Heritage Open Days - Wanstone Rediscovered 2025
Take a guided tour of the recently-uncovered remains of one of the largest guns installed on the British mainland and the D2 heavy anti-aircraft battery.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
In July 2022, the remains of one of the Second World War cross-channel guns, nicknamed 'Jane', were uncovered at Wanstone, near Dover, Kent. Part of the largest gun battery ever built in Britain, Jane could fire a 1980 lb/900 kg shell 26 miles/41 km. Join our team of dedicated and friendly volunteers for a tour of the spectacular gun site, magazine, crew shelter, artefact store and the D2 Battle of Britain 3.7-inch heavy anti-aircraft battery, which have been hidden since the 1950s.
You'll also see wartime photographs of the guns under construction and in action and you'll be able to talk with some of the team members who undertook the work and who maintain the site.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Supervised children are welcome
- Meeting point
We'll be opening our overflow car park at Wanstone, approximately 300 metres from the gun sites. Entrance from Upper Road postcode CT15 6HY - What3words location ///fidelity.book.approve
- What to bring and wear
The site is uneven so please wear stout footwear - we recommend closed-toed shoes. The location is exposed so please dress appropriately.
- Accessibility
The site has relatively gentle slopes. The car park and the path from the car park to the site is cut grass. Once on site, the tour takes place over mostly wartime concrete roads. Most of the site should be suitable for wheelchair or mobility scooter users. A few of the buildings may not be accessible due to steep steps and narrow entrances.
- Other
The car park is approximately 2 km northeast of the main White Cliffs car park. The car park and access routes to the site will be clearly advertised on the open days. Admission and tours are free of charge, normal parking charges apply. National Trust members, motorcycles and blue badge holders can park for free. In wet weather, we may need to close the additional parking facility. If the additional parking is closed, please park at the main car park at Langdon: postcode CT16 1HJ, what3words location www.what3words.com/frames.saying.begins. Use the footpath signed to Fan Bay Deep Shelter and the Lighthouse, which has a hard surface and follow the temporary signs. There is a steep slope on one short section of footpath at Langdon Hole with a number of steps, which may be unsuitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. The event is dog-friendly and drinking bowls will be provided. The nearest facilities are at South Foreland Lighthouse, approximately 1 km walk from the site.
Upcoming events
Guided Walk and Mindfulness: Skylark Serenade
To celebrate National Meadows Day, join our ecologist, Mel, as we walk through the glorious chalk grassland and take time out for a mindfulness moment to listen to the birdsong and the sea breeze blowing through the grasses.
Guided walks to South Foreland Lighthouse
Enjoy a free leisurely guided walk along the cliffs to South Foreland Lighthouse with one of our experienced volunteers. Take in the spectacular views while hearing about the flora, fauna and the history of this iconic place.
Moth Survey Nights
Most of us know that bees do the vital work of pollinating flowers during the day, but did you know that moths also pollinate by day and night, depending on the species? Join us to see the beautiful multitude of moths that inhabit the chalk downland.
World Ranger Day - Be a Ranger for the Morning (for families)
Join a short, free, guided walk with our friendly Ecologist/Ranger, Mel, searching for bugs. Hear how we care for chalk meadow plants and animals, and collect litter as we go.