Fan Bay Deep Shelter
Explore WWII bomb-proof tunnels beneath the White Cliffs of Dover, guided by passionate volunteers who reveal soldiers' lives.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Guided tours bring history alive
Fan Bay Deep Shelter
Best Time
Guided tours bring history alive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore WWII bomb-proof tunnels beneath the White Cliffs of Dover, guided by passionate volunteers who reveal soldiers' lives.
"A fascinating WWII deep shelter cut into the chalk cliffs, offering a great history lesson."
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
125 steps down and back up! Good footwear is essential for navigating the tunnels.
⏳ Book Your Tour
Guided tours are the only way in. Check National Trust for availability!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
WWII Underground Tunnels
Beneath the White Cliffs of Dover
Explore bomb-proof tunnels that housed soldiers defending the Dover Strait during WWII.
Knowledgeable Volunteer Guides
Throughout the tour
Guides bring history to life with stories and insights into soldiers' lives.
Sound Mirrors
Near the shelter exit
See the acoustic predecessors to radar, built into the cliffs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Step Down into History
Book Ahead for WWII Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
125 steps down and back up! Good footwear is essential for navigating the tunnels.
⏳ Book Your Tour
Guided tours are the only way in. Check National Trust for availability!
🔦 History Comes Alive
Guides are super knowledgeable and make the WWII history fascinating. +1
🚶♀️ Combine with Cliff Walk
Perfectly paired with a hike along the White Cliffs of Dover. 
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
125 steps down and back up! Good footwear is essential for navigating the tunnels.
⏳ Book Your Tour
Guided tours are the only way in. Check National Trust for availability!
🔦 History Comes Alive
Guides are super knowledgeable and make the WWII history fascinating. +1
🚶♀️ Combine with Cliff Walk
Perfectly paired with a hike along the White Cliffs of Dover.
🚻 Visitor Centre Nearby
Facilities (toilets, cafe) are at the White Cliffs visitor centre, a walk away.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fan Bay Deep Shelter for its fascinating WWII history and the exceptional knowledge of the volunteer guides who bring the past to life. The unique experience of exploring the underground tunnels is a major highlight. However, the 125 steps down and back up mean it's not suitable for everyone, and visitors should be aware that facilities are a walk away at the visitor centre.
"Myself and my partner decided to visit Fan Bay Deep Shelter on Saturday, and we have a great experience! It was not only really interesting but also a great history lesson. The gents who run the tour were full of knowledge and brought the place to life with their stories. Would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting white Cliffs of Dover! Thank you for a great time 😊"
Monika Januszewska
"A fascinating WW2 deep shelter cut into the chalk cliffs, comprising a network of metal lined tunnels and chambers.
The shelter was built to provide safe accommodation for personnel operating the coastal gun battery, and today can be explored as part of a guided tour. This will teach you about the lives of the soldiers who would have occupied the shelter, and give close up access to two sound mirrors built against the cliff. The guide was very knowledgeable and made the tour interesting.
The National Trust have done a great job of making this old military site safe, but bear in mind it's accessed down a flight of 125 steps, with the tour lasting around 45 minutes, so it won't be suitable for everyone.
Fan Bay Deep Shelter doesn't have its own facilities, but the White Cliffs visitor centre, about 25 minutes walk away, has a large café, gift shop, toilets and plenty of parking (paid, free for National Trust members). Check the website before visiting as tours don't run all year."
Andrew Thomas
"Hidden 23 m inside the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, Fan Bay Deep Shelter is a WWII-era tunnel complex built in late 1940–41 by the Royal Engineers to house and protect artillery crews manning nearby coastal guns . Guided torch-lit tours take you down 125 original steps into steel-reinforced chambers once used by artillery crew. Our guide was Steve, volunteer for national trust had an excellent knowledge about the deep shelter and WWII."
Kamal Siri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fan Bay Deep Shelter is located near the White Cliffs of Dover. You can reach it by car, parking at the National Trust White Cliffs visitor centre (paid parking, free for members), and then walking approximately 25 minutes to the shelter entrance. Public transport options to Dover are available, followed by a walk or local taxi.
There is no direct parking at the shelter itself. Visitors typically park at the National Trust White Cliffs visitor centre and walk to the site.
It's a significant walk from Dover town to the White Cliffs visitor centre and then to the shelter. It's more practical to use local transport or drive to the visitor centre.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, access to Fan Bay Deep Shelter is by guided tour only. It's highly recommended to book your tour in advance through the National Trust website, as tours do not run year-round and can sell out.
Opening hours and tour availability vary seasonally. Always check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date schedule before planning your visit.
The guided tour of Fan Bay Deep Shelter typically lasts around 45 minutes.
While there isn't a strict age limit, the tour involves descending 125 steps and navigating potentially uneven surfaces, so it may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.
No, access to the underground shelter is exclusively via guided tours. This ensures the preservation of the site and provides historical context.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Fan Bay Deep Shelter is a network of underground tunnels and chambers built into the White Cliffs of Dover during WWII to house soldiers operating coastal gun batteries.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the 125 steps and uneven terrain. Layers are also advisable as underground temperatures can be cooler.
Unfortunately, due to the 125 steps and the nature of the underground tunnels, Fan Bay Deep Shelter is not considered accessible for individuals with significant mobility challenges.
You'll explore the underground living quarters and operational areas for soldiers, learn about their daily lives, and see the nearby Sound Mirrors, early warning acoustic devices.
There are no facilities directly at the shelter. Toilets, a cafe, and gift shop are available at the National Trust White Cliffs visitor centre, about a 25-minute walk away.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside Fan Bay Deep Shelter, but always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your guide.
The narrow tunnels, original fixtures, and the contrast between the dark interiors and the cliffside views offer unique photographic opportunities.
Typically, personal photography is allowed without a permit. For commercial or professional shoots, you would need to contact the National Trust for specific permissions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ History Buffs & WWII Enthusiasts
🏞️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
+1 The shelter itself is accessed via a path from the visitor centre, making it a natural stop on a day of exploring the coastline. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for both the cliff walks and the shelter's steps. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Fan Bay Deep Shelter
The shelter could accommodate up to 185 men, offering them protection from aerial bombardment and the harsh realities of coastal defense during World War II. Its strategic location was crucial for defending the vital Dover Strait. Today, visitors can experience this piece of history through guided tours led by passionate National Trust volunteers. These tours offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who lived and worked in these confined spaces. Guides share fascinating anecdotes and historical details, bringing the past to life.
The National Trust has meticulously preserved and made the site accessible, ensuring its stories are told for future generations. The effort involved in its restoration, including thousands of volunteer hours, highlights the dedication to safeguarding this important historical site.
Navigating the Experience: Steps, Tours, and Facilities
Guided tours are the only way to explore the shelter. These tours are led by knowledgeable volunteers who are dedicated to sharing the history and stories of the site.
While the shelter itself is a historical site without modern amenities, visitors can find facilities such as toilets, a cafe, and a gift shop at the National Trust White Cliffs visitor centre, which is approximately a 25-minute walk away.
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