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, from secret wartime tunnels and medieval towers to interactive exhibits, it's the kind of attraction where you 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 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 may be the best value option for you. See the areas a Dover DayRider covers here.
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 attractions. There is more than enough to fill an entire day, making it ideal if you're looking for a great value attraction.
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 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 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.
Deal offers a relaxed seaside atmosphere and is the perfect place to unwind after a day of castle adventures. Stroll along the promenade, skim stones on the beach or simply enjoy the sea views.
Suggested Time
4:45pm-5:30pm
🍦5:30pm - Ice Cream, Cake or Dinner by the Sea
If you're staying a little longer, Deal has plenty of options for dinner.
Located just moments from the promenade, offering a varied menu and a great location.
A great choice if you're looking for an early dinner overlooking the seafront.
Looking for a more traditional seaside supper? Sea View is a popular choice for fish and chips close to the seafront.
🚌6:45pm - Journey Home
Catch your return service from Deal (Queen Street, Deal) or Dover and relax after a day packed with history, adventure and family fun.
Suggested Timetable