The iconic White Cliffs of Dover are known throughout the world. Our majestic Dover Castle is one of English Heritage's top ten English castles, attracting over 300,000 visitors a year. But are you ready to discover the other hidden treasures of our historic town? The Bluebird Heritage Trail encourages visitors to venture into the heart of Dover. You'll be amazed by the wealth of our heritage!
The self-guided trail route, marked by distinctive Bluebird Heritage Trail bronze pavement markers, links 31 of Dover’s historic buildings, sites and monuments.
Pick up a free guidebook (including a map) from Dover Visitor Information Centre & Dover Museum.
Or download a copy of the guidebook from the new website www.doverbluebirdtrail.co.uk.
Download the free interactive App (compatible with iOS and Android smartphones).
Visit www.doverbluebirdtrail.co.uk for further historical information, along with images and details about the local heritage attractions and visitor facilities within the town.
The route starts at the War Memorial by the Town Hall, and ends on the Admiralty Pier, although you may start or leave at any point or even work backwards! The whole walk is about 2 miles long and can take up to 3 hours to complete.
The trail is accessible for wheelchair users and those with a pushchair (except for the pedestrian access to Admiralty Pier where there are steps). While every effort has been made to ensure the trail is accessible to all users as far as possible, some of the pavements and surfaces may be uneven or narrow in places.
Enjoy the evidence left behind from millennia, appreciate excellent vantage points and learn a little history on this unique walk – and don’t forget to bring your smart device or camera!
The story of the Bluebird Heritage Trail
Early in 2014, The Port of Dover and Community Forum met to identify ways to raise public awareness of the range of historical places of interest in Dover, and to attract more visitors to our town. The Bluebird Heritage Trail project was born and The Dover Society agreed to take the lead on behalf of the Forum.
The project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Dover District Council, Dover Town Council and the Port of Dover, and has been supported by experts, volunteers and organisations, including The Dover Society.
Community involvement has been integral to this exciting project.