Dover Gaol: Stories Behind the Walls

Step inside Dover’s Old Town Gaol for a special

behind‑the‑scenes tour that uncovers the darker side of Victorian

justice. Explore crime and punishment in nineteenth‑century Dover,

learn about daily life for prisoners, revisit notable local trials,

and hear the story of a remarkable discovery made in the 1920s. The

tour also delves into the infamous treadwheel, the era of

transportation to Australia, and the building’s later role as a

police station and courtroom right up to the 1980s.

This experience is designed for adults and young people aged 12

and over. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please

note that the route includes narrow doorways and uneven surfaces,

making it unsuitable for wheelchair users.