Fan Bay Deep Shelter
Dover, Coast
Image: National TrustFan Bay Deep Shelter is a network of Second World War tunnels dug into the White Cliffs in 1940 and 1941, explored on a hard hat and head torch tour with National Trust guides. The visit also takes in two early sound mirrors and the excavated number 3 gun emplacement. It suits older children, teens and adults keen on history, and takes around 90 minutes plus the clifftop walk.
Highlights
- Guided hard hat and head torch tour 23 metres underground
- Tunnels built in five months over the winter of 1940 to 1941
- Two sound mirrors from the First World War era
- Self-guided visit to the No. 3 gun emplacement and magazine
- Fossils and flints in the chalk walls
Good to know
- The recommended minimum age is 8, and babies cannot be carried on the stairs
- Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a warm layer
- There are no toilets or catering at the shelter
- Only assistance dogs go underground, but dogs can wait at the surface with your group
Getting there
Fan Bay Deep Shelter, The White Cliffs of Dover, Langdon Cliffs, Upper Road, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HJParking: Park at the White Cliffs car park (CT16 1HJ), about 40 minutes' walk away. There is no vehicle access to the shelter.
Get directionsChecked on 15 October 2026 against nationaltrust.org.uk, nationaltrust.org.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
Nearby
Photo: Mustang Joe, CC0South Foreland Lighthouse Walk
This 4 mile there-and-back route follows the top of the White Cliffs from the National Trust visitor centre to the Victorian South Foreland Lighthouse. Look out for wartime gun emplacements, Channel views to France and a stop at the lighthouse tearoom when it is open. It suits confident walkers and older children and takes two to three hours.
Image: National TrustThe White Cliffs of Dover
The National Trust's stretch of the famous chalk cliffs starts from the visitor centre at Langdon Cliffs, with clifftop paths and big views over the Channel and the port. Walk as far as you like along the coast path, stop at the café, or carry on to South Foreland Lighthouse. It suits walkers, families and dog owners, and a visit easily fills half a day.
Image: Dover CastleDover Castle
Dover Castle sits high above the White Cliffs, with a medieval Great Tower above ground and a network of secret wartime tunnels below. Climb the tower to discover the court of King Henry II, explore the Under Siege exhibition and let children loose in the siege play area. Give it a full day.