dress for weather; some indoor animal houses and play areas exist. Practical tips: book safari truck tours in advance, especially in peak season. Consider a multi-day stay to fully experience the reserve. Age range: all ages, but best for 3+ years for active participation.