Grand Shaft Opening - Heritage Open Days

The Grand Shaft will be open on Saturday & Sunday 20th & 21st September as part of the Heritage Open Days programme of events.

It was built between 1806 and 1809 as a quick means of communication and movement between the barracks on the Western Heights and the town below. This is an opportunity to visit this unique triple helix staircase stacked one on top of the other, 140ft down (or up) through the white cliffs of Dover. Choose a staircase and ascend or descend your chosen set, local folklore declares they were assigned as one for ‘Officers and their ladies’, one for ‘Sergeants and their wives’, and the third for ‘Soldiers and their women’.

Access is free & self-guided, but the welcome centre has helpful volunteers on hand to chat to and an array of pictures and historical information and finds that will help inform you about the site.

Useful site information can be found at https://doverwesternheights.org/visiting-the-grand-shaft/

To find the Grand Shaft Staircase, Snargate Street, Dover use CT17 9DA for ground level access.
There is access at the top from Drop Redoubt road but this involves some walking from the nearest parking.
Grand Shaft (Top) ///october.decking.grand Grand Shaft (Bottom) ///steady.install.caged