Dover Museum, the largest and most varied museum in White Cliffs Country, has a range of fascinating objects, models and original pictures showing the history and archaeology of the port and town of Dover within its four gallery spaces. Admission to the museum is free.

Visit the award-winning Bronze Age Boat Gallery that displays the Dover Bronze Age Boat, the world's oldest surviving seagoing vessel, an internationally important archaeological discovery. The boat was uncovered in 1992, just yards from where it is now on permanent display.

The Special Exhibitions Gallery features a new display each year. Until 30 June 2023, enjoy a fascinating insight into Pastimes Through Time - a look at leisure activities from Roman times to the present day, including toys and games, sports, music and film.

A permanent stairwell exhibition celebrating the achievements of channel swimmers through the decades looks at channel swimmers from Captain Matthew Webb in 1875 right up to today, and includes the heyday of channel swimming in the 1950s when sponsored races were held. 

The current temporary stairwell exhibition is ‘Coronations’, with a selection of images from the museum’s archives showing how the town and people of Dover celebrated coronations past, and a case of Coronation-related artefacts.

Visitors unable to access the stairs can borrow a printed copy of the displays.

The Museum Shop has souvenirs of Dover and Britain, as well as a wide selection of books, toys, homeware and gifts for all occasions. The shop is open to non-museum visitors - although we hope you'll be tempted to stay a little longer!