Grand Shaft Staircase
Grand Shaft, Snargate Street, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BZ
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 chart to and an array of pictures and historical information and finds that will help inform you about the site.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- 1030-1600
- Sunday 15 September:
- 1030-1600
Location & directions
Grand Shaft, Snargate Street, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BZ
- Directions:
- The Grand Shaft Staircase, Snargate Street, Dover CT17 9DA for ground level access There is access at the top from Drop Redoubt road but this involves some walking from the nearest parking. Grand Shaft (Top) ///october.decking.grand Grand Shaft (Bottom) ///steady.install.caged
- Contact on day:
- Mick Orchard
- Telephone number:
- +447584655712
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Unfortunately due to the nature of the site and the access difficulties the Grand Shaft is not entirely suitable for wheelchair access or visitors with limited mobility. Access to the base of the tunnel in Snargate Street is easily accessible with a wheelchair or for those with limited mobility and provides a breath-taking view up the staircase through the central light well. Access to the top of the staircase involves the navigation of numerous steep stone stairs and is therefore not suitable for wheelchair access or those with limited mobility.
