Dover Western Heights, Dover (must see)
Dover Western Heights is a massive fortification built for protection against the French invasion. When the Anglo-French War began in the late 1770s was designed to fortify the high hills around Dover. Work continued following the onset of the Napoleonic Wars. Thus a network of forts, ditches, ramparts, and barracks was designed and built.
Dover Western Heights includes two forts, the Drop Redoubt and the Citadel, linked to each other by lines of dry moats. The Grand Shaft is a vertical tunnel from Western Heights to the town below. Inside it is the only triple spiral staircase in the country. Other spots of interest here include the North Entrance and the remains of St Martin's Battery.
Today, the deep moats that surround the fortification can be regularly visited. Touring the interior of the Drop Redoubt fort, the North Entrance, and the Grand Shaft is available on select dates. Two open weekends a year include period costumes, historical reenactments, and displays.
An enjoyable experience is to take a stroll and explore the open countryside around Dover Western Heights. Wear your walking shoes as you wander through the fields and pathways of this impressive spot and feel the history. You won't want to miss the breathtaking scenic views of the town and harbor below.
Dover Western Heights includes two forts, the Drop Redoubt and the Citadel, linked to each other by lines of dry moats. The Grand Shaft is a vertical tunnel from Western Heights to the town below. Inside it is the only triple spiral staircase in the country. Other spots of interest here include the North Entrance and the remains of St Martin's Battery.
Today, the deep moats that surround the fortification can be regularly visited. Touring the interior of the Drop Redoubt fort, the North Entrance, and the Grand Shaft is available on select dates. Two open weekends a year include period costumes, historical reenactments, and displays.
An enjoyable experience is to take a stroll and explore the open countryside around Dover Western Heights. Wear your walking shoes as you wander through the fields and pathways of this impressive spot and feel the history. You won't want to miss the breathtaking scenic views of the town and harbor below.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dover. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Dover Western Heights on Map
Sight Name: Dover Western Heights
Sight Location: Dover, England (See walking tours in Dover)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Dover, England (See walking tours in Dover)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Dover, England
Create Your Own Walk in Dover
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dover is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Western Heights Walking Tour
The Western Heights of Dover is an impressive fortification built for protection against invaders. Construction took place at the time of the Napoleonic Wars, with improvements continuing during the 19th century. This immense hilltop fortress features an incredible network of forts, barracks, tunnels, ramparts, and massive ditches.
There are two forts at Western Heights, the Drop Redoubt and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
There are two forts at Western Heights, the Drop Redoubt and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Dover Introduction Walking Tour
The lovely coastal town of Dover in Kent, England, overlooking the English Channel from the height of the striking white chalk cliffs, has long been a major sea gate to the country. It is to this iconic landmark, known as the "White Cliffs of Dover", that the isle of Great Britain owes its nickname, the Albion.
According to archaeological findings, this location at the narrowest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
According to archaeological findings, this location at the narrowest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles