The North Entrance was the fortified access point to the Western Heights. It was the nearest to the town of Dover and most convenient for access, either for supplies or by an attacking force. Accordingly, its defences were substantial, comprising two bridges and a tunnel. The entrance dates from the Royal Commission period of the 1860s, and superseded the entrance dating from Napoleonic times – a single bridge over a ditch.
Dates The site is only opened to the public once a year during Heritage Open Weekends. Events will be advertised on our Facebook page and website.
Times Tours are usually available 1000 – 1500 on the days advertised and last for approximately 50 mins. More details are made available on our FB page and website ahead of each opening.
Book now at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/western-heights-preservation-society-13630964477
Cost WHPS do not charge for these tours although if you enjoy the tour and the information provided we would welcome a donation towards the work of the Society. All money raised goes back into the Western Heights as none of our committee or volunteers take any type of financial reward for their work. You can donate safely online at our GoFundMe page or we welcome cash donations on the day.
Availability Tours are limited in number due to the site and access difficulties and must be booked in advance through the event link published on our FB page and website ahead of each event.
Location The North Entrance can only be accessed via the original road tunnel opposite Drop Redoubt road, Dover CT17 9DY. Limited parking is available on Drop Redoubt road and at nearby St Martins Battery car park
Photography Visitors are welcome to take video and photographs whilst on site.
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Children We welcome visitors of all ages but children must be carefully supervised due to the nature of the site (see site specific info below). The site is not suitable for pushchairs due to the uneven surfaces as you enter the tunnel and the site is dark in places
Pets Dogs are welcome on site as long as they remain on a lead and under control. Owners are required to clear up after their pets.
Disability access We regret that due to the nature of the site and the access difficulties the North Entrance is not suitable for wheelchair access and visitors with limited mobility may experience some difficulty in navigating some areas. Access to the road tunnel requires a step over a steel lip and there are steps and uneven surfaces throughout the site.
Toilets There are no toilet facilities on site.
Refreshments There are no refreshments on site.
Site specific The North Entrance is a Napoleonic structure and listed scheduled ancient monument. The paths and surfaces inside can be slippery when wet and there are steps and low headroom in some areas. The site is in a largely ruinous state and has been subject to significant vandalism over the decades it has been shut. Lighting is provided by temporary lighting installed for the event and the site is dark in places. Tours are all supervised by a minimum of two WHPS volunteers. Unescorted or free ranging access is not permitted as there are areas that are unsafe for access due to steep drops and trip hazards
Book now at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/western-heights-preservation-society-13630964477