Through immersive displays, reopened medieval tunnels, and a dynamic play area, the project has transformed underutilised spaces into vibrant storytelling hubs.
This project is the result of over four years of collaboration between Mather & Co, English Heritage, Studio Hardie, Leach, Avanti Architects, and a skilled team of contractors and specialists.
Now, we’re taking a closer look at the project’s objectives, our approach, and the impact it has made.
Project Objectives
The project set out to:
- Increase visitor numbers by creating a more engaging and dynamic experience.
- Enhance and consolidate interpretation throughout the castle to provide a cohesive narrative for visitors.
- Expand access to more of the northern end of the site, including the spur and previously underutilised casemates.
- Broaden family appeal, particularly for older children, by integrating play and exploration into the visitor experience.
Our Approach
At the heart of the project is the seamless integration of interpretation and play, designed to enhance access and engagement across Dover Castle’s underutilised areas. The result is a visitor experience that is immersive, interactive, and surprising, complementing the interpretation found elsewhere on site.
Visitors can now explore a range of spaces, each offering a different experience based on its physical location. Key elements of the project include:
Casemates transformed – Six previously unused casemates have been repurposed, five as engaging exhibition spaces and one as a dedicated learning room.
Play with a purpose – The Great Siege-themed play area encourages children to engage with history through active play. Working with Studio Hardie from the outset, we helped shape the interpretive strategy before they developed the structures and play elements.
The Spur Tunnels reimagined – These original defensive tunnels now offer an immersive audio-visual experience, where ambient sounds are triggered by visitor movement, creating an eerie, atmospheric journey that surprises and disorients.
The Impact
Since launching, Dover Castle: Under Siege has undergone several evaluations, including a site-wide visitor survey and qualitative research on the new interpretation and play areas. Within just seven months, the project has delivered remarkable results:
- Increase in local and day-trip visitors
- Significant rise in overall visitor satisfaction
- More visitors recognising Dover Castle as a unique experience compared to other attractions
- Improved perception of the interpretation’s authenticity in representing history
- More families appreciating the castle as an educational experience for children
- Play area praised for successfully combining learning with fun
- New interpretation and play features driving both initial and repeat visits
- Positive feedback on the variety of interpretation styles, with smooth transitions between traditional exhibits and play
- Demonstrable learning outcomes, sparking discussions among visitors
Dover Castle: Under Siege has redefined the visitor experience, proving that history can be engaging, interactive, and accessible to all. By merging storytelling, play, and interpretation, we’ve brought Dover Castle’s past to life for a new generation of explorers.
Would you like to explore similar transformation opportunities for your heritage site? Get in touch with Mather & Co today.
