Dover's Western Heights is a series of forts linked by miles of ditches on the western hilltop above Dover and it is one of the most important fortifications in Britain.
It includes a scheduled monument, two listed buildings, a conservation area, a local nature reserve with protected species, and a wildlife site with important chalk grassland.
The Drop Redoubt is one of two independent forts on the Western Heights and is linked to the other, the Citadel, by a series of dry moats, or ‘lines’. It is a large and impressive fortress intended to defend against the attack of an invading force attempting to capture Dover from the north-east.
The Grand Shaft was built during the Napoleonic Wars to link the harbour to the barracks on the Western Heights. The Grand Shaft is a unique 19th century triple staircase created to provide a shortcut for troops from the Western Heights to the town.
Western Heights masterplan and funding
In 2015, a masterplan was prepared by DDC in partnership with Kent County Council, Medway Council, Historic England and the At Fort Partnership.
It was drawn up to provide a framework to help secure a sustainable future for the site, by unlocking the value of its military heritage and enhance it as a destination of national and international significance, complementing Dover’s other heritage attractions.
In 2024, Historic England awarded us a £149,000 grant, which we match-funded, for a three-year project to support conservation and regeneration work, and improve how the asset connects with the town and waterfront.
Work has included clearing overgrown vegetation from previously hidden buildings, restoring beautiful views across the coastline and making the area safer, with help from volunteers from the Western Heights Preservation Society and White Cliffs Countryside Partnership.
Signage and solar-powered CCTV has been added and a dedicated project officer taken on to run the programme of works, which involves encouraging more visitors to the site through events, promotion and community engagement.
Read the Western Heights masterplan and more about the regeneration project below.
- Western Heights Regeneration Project (opens in new tab)
- Western Heights masterplan (opens in new tab)
Contact us
If you need to get in touch with us about the Western Heights, contact project officer Sarah Horan.
Email: sarah.horan@dover.gov.uk (opens in new tab)
Phone: 07564045641
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