Group travel organisers and coach tour operators are invited to join the GLT Reader Club for a free day out at Dover Castle on 18th March 2027 — taking in guided tours of the Great Tower and Wartime Tunnels, a cream tea and the chance to explore one of England’s most iconic fortresses.
This familiarisation trip is FREE and includes…
- Welcome and presentation with tea/coffee and bacon butties.
- Two fascinating guided tours.
- A cream tea.
- Free time to explore the castle.
About this fam trip
Standing on the famous White Cliffs, Dover Castle is one of England’s most formidable and fascinating fortresses. Come and explore it with us and the team from English Heritage to see what it offers group visits.
Our Reader Club familiarisation is open to group travel organisers and coach tour operators. After a hot drink and a bacon butty (not a bad start to any day) we will have a welcome and introduction from Becky Smith (Dover Castle manager) and Anna-Karin Hanson (travel trade account manager).
There are then two tours to enjoy: the Medieval Castle tour, with a focus on the Great Tower and Dover Under Siege area; and a tour of Wartime tunnels, the Underground Hospital and Operation Dynamo (TBC on re-opening to public).
Itinerary
Thursday 18th March 2027
- 10:30am Arrival tea/coffee and bacon butties in Constable’s Tower
- 11:00am Welcome, introduction and Travel Trade presentation
- 11:30am Guided Tour #1
- 12:45pm Guided Tour #2
(All attendees will be able to enjoy two tours: ‘A Medieval Castle’ and ‘Wartime Tunnels’).
- 2:00pm Cream tea at Constable’s Tower
- 3:00pm Free time to explore the site further and find the best photo spots
- 4:00pm Visit finishes and departure
Itinerary is subject to change and timings are approximate.
Important: Dover Castle is a large site and involves a fair amount of walking, including some steep areas. Please ensure you are comfortable with this before applying.
Application deadline: Sunday 17th January 2027
Should you have any queries please telephone the GLT editorial team on 01908 613323 or send an email to readerclub@groupleisureandtravel.com.
Why Dover Castle for a group visit?
There are lots of reasons to visit the castle. You can explore the vast 12th century Great Tower from top to bottom, taking in the vibrant world of medieval royalty, before climbing to the roof for an amazing panoramic view.
Nearby there are new immersive displays that tell the stories of two deadly sieges in the 1210s and shine a light on what life was like for soldiers in the Napoleonic Wars.
The castle was called into action again in World War Two when it became the nerve centre for the 1940s evacuation of Dunkirk. Later in the war the tunnels were used as a hospital. Both stories are bought to life through gripping audio-visual displays in the tunnels themselves.
Once you have spent the day seeing what the castle offers your group, we’re confident you will want to return with them. And there are lots of benefits too, such as group discounts, free entry for tour leaders and coach drivers, various catering options and guided tours.
How Reader Club works
Our trips and tours provide group travel organisers with the chance to familiarise themselves with venues, attractions and destinations they feel may be of interest and suitable for their group. It’s a ‘try before you buy’ scenario, and all GTOs are welcome, but please only join us if this is a viable option for your group.
If you have any queries feel free to telephone the GLT editorial team on 01908 613323 or send an email to readerclub@groupleisureandtravel.com.
