Britain's What's On Event Guide
Grand Shaft Staircase
Heritage Open Day: The Grand Shaft staircase will be open Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st September 2025 for self-guided walks up and down the unique and fascinating triple helix staircase hidden inside Dover's white Cliffs. The Grand Shaft 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 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.
Access is 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.
Saturday 20 September and Sunday 21 September
Grand Shaft, Snargate Street, Dover, Kent CT17 9BZ
Sat 20 Sep:1030-1600; Sun 21 Sep:1030-1600; Free Entry.
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