How to get to the Festival

Dover Castle sits high above the town of Dover, overlooking the English Channel. Its position makes it both iconic and accessible, with several options for travel from within the UK and from continental Europe. Planning your journey in advance will help you make the most of your visit.

By Train

  • The nearest station is Dover Priory, about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the castle.

  • Southeastern Railway runs direct services from:

    • London St Pancras International (High Speed: approx. 1 hr 5 mins)

    • London Charing Cross (approx. 2 hrs)

    • Canterbury, Folkestone, Ashford International, and Ramsgate (30–60 mins).

  • From Dover Priory:

    • Local bus: around 10 minutes.

    • Taxi: 5–7 minutes, taxis available at the station.

    • Walk: approx. 20 minutes uphill (steep incline – see “On Foot”).

By Car

  • Follow brown signs for Dover Castle from the A2 (from Canterbury) or M20/A20 (from London/Folkestone).

  • Sat Nav: CT16 1HU.

  • On-site parking is available near the entrance but fills quickly at peak times.

  • There are no EV charging points at the castle, nearest chargers are in Dover town centre.

By Ferry / Eurotunnel

  • Ferries (P&O and DFDS) arrive from Calais or Dunkirk into the Port of Dover (90-minute crossing). Dover Castle is a 5-minute drive or taxi ride from the terminal.

  • Eurotunnel Le Shuttle runs from Calais to Folkestone (35 minutes). From Folkestone, the castle is a 15–20 minute drive via M20/A20.

  • Allow extra time for border checks at both ferry and Eurotunnel terminals.

Local Transport (within Dover)

  • Bus services (Stagecoach routes, e.g. 15 and 61) connect the town centre with the castle entrance.

  • Taxis are widely available at Dover Priory Station, the town centre, and the ferry port.

On Foot

  • Approx. 20 minutes’ walk uphill from Dover Priory Station or the town centre.

  • The route is steep; sturdy shoes recommended.

  • May not be suitable for those with limited mobility.

By Bicycle

  • Dover is located on National Cycle Route 1 (NCR1), which connects the town with Folkestone, Deal, and Canterbury.

  • The final stretch to the castle via Castle Hill Road or Castle Hill footpath includes steep inclines, challenging for less experienced cyclists.

  • Roads near the port and town centre can be busy with lorry traffic, so take extra care.

  • Limited cycle racks near the entrance; no indoor storage.

Accessibility

  • Accessible parking bays are available near the entrance (spaces limited).

  • A shuttle service may operate from the car park to the castle grounds for visitors with reduced mobility (check with English Heritage before travelling).

  • Full accessibility details are available via the English Heritage Dover Castle access guide.

Travel sustainably

Visitors are encouraged to use public transport, walking, or cycling where possible to help reduce congestion and lower carbon emissions. The High Speed train from London St Pancras offers one of the fastest and most sustainable options. If travelling by car, consider car-sharing and plan charging stops for electric vehicles at local facilities in Dover.