Family day out in Kent: Dover Castle for kids
Dover Castle has stood on the cliffs overlooking the Channel for nine centuries. I couldn’t help feeling we had chosen one of the least promising days since the 11th century to visit Dover Castle for kids…
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Staying with friends near Maidstone, we had been looking around for a great family day out in Kent which wouldn’t involve too much, well, outdoors. On a day which started with sleet and snow, turning to torrential rain then some impressive winds, I wanted nice thick walls.
Fortunately, after our slightly late departure (wrangling a one-year-old, three-year-old and an almost five-year-old meant the universe scoffed at our schedule), we missed the worst of the deluge and booted, hatted, gloved and raincoated, set off to explore. Because with 80 acres, there is plenty to discover.
Starting as an Iron Age Fort, the Romans built a lighthouse here, the Saxons constructed a church and the Normans kicked off the castle-building process, defending the country against a French invasion along the way.
Dover Castle has played host to emperors, future Queens, rebellious countesses and soldiers, plus naval staff during the Second World War. There’s not one but two sets of tunnels to explore, both medieval and more modern.
And thankfully several cafes where we repeatedly defrosted with hot chocolate, positively gigantic cakes and pasties. Although it turns out that also it’s never too cold for ice cream when you’re three.
For more of the best castles in Kent with kids, check out my top picks
I can only imagine how much you might pack in otherwise – we were there for over four hours and had to skip the Saxon church and general wandering in the grounds for reason of frozen extremities and the slight chance of being blown off the cliff.
But actually it’s a great day out in Kent in winter or if there’s dodgy weather with so much to do at Dover Castle for kids.
Scurrying indoors to the Great Tower, there are several floors to explore, from the kitchens and armouries up through the lavish bed chambers and throne room to the fantastic views on the roof.
Minnie tried her hand at carding wool, brushing away to leave it nicely fluffy, as well as stirring a huge cauldron and examining great haunches of meat hanging from the ceiling.
And while some of the furniture was out of bounds, there’s plenty to play with – quite literally in the case of one musical instrument, plus backgammon and chess.
Throw in some very furry bed coverings to stroke and a throne to sit in (although not actually sit still long enough for me to get a photo which isn’t a low lit blur) and she had a fantastic time.
They even had a roaring fire on one floor, which warmed up the thick stone and wooden floors made from old ships very impressively. As she scampered around with her friend, I got to look at the historic graffiti carved above the fireplace by one unfortunate group of prisoners.
I loved the fact the furnishings meant you could really visualise the castle as it might have been when it was inhabited by 12th century royalty – and their guards.
The shields were about twice the size of Minnie, the chainmail would have swamped my husband and given what Minnie can do with a mini golf club, it’s probably a good thing all the swords were firmly fastened down.
After a quick visit to the roof, where the sun was shining on the waters of the Channel and Dover below, we ventured to the medieval tunnels.
Used during a siege in 1216 when a French prince briefly invaded (invited by the barons who had had quite enough of King John, especially after he tried to weasel out of Magna Carta), they led to one of the castle’s gates and helped a small force protect the fortress.
There are cannon tucked away underground now, ready to fire out across the moat as they would have been over the centuries.
As we discovered, you can get a buggy a surprising way along (if you’re happy to carry it down the stairs) until the final narrower wooden stairs to the lowest levels.
But the most famous tunnels here date from much later, hacked out by hand (well, by pick axe) during the Napoleonic wars and used during the Second World War, most famously to plan Operation Dynamo – the evacuation at Dunkirk.
You’re not allowed to take photos during the tour, which takes around 45 minutes, talking through this pivotal point in the war.
There’s enough sound, video and movement that younger kids won’t get too bored, and you’re never more than five minutes from an exit if the explosions get too much.
For older kids, especially any studying this period of history, it brought it far more to life than any lesson I remember at school.
I don’t think I’d ever quite realised just how close the Allies had come to disaster in 1940 – or the fact that the castle survived as Hitler had plans for it as one of his residences.
Alternately fascinating, chilling and very moving, the tour is one of the best parts of the visit and both celebrates and commemorates a remarkable achievement.
For more great family days out, check out my pick of the best UK castles with kids
Tucked away underground, it’s incredible to realise that at times you’re just feet from the cliff face – and of course, we only got to see a fraction of the secret wartime tunnels, as they’re known.
I could easily have spent another day exploring. We ran out of time to see the Underground Hospital (and were warned it could be a bit gruesome for younger children) or the events by costumed staff throughout the day, from music to storytelling.
Between the excitement of trying out several thrones, discovering people used to write using feathers and climbing on lethal weaponry, Minnie was asleep within a minute of getting into the car.
On a sunnier day, make the most of being by the Kent coast and visit one of my favourite spots in Whitstable too
Need to know: Dover castle with kids
Entry to Dover Castle, Kent, is free to English Heritage Members, adult tickets cost from £20.90, children aged five to 15 cost from £12.50 and family tickets from £54.30.
The castle is open from 10am to 4pm at weekends, and on weekdays during half term and the summer months. Check the site for specific opening times.
There’s also car parking for up to 200 cars, toilets and baby changing in five locations, kids’ lunchboxes and child-sized portions in the cafes, plus hot water for bottle/food warming.
There are special events throughout the year including family-friendly dressing up and the chance to eat and sleep in the castle (for over-18s only).
For more ideas of things to do in Kent with kids, check out my review of Hever Castle, Scotney Castle, Ightham Mote and Diggerland as well as the best sandy beaches in Kent with kids
PIN FOR LATER: DOVER CASTLE FOR KIDS
Disclosure: our tickets were courtesy of Visit Kent and Dover Castle. All opinions and small flyaway three-year-olds are my own. This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
Images copyright MummyTravels
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Looks fabulous and there seems to be so much to do – definitely the sort of castle you can spend all day at and get your money’s worth. The views are spectacular too.
Definitely – the sort of castle I could have spent twice as long in. And very glad the sun came out while I was up on the tower roof!
I am yet to visit Dover castle and looks like one not to miss, I love watching medieval times and would love to one day explore the tunnels.
It was fantastic – not sure why I hadn’t before now.
We lived in Kent before moving to France but never got around to visiting Dover Castle – looks like we missed a treat!
I’d definitely recommend it if you pop back – was a lot of fun.
Was great fun. I was pretty impressed how warm the castle was – had assumed everyone would have had to shiver through winter. Wall hangings are the way forward!
haha maybe I’ll order a couple of 11th century rugs to hang by my back door this winter! #citytripping
I am browsing tapestries as we speak 😉
I would have never have thought about going to Dover Castle in the bad weather. Its great there is so much to do! And the fact that if our unpredictable British weather improves you can still get outside. Monkey would love this. You’ve really captured its enchantment in your photos. I’m sold 🙂 xx
Ah thank you! I know quite a few that are battlements and ruins where you really need sun but this had loads to explore.
I love looking around castles, it is great to imagine the stories that it could tell rom over the years.
Absolutely – I always think the same, if the stones could only talk…
It looks a fabulous place and so much history, and I think I’d love to explore the tunnels too but perhaps on a warmer day 🙂 And ice cream is the rules on days out, surely… !
The tunnels were actually pretty snug, being underground. And a day out by the seaside does normally call for ice-cream but I draw the line when it’s been snowing! 🙂
I love that the kiddies can touch the decorations & sit on the throne. That makes the castle come to life for them. The colors are bright & interesting too. Sounds like a great day out for the family x
I thought that was a great touch too, nothing worse than all this fascinating stuff and having to prevent them from touching. A few things were out of bounds, understandably, but more than enough to entertain.
This looks like a great place to visit – we have a castle near us but it’s just ruins and an empty shell this is much more exciting. And those views are amazing!
Definitely – it can be fun letting your imagination run riot in the ruins, but this is a lot more fun for little ones, I think too.
Oh wow the views are simply stunning. I am obsessed with history and architecture and castles are very much my thing. It looks like you had a good day out.
This is perfect then – so much different history too
It looks like so much fun and I can’t really believe I haven’t been there. My parents have lived nearby-ish for about 17 years so whenever I’m in UK that’s pretty much where I’m based but somehow I’ve never made it to the castle. My parents took one of my boys years ago when he was on holiday alone with them but that’s it. Next time I’m over that way I’m determined to rectify this! Thanks for a great review.
My pleasure – it’s always the ones on the doorstep that you can do anytime that I find I never get round to! Definitely worth a visit though.
You certainly chose a very atmospheric day to visit! A fascinating place and thanks for educating on some of the history…didn’t know Hitler was eyeing it up for his residence! Gosh! Looks like there’s plenty of activities and interest for children too! Will have to pay it a visit (but maybe when the weather is a bit warmer). #citytripping
It was indeed! So much to discover – and definitely worth a repeat visit (whatever the weather) 🙂
I’m yet to visit but it looks like a must. Great photos #citytripping
Thanks! It’s a great day out.
I loved reading all the interesting details in your post. Dover Castle is such a brilliant day out. There really is so much to see and explore. I love it when they make learning so much fun in these places.
Thanks – and absolutely, it’s the best way to learn as you explore.
Looks wonderful and surprisingly, with the photos you’ve posted, it didn’t look cold at all. :p #CityTripping
Thanks! 🙂 The sky ended up very blue – but you can’t see my scarf flapping wildly in front of the lens in the wind 😉
Well you certainly found some nice thick walls to hide away from the terrible weather outside Cathy! Dover Castle looks like just the place my boys would enjoy exploring and running around:) It sounds like a great place for making learning history fun and interactive too. #CityTripping
Absolutely! These Norman castle builders knew how to keep the draughts out – and definitely, plenty of room to run around and a lot to do.
Isn’t it colourful! And with matching rainbow jacket there too I see! Well it wouldn’t be a day out in England without a little rain cloud dodging I guess would it.. some spectacular cliff top views thrown in too, thanks for sharing on #citytripping
The new coat definitely went a long way to brightening up the day, along with the furniture!
They did look very thick walls so looks like your wish was granted! Always wondered about Dover Castle. Looks like it’s well kitted out for hand-on kids – the best way!
Absolutely! And while a lot is fixed down (eg the chess set), there’s still a lot to play with and touch which is ideal.
Looks very impressive! I think, the cloudy weather only added to its medieval magnificence 🙂
Very true!
We went earlier this year -I’ve taken some almost identical photos as you! We went into the hospital cave but not the main one which was a bit dissapointing now that I’ve read your thoughts on it. However the queue was huge and slow moving so we decided to spend the time elsewhere. #citytripping
Oh I shall have to find your review – I would have been really interested in the hospital but there was no queue for the main one on a cold November day, so I was happy to risk it. It’s tricky with little ones who get easily bored.
Love visiting castles but usually Welsh ones as that’s where we live. But we do go to English ones when we can get away
My kids love the history and climbing the steps and then exploring.
Looks like you had a great time and such fabulous views on a very clear day
It was Welsh castles which started me off – we used to visit the north coast on family holidays, and visited (almost) every one along there I think! They are great with kids.
What an amazing castle – looks like something of of Game of Thrones! Love the coastal views that you’ve captured #Whatevertheweather x
I hadn’t thought of that but you’re absolutely right! Thanks 🙂
Gorgeous scenery! I especially love the photo that is the third from the top 🙂
Thanks – it is such an impressive spot on the hill looking down to the sea.
I did not know that Dover Castle was furnished! That’s a switch for me, as when my father took our family travelling through the U.K. – and we seemingly visited every castle in the kingdom – we got sick and tired of seeing only rocks and ruins. I can see why kids would never get bored there; I wouldn’t either!
I’ll confess that I’m surprised at how well fitted out and comfortable the castle is, though I’m still a bit puzzled as to how it has managed to survive all these years in such good shape. #citytripping
It’s a bit bonus – especially for kids where it’s harder to visualise when it’s just stones. Dover has a much longer history of being inhabited and used than a lot of the others, so I think that has made a big difference too.
I love a castle and this one sounds amazing. Visiting tunnels or caves is one of our must-do activities when we’re on holiday 🙂 #citytripping
This is a great one – I do get mildly claustrophobic, so I pick and choose my caves carefully but never felt anything here, was far too fascinated!
This seems like a whole lot of fun! That chess set looks really cool. I wouldn’t mind one for myself 🙂
It was – and I was definitely coveting a few things there too!
It looks like an amazing castle to visit! I would love to explore the tunnels and find out more about the area’s history. None of our castles up here have quite an interesting recent history. I know exactly what you mean when you can’t get a good photo of children, they are way too fast at places like this!
Thanks so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x
It’s such an unusual mix, as you say most have the medieval history but it’s rare to find them still used in living memory. And yes, lots of stripy blurs!
Looks fascinating, I can see how you could easily spend a whole day at this gorgeous castle! I love visiting castles whenever I go to a new country 😀
Same here – it’s always such an interesting look at a country’s history, I think. And the day just flew by, with better weather, I think we’d have stayed right until they closed up.
It looks like a great place to visit with lots to do. I love it when there’s plenty of space – means places never get too crowded.
Definitely – one big benefit of going in winter is having it to yourself but there’s so much space here even in summer.
Looks like a brilliant day out. I’m going to check out how close it is to Port Lymph as we are heading down to Kent next May for a stay so may be able to combine it. #countrykids
It’s only about half an hour away along the coast so easy if you have time. Port Lympne is somewhere I still haven’t been but would love to.
Looks like there was so much to explore. There’s something a bit special about exploring castles, my girls would love it too x
Loads – and I agree, I never get bored of exploring castles 🙂
I have fancied a trip to Dover Castle for a long while now. And it looks like it doesn’t disappoint. I like how there is so much to do inside as well as out – and the views are simply stunning from the top. Monkey would love it here! #countrykids
I think you’d both love it – and not tooooo far for a day trip
Looks fab! Dover castle is a bit out of our way, but definitely looks worth a visit if we are ever in the area.
Love the historic graffiti too!
#CountryKids
I love little things like that – a real reminder of the people who are part of the castle’s history.
What a great place to have been able to explore, Minnie looks like she’s having a great time exploring the different areas of the castle. There’s so many different places to explore so it’s great you managed to see so many of them. It’s a shame the weather was so bad and you couldn’t make more of all the outdoor fun they have there. Thanks for linking up with me on Country Kids.
I think you probably need two days if you’re going to explore all the outdoors as well – it was huge fun, and glad we could out, whatever the weather!
It looks a very interesting place to visit and those views are stunning! You really made me laugh when you said you’d chosen one of the worst days since the 11th century to visit!
🙂 Maybe a tiny bit of exaggeration – it was VERY windy, but still a fantastic day out
I love visiting castles. But none are ever as nice as this one. Wow there is so much to explore here! Perfect for unpredictable weather. I bet the roaring fire was so cosy and I love how many activities they put on. Your pictures of the sun popping its head out are so beautiful. The tour sounds fascinating too! Thank you so, so much for linking up to #whatevertheweather xx
My pleasure! And the roaring fire was very popular that day 🙂
We always say ‘we must visit the castle’ everything we drive to the ferry….this has convinced me to make time for it next time!
It’s been on my list for ages as well, I don’t think I’d quite wrapped my head around how much there is there until we finally visited! Definitely worth a stop.
This reminds me of my childhood! My nan used to live in nearby Deal and so we visited Dover Castle a handful of times when we were kids – although it looks like they’ve spruced it up a bit since we last visited! And my kids would tend to agree with your 3-year-old, it is *always* a good time for ice great #globalkids
That’s interesting to hear they’ve spruced it up a bit – seems they have put quite a bit if effort into all the exhibits. Was a great place for a day out (and ice cream! )
What a great day out and place to explore!
It was a lot of fun!
I haven’t been to Dover Castle, but it really does look amazing. So much to do, and so interesting. Glad you had such a good day, despite the weather 🙂 #countrykids
It’s a great one if you’re back in the area – loads to do, easily a full day out (even in midwinter…)
I have seen a few posts about Dover Castle and it does seem like such brilliant place to visit with lots to see and do there. Love your photos – really do give a sense of what a magnificent place the castle must have been initial prime! #countrykids
Thanks – it really must have been incredible to live in, I can only imagine. It’s a wonderful day out too.
Looks like a brilliant castle to visit and I agree with one of the other comments that it looks like something out of game of thrones. I love visiting all the castles that are dotted about all over our country. #countrykids
It was – and absolutely, it does seem like something from a saga at times. I’m a huge castle fan too, love the fact that our small island has so many of these incredible fortresses and palaces left to find. Am stealthily instilling a love of castles in my daughter too!
We loved our visit to Dover Castle, it really does appeal to all age groups doesn’t it, we, like you, ran out of time and had spent the whole day there. Would always be a top recommendation here #CountryKids
I never realised quite how much there was to do – but I agree, it really is great for everyone, and I would very happily go back and explore more.
What an amazing place to visit and so much to do. The tour sounds fascinating and a wonderful way of bringing history to life and it sounds like there is a lot to explore. I’m definitely adding Dover Castle to my list of places to visit if we are in Kent 🙂
It was absolutely fascinating – so much I never knew before I visited. Definitely a good one for the list if you’re in Kent!