About Fan Bay Deep Shelter
Explore wartime tunnels carved deep into the White Cliffs, where soldiers once stood guard over the English Channel during WWII. Onsite dining available but steep stairs make access challenging.
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Paid car park
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
A fascinating and very informative place to visit. Walking through the underground tunnels beneath the White Cliffs really brings the history of the Second World War to life. The volunteers were friendly, knowledgeable and made the experience even more engaging. A great place to learn about Britain’s coastal defences – highly recommended.
· via Google
Interesting experience. The steps down are wet even following days of very hot weather and no rain so ensure you have shoes with decent grip. The steps back out are quite the workout. Free with national trust membership. Tour takes about an hour. Moves on quite nicely so my child didn't get too bored. It is very dark obviously and head touches were supplied but I think they're more to light you up rather than light the way so I recommend taking a tourch.
· via Google
A great relic from WWII. Staff really helpful and knowledgeable. Tour takes just over an hour and you get to see the accommodation tunnels and hospital, as well as the WWI sound mirrors that have been uncovered in the cliff face.
· via Google
Absolutely brilliant tour, free for National Trust members. The construction of the Fan Bay Battery, including the deep shelter, was ordered by Prime Minister Winston Churchill in August 1940 to help control the Dover Strait and counter German heavy artillery across the Channel. The tunnels were excavated by the 172 Tunnelling Company of the Royal Engineers between November 1940 and February 1941, in just 100 days, and 75 feet underground. Tour guide was great 👍, definitely worth a visit if you like anything world war.
· via Google
Visitors say this historical site offers fascinating and informative tours of wartime tunnels, including accommodation and hospital areas, and WWI sound mirrors. They also highlight the knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteer staff who bring history to life with engaging stories. Guests mention the tour is free for National Trust members and is a worthwhile experience.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Unnamed Road, Dover, CT15 6HP Get directions
- Category
- Caves & Mines
- Guest rating
- 4.8 / 5 (197 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 13+
- Setting
- Indoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- No
- Destination
- Dover