Many will have visited Dover Castle - the famous 'Key to England', but fewer will have heard of, much less visited, the far side of Dover, protected by the hidden fortress that is The Western Heights complex. Described as the 'strongest and most elaborate fortification in the country', it encompasses a vast area and features countless bastions, casemates, gun rooms and flanking galleries, connected by miles of ditches, ramparts, passages and other defences, both above and below ground. Chief among these is The Citadel, a mighty star fort in the 18th century style, modernised by the Victorians, occupied by the army until 1956, before it began a new phase of life as a place of incarceration: prison, borstal and young offenders institute. Join us to explore this incredible military and correctional complex, with tunnels, cellars, spiral staircases, bomb-proof accommodation, prison blocks, solitary confinement cells and much more. Panoramic views over the Kent countryside, the town of Dover, the English Channel and the coast of France complete an historical experience like no other! Having been in Military/ Government control until very recently, this site has never been open to the public before. This will be our second event, hopefully with more to follow. However, the site is currently up for sale. As with the limited window of opportunity for visits that we had last year for the old Victorian asylum at Wandsworth, book now to avoid disappointment, lest the site be sold and developers withdraw this access.
Duration: Two and a half hours. Parking on site. Meet by the Citadel Welcome Centre Cafe (a great place for a coffee or an all-day breakfast!). Post Code CT17 9DP or precise location via the very highly recommended What3Words geolocation app using the three words "viewers.fictional.replenish". Please wear sturdy shoes - no heels, flip flops etc. Bring an individual torch (one per person). Toilet facilities available. As well as this 2pm tour, there is also an 11am tour listed separately on Eventbrite - click here for details. For further details of other tours of secret and hidden locations, go to www.hiddenhistorytours.uk and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (search hiddenhistorytoursuk) for more images and updates.
Access Statement
This tour is for the able-bodied only. It includes numerous stairs, narrow steps, uneven surfaces and dark enclosed spaces. Surfaces include tarmac, grass, flagstones and packed earth - sometimes with loose debris. It includes unlit areas so all visitors must bring a torch. Total distance walked over two hours: approx 1 mile. If you have any doubts, please contact us at hiddenhistorytours.uk@gmail.com before booking, to discuss your individual requirements.
