Western Heights, Dover, Kent Free Entry

Details

Accessibility

According to Google:

"Western Heights in Dover has limited and challenging accessibility, with most of the site involving walking over uneven, hilly terrain, gravel paths, and steps, requiring good mobility. Access for visitors is typically through public tours organized by the Western Heights Preservation Society, and the Society should be contacted directly for specific accessibility information."

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/western-heights-dover/ 

"The Drop Redoubt fort is in a steep, cliff-side location and is surrounded by an uneven grass surface. Due to access difficulties, the fort is not suitable for wheelchair access or visitors with limited mobility. There are steps into the fort and steps throughout it."

Brief description

"The Western Heights of Dover is a series of forts and ditches in Dover, England. They were created in the 18th and 19th centuries to augment the existing defences and protect the key port of Dover from both seaward and landward attack. In the early 20th century, the Dover Western Heights was collectively reputed to be the "strongest and most elaborate" fortification in the country.[1] The Army withdrew from the Heights in 1956–61. They are now a local nature reserve."

Address

Drop Redoubt Rd, Dover, CT17 9DZ

Email

2025-

Secretary - enquiriesWHPS01@gmail.com

Tours email - whpstours@gmail.com

Phone

Website

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/western-heights-dover/ 

Directions

For ground level access to the Grand Shaft  use postcode CT17 9DA

"There is free council-operated parking next to several entrances to the site. There is limited parking on Drop Redoubt Road next to the entrance to the Drop Redoubt, a car park on on North Military Road next to the Detached Bastion, and a car park on South Military Road, next to St Martin's Battery."

Opening Times

2025-

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/western-heights-dover/opening-times-for-western-heights-dover/ 

"Exterior viewing any reasonable time during daylight hours plus occasional tours of the Drop Redoubt The exterior of the Drop Redoubt and the surrounding ditches can be viewed daily during any reasonable daylight hours from adjacent footpaths.

The Western Heights Preservation Society run tours of the The Drop Redoubt on selected dates at 11am and 2pm on the third Sunday of the month from April to September - visit the Western Heights Preservation Society's website for details. They also open other parts of the site, including the Grand Shaft which is in Dover City Council's care rather than English Heritage's, on selected dates, including Heritage Open Days. They run two open weekends a year when both the Drop Redoubt and the Grand Shaft are open, and a small charge applies for these, with a reduced rate for Members. Visit the Western Heights Preservation Society's website for details of all these additional opening times."

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Transport

Amenities

"Dogs on leads are welcome but please be aware that the paths around the site take you through land grazed by cattle."