Western Heights Open Weekend

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June 2007 will see the annual Western Heights open weekend in Dover. The open weekend is now a regular feature and attracts large crowds eager to join in the fun. The open weekend, managed jointly by The Western Heights Preservation Society (WHPS) and the White Cliffs Countryside Project (WCCP), helps bring the history of a very important fortress to life. The Western Heights are a series of forts linked by miles of ditches on the western hilltop above Dover. Initial construction began during the American War of Independence and was continued during the Napoleonic Wars and resulted in one of the most important and impressive forts in Britain, and indeed Europe. Much of the site remains closed off to the public, but as part of the open weekend some of the more spectacular parts of the fortifications are opened up to allow rare access.

The whole weekend will be packed with events and activities for all the family with lots of extra events on Sunday. Sundays events are set to include stalls and displays from many organisations including nature conservation groups, English Heritage, local groups and organisations and period re-enactors. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions of experts and refreshments will be on hand.

Parts of the Drop Redoubt and the Grand Shaft will be open. The Grand Shaft, an impressive 19th century triple staircase, will be free of charge, with a small charge being made for entry to the Drop Redoubt. All monies made from the opening of the Redoubt are ploughed back into helping preserve the fort and allowing future access. The Drop Redoubt is the most impressive fort on the site and is a self-contained gun platform with vast rooms, casemates and barrack accommodation used from the Napoleonic wars through to World War 2. Chris Taft of the Western Heights Preservation Society said "The Drop Redoubt is a must-see, its sheer size is fantastic and the views from the top are breathtaking. With this, and the rest of the events during the weekend, there really is something for everyone".

There are also plans for an evening talk on a related subject on the Saturday evening, to take place in Dover. For details of this and other planned events please keep an eye on the WHPS website, www.dover-western-heights.org.

Visitors are asked to keep in mind that the site is a historic fortress opened especially for this event. Physical access to the fort is limited and is sadly not possible by wheelchair users or people with prams or push chairs. There is, however, plenty to see and do on the Sunday as part of the open weekend. Appropriate footwear is also recommended for anyone wishing to visit the Drop Redoubt or Grand Shaft.

The Drop Redoubt is situated on Military Hill, Dover, just off the A20 by the Western Docks. The events on Sunday will be taking place on the site of the former barracks just below the Redoubt. Limited parking will be available close to the site, just off Military Hill, alternatively, visitors could park in Dover town and ascend to the site via the more traditional method – up the 140 steps of the Grand Shaft!

The Western Heights Preservation Society, who fund and manage the opening of the Drop Redoubt and Grand Shaft, are a volunteer-run Society set up in 2000 to help promote, preserve and make accessible the site. The WHPS are grateful to English Heritage for permission to open the Drop Redoubt and to Dover District Council for allowing access to the Grand Shaft. More information can be found on the Group's website or by writing to The WHPS, PO Box 366, DEAL, Kent CT14 9XY.

ABOVE TOP: The 'must see' Drop Redoubt, a building of commanding size and breathtaking views across the English Channel.

ABOVE BOTTOM: The equally impressive Grand Shaft built in 1802, with 140 steps linking top and bottom of the cliff.