Discover one of England's greatest castles, enjoy a family-friendly day packed with adventure and round it off with an optional seaside visit to Deal.
Looking for an affordable day out in Kent this summer? Dover Castle offers everything you need for a memorable day with the kids. From secret wartime tunnels and medieval towers to interactive exhibits and plenty of space to run around, it's the kind of attraction where families can easily spend most of the day exploring.
Better still, you can travel on Stagecoach South East's electric Fastrack buses, offering a comfortable and more sustainable way to reach one of Kent's most iconic attractions.
Whether you spend the entire day exploring the castle or continue on to Deal for an early dinner by the sea, this itinerary helps you make the most of your time without worrying about parking or fuel costs.
🚌Start Your Day Out by Bus
Recommended Services
Fastrack D
Route 104 and 105
Route 81
Route 91
Route 93
Route 15
Duration
Full day (approximately 10:00am-5:30pm)
Recommended Ticket
A South East DayRider (£9.90 for adults) offers unlimited travel on Stagecoach South East services in Kent and East Sussex (excluding Brighton) throughout the day, making it easy to travel between Dover Castle, Dover town centre and Deal without worrying about multiple fares. If you're staying in Dover, a Dover DayRider (£6.30 for adults) may be the best value option for you. See the areas a Dover DayRider covers here.
Children aged 5-15 travel free on Stagecoach South East buses in Kent and East Sussex (excluding Brighton) throughout August, helping families save even more this summer.
If you're arriving in Dover on routes 104, 105, 81, 91, 93 or 15, hop off at Pencester Road and change onto the Fastrack D service from Stop V. Alternatively, you can catch the Fastrack D directly from Dover Priory Station.
Where to Get Off
Canon's Gate
Walking Directions
From Canon's Gate, walk through the castle access road and continue uphill towards the main visitor entrance.
🏰10:15am - Explore Dover Castle
Overlooking the English Channel, Dover Castle has been defending Britain's coastline for centuries and remains one of Kent's most popular family attractions. There is more than enough to fill an entire day, making it ideal for families looking for a great value attraction, especially when you take advantage of 15% off child tickets throughout August when you buy in advance.
Suggested Time
10:15am-1:30pm
🍴1:30pm - Lunch at Dover Castle
After a busy morning exploring, stop for lunch at one of the cafes within Dover Castle. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, drinks or a sweet treat, staying within the attraction means you can make the most of your visit without leaving the site.
Suggested Time
1:30pm-2:15pm
🚶2:15pm - Continue Exploring
Many visitors underestimate just how much there is to see at Dover Castle. Spend the afternoon discovering areas you have missed in the morning, enjoying family trails, exploring the grounds and taking in spectacular views across the Channel.
Suggested Time
2:15pm-4:00pm
🚌4:00pm - Optional: Continue to Deal
If your family still has energy left and you'd like to round off the day with a seaside visit, continue on to Deal.
Walking Directions
Leave Dover Castle and return to Canon's Gate.
Catch the Fastrack D back to Pencester Road
From there, change onto the 81 at Stop R towards Deal.
Journey Time
Approximately 30 minutes.
Where to Get Off
Queen Street, Deal
Walking Directions
Follow Queen Street towards the seafront and pier.
Walking Time
Approximately 4 minutes.
🌊4:45pm - Enjoy Deal Seafront
Deal offers a relaxed seaside atmosphere and is the perfect place to unwind after a day of castle adventures. Families can stroll along the promenade, skim stones on the beach or simply enjoy the sea views.
Suggested Time
4:45pm-5:30pm
🍦5:00pm - Ice Cream, Cake or Dinner by the Sea
If you're staying a little longer, Deal has plenty of family-friendly options for dinner.
Deal Pier Kitchen
A popular stop on the pier with fantastic sea views.
The Lane Bakery
Perfect for pastries, cakes and sweet treats.
Dunkerley's
A great choice for families looking for an early dinner overlooking the seafront.
🚌5:45pm - Journey Home
Catch your return service from Deal or Dover and relax after a day packed with history, adventure and family fun.
Suggested Timetable