Fort Burgoyne Open Day

Event Date: 25/05/2024 10:00 - 15:00

Last admission 2:30pm. NO NEED TO BOOK- please ignore the 'book this event' button!

A rare opportunity to explore Fort Burgoyne and discover more about the site’s history and its diverse range of wildlife.

The parade ground, stables, terreplein and some of the casemates will be available to explore at your leisure.  Tours led by our knowledgeable volunteers will be available to book on the day providing access to the lower levels, shooting gallery, chemin de ronde, and other usually restricted access areas.

Teas/Coffees available.

Fort Burgoyne booklets will also be available to purchase for £5 each. Please note- we are a cash only site, no card payments can be taken. 

Booking: NO NEED TO BOOK- please ignore 'book this event' button!

Cost: Free entry- donations gratefully appreciated. 

Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome but will not be allowed to the lower levels of the Fort- please remember to clean up after your dogs on site.

Disability access: We welcome all visitors, however, as an ancient scheduled monument we are restricted to the adjustments that can be made. Access to the lower levels is currently unavailable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility due to steep steps and uneven floors. Access to the terreplein is via a grassed slope- this may not be suitable for some wheelchairs. Ramps will be in place to help navigate over smaller changes in ground level.

Parking: There is free parking on site.

Address: Fort Burgoyne, Fort Burgoyne Road, Guston, Dover, Kent, CT15 5FN

Public transport: Buses on the number 81 route regularly pass by Fort Burgoyne. The nearest bus stop to the entrance gates is 'Dover Castle' next to the coach park. Please visit the Stagecoach bus website for further information. 

If you have any questions or would like further information please email fortburgoyne@dover.gov.uk 

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.