This experience at Dover Castle brings a unique blend of interpretation and play through a series of immersive interactive exhibitions, reinterpreted medieval tunnels, and an imaginative new play area.
Dover Castle is centred around the siege of 1216 and events in the 18th and 19th centuries when the threat of war overseas led to a heavy investment in the castle. Visitors can enjoy amazing panoramic castle views from the northern Spur, whilst also discovering the stories of men and women who lived, worked, visited, or fought for the castle.
The objectives for this project were to increase access and opportunities across the underutilised parts of the site, our solution was to blend interpretation and play across the castle. The castle is now engaging, surprising, interactive, which compliments the interpretation offered in other areas of the castle.
Throughout the redevelopment of Dover Castle, we worked hard behind the scenes on the interpretation design, play/interpretive approach, content development, graphic design, artwork, technical detailing, on-site delivery, and quality management.
Visitors have a series of offers and spaces, each with a very different experience and level of engagement based on physical location.
Spur Casemates
Five of the Casemates have been converted into new interpretation spaces, telling the story of the Siege of 1216, and the Georgian Defences. Visitors can explore the Casemates to discover visual displays, cinematic films, and imaginative activities that tell the story of the siege. Stories within the Casemates include The First Barons’ War, The Second Siege, Life of the Garrison, living conditions and many more. Within the Spur Casemates, visitors can aim and fire at a range of targets with a crossbow, collecting a score. Visitors can also explore the castle's structural defences as it evolved to respond to the threat of new offensive technologies.
Play Area
The new play area, themed around the Great Siege, allows kids to blow off steam and learn through play. Mather & Co worked with Studio Hardie in the early evolution of the interpretive strategy for this area, with Studio Hardie fully developing the structures and play.
The Spur Tunnels
These are the original defensive tunnels dropping under the castle and emerging out on the Spur. Go underground and explore the labyrinth of tunnels, originally built during the medieval sieges and expanded to prepare for potential invasion during the Napoleonic era. Visitors can engage with new audio-visual installations, enhancing the dramatic atmosphere. Ambient audio is triggered by presence detection, filling the spaces with a soundtrack that creates eerie echoes and a sense of surprise and disorientation.
A New View
Emerge from the Spur Tunnels to enjoy one of the best views of the beautiful castle. Stand where the attackers would have been camped during the siege.
There’s something for everyone at Dover Castle with a multi-layered interpretation suite and experience appealing to a wide demographic of audiences.
This project sees the realisation of much hard work for Mather & Co, bringing together a collaborative partnership with English Heritage, Studio Hardie, Avanti Architects, and the skills of a talented team of contractors and specialists.
