Secret Wartime Tunnels — Attraction in Dover

Update re timings on tunnel tours ( for the ww2 tunnels - not medieval ones). There are now 2 separate tours here - one for the hospital tour ( to the left) and the 'operation dynamo' ( to the right) as you look at them - part of the same tunnel network . You cannot book either tour ahead of the day or on the day- you have to wait in line for both of them separately.

Operation dynamo - leave every 20 mins - on the HR , 20/40/00 on repeat. This tour leaves sharply on each ( I was a minute late on Sunday and not admitted!) and last 40 mins guided , then a few rooms and Dover views/ shop. You finish 2 mins from the start - so if you're quick in the self guided you can sometimes piggies back straight onto the hospital tour leaving within minutes ( you cannot do this the other way around!)

Hospital tour - leaves every 30 mins ( on the HR and half past) and lasts 20 mins.

Great guides and volunteers organising numbers.

On a sunny weekend day you can wait up to 40 mins ( ie 2 tour lengths!) for yours apparently.

I'd actually emailed about this the week before as no info re timings on website or anywhere - old details from COVID/ pre COVID re booking yours.... And they hadn't mentioned this.

Even if you're a member you do need to have your wristband from the admission centre first, and then a 6/7 min fast walk down there. Lower car park closest.

( Definitely worth doing - I'd come back to see...

We visited Dover Castle on a very busy day. The main reason was to see the wartime tunnels. The friendly helpful staff at the admissions desk saw my Mum was using a walking stick and asked if we needed transport. There is a fairly steep slope from the entrance to the tunnels. They ordered a mobility bus to pick us up. This was so kind and meant my Mum could enjoy the tunnels without being tired out before she started. We had quite a long wait outside (about 40 mins) before our tour started. It was very interesting with lots to see. There is a fair amount of walking and some uneven floors, but we didn't feel rushed. At the end of the tour a member of staff showed us where to wait for the bus to take us back to our car. There is plenty of free parking on several different levels. The staff were very knowledgeable and so helpful, we didn't know we could get transport, the site is quite extensive and without the bus it would have been a very tiring day and we probably wouldn't have been able to see as much as we did. Photos and videos are not allowed inside...

Tours are scheduled every 20-30 minutes. There is no where to sit, so if you arrive early, be prepared to stand for a half hour before the tour.

You'll go with a guide, but be accompanied by a voice on the speaker that attempts to follow an injured soldier through treatment. The narrative is poorly done.

The tour is a hike, so those that have trouble standing or walking should be aware.

Tunnels are poorly lit, so watch your step.

Gives the visitor an idea of what it was like to be working or treated at the "dressing station."

Kids probably wouldn't enjoy, and definitely not for small children.

There is a hike up the spiral staircase at the end of the tour, so be prepared.

No photographs allowed (nothing really to photograph, anyway).

Recommendation: Nice to see, but don't worry if you miss it. Not that important in the...