English Heritage - Dover Castle - Free Entry

Open on Mother's Day

Free entry

English Heritage – Dover Castle

7–8 March, 11–15 March

Free entry Family friendly Heritage Exhibition No pre-booking required

A majestic medieval castle with tall stone walls and turrets stands under a clear blue sky. A flag waves atop the tower, evoking a sense of history. — English Heritage

Offer details

Join us for an action-packed and unforgettable day out, with plenty to discover for the whole family. Dover Castle is an iconic symbol of England that looms over the narrowest distance from mainland Europe, and boasts a long, fascinating history that has left its mark on the site. Built soon after 1066, this mighty fortress has been the site of royal intrigue and epic sieges and was at the centre of the crucial effort to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Allied troops from the beach of Dunkirk.

Discover the successes and sacrifices at Dunkirk in an immersive exhibition deep in our Secret Wartime Tunnels. Relive the tension as medics try to save an injured pilot on a tour of the Underground Hospital. Visitors can also get hands-on in the Port War Signalling Station, trying their hand at Morse Code to spot enemy ships.

Most exciting of all, you can visit our new experience – Dover Castle Under Siege. During the French invasion of the early 1200s, Dover Castle withstood two of the greatest medieval sieges, which you can experience through interactive displays, an immersive play area, and our reopened medieval tunnels!

There's plenty to explore outdoors as well, with 80 acres of castle grounds with panoramic views, mighty battlements, a Roman lighthouse, and Saxon church.

Parking:

Free parking for up to 200 cars, plus peak time and events off-site parking a 5 minute walk from the castle and can be found at Broadlees - CT16 1HW. Please note, our car park is located on-site, and so opens at the same time as the castle. Parking for Dover Castle visitors only.

How to take part

You don’t need to book your visit in advance, but if you’d like to you can book online using code NLOPENWEEK26. Please remember to bring proof of purchase of a National Lottery game with you to show on the day. One Lottery game allows access for one adult and two children, but please book a separate ticket for each visitor.

Terms and conditions

English Heritage will be taking part in National Lottery Open Week with a special offer of Free entry

This offer will run on 7–8 March, 11–15 March

Booking in advance is not required.

One National Lottery ticket (physical or digital), scratchcard, or Instant Win Game will give access to One adult and two children.

Booking is not essential, but you can book your visit online using code NLOPENWEEK26.

You can redeem your free entry at participating sites only.

Proof of purchase of a National Lottery game must be presented at the admissions desk on arrival and can be either a hard-copy or digital ticket. Pre-booked tickets will not be valid without proof of purchase of a National Lottery game.

No refunds can be given retrospectively.

All National Lottery games, including National Lottery draw-based games, Instant Win Games, and National Lottery scratchcards, purchased in-store and online / via app, qualify to redeem this offer.

Proof of purchase of a National Lottery game can be either hard copy ticket or digital.

The date of draw / purchase is not relevant.

All offers are subject to availability.

English Heritage has the right to refuse entry in the unlikely event of venue / offer reaching capacity, as well as unforeseen circumstances.

In the event of queries on the day, the organisation's decision is final.

This offer is not exchangeable.