Fort Burgoyne History Tours (Afternoon)

Event Date: 15/04/2023 13:30 - 15:30

Join us for an in-depth guided history tour of Fort Burgoyne.

Led by our knowledgeable volunteer tour guides we will explore the Fort looking at the various buildings and structures around the site, discussing their purpose and providing interesting snippets into the life of the soldiers who were once stationed at the Fort.

This tour will provide the opportunity to:

• explore the haxo-casemates around the top of the Fort with great views over Dover Castle
• venture out towards the back of the Fort for views of the surrounding ditch and World War structures
• opportunity to look inside some of the casemates
• visit the lower levels of the Fort.

Due to the steps, uneven ground and inclines around the Fort, this tour is not suited for those who use wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Dogs are unable to attend this tour.

Children are welcome to attend and activity booklets will be provided for them to complete as they walk around. This event is best suited for children aged 8+. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

A book covering the history of Fort Burgoyne will also be available to purchase at £5 each (cash only please)

Cost:

Suggested donation of £5 per adult & £2.50 per child.

Meeting point:

Fort Burgoyne, Dover Road, Guston, Dover, CT15 5FN (this is a new postcode so may not be recognised on some map services).

We will open the gates in Fort Burgoyne 15 minutes before the start of the event. Please do not arrive any earlier as there is nowhere safe to wait on the road. If you are running late please ring or text us to let us know- once the event begins latecomers will not be admitted.

Parking:

Free parking available inside Fort Burgoyne.

Leader: 

Lauren 07874 888035

If you are interested in visiting Fort Burgoyne but the history tour is not for you, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership are also running Guided Tours of Fort Burgoyne. These tours will give you an opportunity to visit the site, see the wide diversity of wildlife within the Fort and cover a basic history. These tours will be bookable via the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership Eventbrite page when dates are released.

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.