Bird Bingo at Fort Burgoyne

Event Date: 20/02/2026 10:00 - 11:30

Grab your binoculars and join us for a fun walk around Fort Burgoyne and Coombe Hole as we try to score a full house in Bird Bingo! Our route will take us through the fort and across to the beautiful Coombe Hole, where we’ll be on the lookout for familiar feathered friends. If we're lucky, we may spot some special winter visitors! It’s a great way to explore nature, learn about local wildlife, and enjoy a family day outdoors. Who will spot the most birds?

We will then head back to the stables at Fort Burgoyne for some bird-themed crafts!
We suggest that this event is for ages 4-14.

Approximate walk length: 1 mile.

Please bring binoculars if you have them; a limited amount will be available to borrow.

Meeting Point: Fort Burgoyne, Dover Rd, Guston, Dover, CT15 5FN (this is a new postcode so may not be recognised on some map services).
What3Words reference- ///guard.suffice.broken

Parking: Free parking is available inside Fort Burgoyne.

Please note this event includes: uneven ground, steep drops, non-tarmacked paths, steep slopes.

This event will take place outside, and so there are a few things to consider.
Please wear sensible footwear. Please no flipflops, sandals, crocs or other open toed shoes.
Please wear appropriate clothing for the days weather.
Consider sun cream, sun hats and plenty of water if the weather is warm.
Ensure you bring adequate layers if the weather is chilly.
Consider waterproofs for the ever-changing British weather.
Please consider bringing a spare change of clothes, as they may get a little dirty and/or wet.

This event will go ahead, whatever the weather, unless there is an amber weather warning in place. Ranger will periodically check the weather in the lead up to the event and will make a decision 18 hours prior to the event. In the case of cancellation you will be notified by the event leader via the email provided at the time of booking.

Event Location - Fort Burgoyne

Fort Burgoyne

Located beside Dover Castle and the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, Fort Burgoyne is a scheduled ancient monument dating back to the 1860s. Originally known as "Castle Hill Fort," it was built to defend Dover Castle. In addition to the historical buildings, a diverse range of wildlife can be found on site, including Common lizards and Slow worms, and is a site of high importance for several bat species. Currently, the main Fort Burgoyne building is closed to the public, except during events. WCCP manage Fort Burgoyne, including The West Wing, Coombe Hole and Burgoyne Heights Recreation Ground on behalf of The Land Trust.

The what3words location of the entrance to Fort Burgoyne is - ///topped.hunter.push

The West Wing

In 2023, the West Wing Battery of Fort Burgoyne was opened to the public following significant investment in the conservation of its structures and improvements to accessibility. With restricted opening times, the West Wing Battery welcomes visitors from 10 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. This area features historical elements such as the gatehouse, gun shed, tool shed, and gun platform, all dating back to the construction of Fort Burgoyne.

From the gun platform, visitors can enjoy views of Dover Town, Dover Castle, and Britain’s busiest ferry port. Adding to the experience is the immersive sound installation “I Would Rather Walk With You” by Emily Peasgood. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council as part of the Pioneering Places East Kent project, this installation combines archival audio of soldiers, bespoke choral recordings, and community-produced material. It takes visitors on a journey, honouring the site’s military history while celebrating its evolution into a community space.

The what3words location of the entrance to The West Wing is - ///spices.super.noted  

Recreation Ground

Spanning 7 hectares, the recreation ground and woodland surrounding the northern and eastern areas of the Fort offer glimpses into its ditch, as well as breath taking views of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the English Channel.