Western Heights

Settlement in Kent Dover

England

Western Heights

Shakespeare Cliff
Shakespeare Cliff Credit: N Chadwick

Western Heights is a historic site located in Dover, Kent, England. It is situated on high ground to the west of the town and overlooks the English Channel. The site is known for its extensive network of fortifications and military structures, dating back to the 18th century.

Originally built as a defensive system to protect the town and the nearby Dover Castle, Western Heights became an integral part of Britain's coastal defense strategy. The fortifications consist of a series of ramparts, ditches, tunnels, and gun batteries, spanning over a mile in length. The site played a significant role during various conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars and World War II.

Visitors to Western Heights can explore the well-preserved fortifications, which offer stunning panoramic views of the coast and the town of Dover. The underground tunnels, known as the Grand Shaft, are particularly noteworthy, featuring intricate brickwork and spiral staircases.

In addition to its military significance, Western Heights is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The site has been designated as a Local Nature Reserve, attracting nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Today, Western Heights is maintained by the Western Heights Preservation Society, which works to safeguard and promote the historical importance of the site. Guided tours and educational activities are available, providing visitors with insights into the rich military heritage of Western Heights and its enduring impact on the region.

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Western Heights Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.119635/1.3050176 or Grid Reference TR3140. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shakespeare Cliff
Shakespeare Cliff
Dover Harbour, Admiralty Pier Lighthouse The lighthouse is of cast iron and is situated at the eastern end of the Admiralty Pier extension.
Dover Harbour, Admiralty Pier Lighthouse
The lighthouse is of cast iron and is situated at the eastern end of the Admiralty Pier extension.
Footbridge over the A20 near Shakespeare Cliff The A20 runs from the London Borough of Lewisham to Dover, Kent. It runs through the major towns of Maidstone, Ashford and Folkestone, terminating at the port of Dover.
Footbridge over the A20 near Shakespeare Cliff
The A20 runs from the London Borough of Lewisham to Dover, Kent. It runs through the major towns of Maidstone, Ashford and Folkestone, terminating at the port of Dover.
Admiralty Pier, Dover French coast visible in background.
Admiralty Pier, Dover
French coast visible in background.
In the Channel Tunnel A typical view of a Eurotunnel Shuttle heading for France.
In the Channel Tunnel
A typical view of a Eurotunnel Shuttle heading for France.
Light tower on the eastern end of Admiralty Pier, Dover, Kent This light tower guards the entrance to Dover Western Docks.
Light tower on the eastern end of Admiralty Pier, Dover, Kent
This light tower guards the entrance to Dover Western Docks.
Cliff top showing Shakespeare Railway Tunnel, Dover Looking along the course of the railway tunnel from Long Down towards the port of Dover. The six "chimneys" are the tops of air vents for the tunnel. The cliff top path is part of the North Downs and Saxon Shore Ways.
Cliff top showing Shakespeare Railway Tunnel, Dover
Looking along the course of the railway tunnel from Long Down towards the port of Dover. The six "chimneys" are the tops of air vents for the tunnel. The cliff top path is part of the North Downs and Saxon Shore Ways.
Aycliff, Dover This is the western edge of Dover, before the A20 was made into a dual carriageway and rerouted through here. There was just a single-track road through an unspoilt valley running parallel to the coastline. In the middle left of the green field is the entrance to a tunnel, dug in 1973 for channel tunnel works then, and providing vehicular access to the railway depot at the foot of Shakespeare Cliff. This access was later used in the 1980s for building the Channel Tunnel, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1632798">TR2939 : Channel Tunnel construction depot</a>.
Aycliff, Dover
This is the western edge of Dover, before the A20 was made into a dual carriageway and rerouted through here. There was just a single-track road through an unspoilt valley running parallel to the coastline. In the middle left of the green field is the entrance to a tunnel, dug in 1973 for channel tunnel works then, and providing vehicular access to the railway depot at the foot of Shakespeare Cliff. This access was later used in the 1980s for building the Channel Tunnel, see TR2939 : Channel Tunnel construction depot.
Shakespeare cliff and Aycliff, Dover Before the A20 was rerouted here. Seen from Admiralty Pier.
Shakespeare cliff and Aycliff, Dover
Before the A20 was rerouted here. Seen from Admiralty Pier.
Admiralty Pier, Dover
Admiralty Pier, Dover
Shakespeare Cliff, Dover Shakespeare Cliff is described in King Lear, Act1V, Scene 1 and the assonance of Matthew Arnold's poem "Dover Beach" can be felt at this spot.
Shakespeare Cliff, Dover
Shakespeare Cliff is described in King Lear, Act1V, Scene 1 and the assonance of Matthew Arnold's poem "Dover Beach" can be felt at this spot.
St David's Avenue - view east Including a 1966 Morris Minor van!
St David's Avenue - view east
Including a 1966 Morris Minor van!
Delphin Renaissance Moored along the port side of Admiralty Pier.
Delphin Renaissance
Moored along the port side of Admiralty Pier.
Light tower on the eastern end of Admiralty Pier
Light tower on the eastern end of Admiralty Pier
View NE along St David's Avenue
View NE along St David's Avenue
View seaward from St David's Avenue The A20 runs through the gap between the houses and the cliff.
View seaward from St David's Avenue
The A20 runs through the gap between the houses and the cliff.
St Patrick's Road off St David's Avenue
St Patrick's Road off St David's Avenue
Shakespeare Cliff and the A20 from St David's Avenue
Shakespeare Cliff and the A20 from St David's Avenue
Show me another place!

Western Heights is located at Grid Ref: TR3140 (Lat: 51.119635, Lng: 1.3050176)

Administrative County: Kent

District: Dover

Police Authority: Kent

What 3 Words

///enveloped.stormy.solved. Near Dover, Kent

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.119635,1.3050176
Crossing
Button Operated: yes
Crossing: traffic_signals
Crossing Island: no
Crossing Markings: dots
Lat/Long: 51.1183072/1.3077171
Crossing
Button Operated: yes
Crossing: traffic_signals
Crossing Island: no
Crossing Markings: dots
Lat/Long: 51.1183749/1.3079277
Crossing
Crossing: unmarked
Crossing Markings: no
Lat/Long: 51.1198659/1.3096772
The Malvern
Disused Highway: bus_stop
Disused Public Transport: platform
Local Ref: adj
Naptan AtcoCode: 240098270
Naptan Bearing: SW
Naptan BusStopType: MKD
Naptan CommonName: The Malvern
Naptan Indicator: adj
Naptan Landmark: The Malvern PH
Naptan NaptanCode: kntgmtpd
Naptan PlusbusZoneRef: DOVERP
Naptan RevisionNumber: 3
Naptan Status: del
Naptan Street: Clarendon Road
Naptan Verified: no
Ref: kntgmtpd
Source: naptan_import
Source Date: 2011-02-24
Lat/Long: 51.1237545/1.30454
Bus Stop
Clarendon Place
Bus: yes
Local Ref: SW-bound
Naptan AtcoCode: 240098272
Naptan Bearing: SW
Naptan BusStopType: MKD
Naptan CommonName: Clarendon Place
Naptan Indicator: SW-bound
Naptan NaptanCode: kntgmtma
Naptan PlusbusZoneRef: DOVERP
Naptan RevisionNumber: 2
Naptan Status: act
Naptan Street: Clarendon Place
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: kntgmtma
Source: naptan_import
Source Date: 2013-10-15
Lat/Long: 51.1229302/1.3024229
Westbury House
Disused Highway: bus_stop
Disused Public Transport: platform
Local Ref: opp
Naptan AtcoCode: 240098555
Naptan Bearing: SW
Naptan BusStopType: MKD
Naptan CommonName: Westbury House
Naptan Indicator: opp
Naptan Landmark: Westbury House
Naptan NaptanCode: kntgmtjw
Naptan PlusbusZoneRef: DOVERP
Naptan RevisionNumber: 3
Naptan Status: del
Naptan Street: Clarendon Place
Naptan Verified: no
Ref: kntgmtjw
Source: naptan_import
Source Date: 2016-12-14
Lat/Long: 51.1219523/1.299336
Bus Stop
Wellington Dock
Bus: yes
Local Ref: adj
Naptan AtcoCode: 2400A031840A
Naptan Bearing: SW
Naptan BusStopType: MKD
Naptan CommonName: Wellington Dock
Naptan Indicator: adj
Naptan Landmark: Wellington Dock
Naptan NaptanCode: kntdjmdw
Naptan PlusbusZoneRef: DOVERP
Naptan RevisionNumber: 5
Naptan Status: act
Naptan Street: Snargate Street
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: kntdjmdw
Shelter: yes
Source: naptan_import
Source Date: 2018-02-20
Lat/Long: 51.1213153/1.3108271
Bus Stop
Hammond's Garage
Bus: yes
Local Ref: opp
Naptan AtcoCode: 2400A031850A
Naptan Bearing: S
Naptan BusStopType: MKD
Naptan CommonName: Hammond's Garage
Naptan Indicator: opp
Naptan Landmark: Hammond's Garage
Naptan NaptanCode: kntdjmga
Naptan PlusbusZoneRef: DOVERP
Naptan RevisionNumber: 4
Naptan Status: act
Naptan Street: Limekiln Street
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: kntdjmga
Source: naptan_import
Source Date: 2018-02-20
Lat/Long: 51.1181011/1.3078699
Bus Stop
Hammond's Garage
Bus: yes
Local Ref: adj
Naptan AtcoCode: 2400A031960A
Naptan Bearing: N
Naptan BusStopType: MKD
Naptan CommonName: Hammond's Garage
Naptan Indicator: adj
Naptan Landmark: Hammond's Garage
Naptan NaptanCode: kntdjmjp
Naptan PlusbusZoneRef: DOVERP
Naptan RevisionNumber: 3
Naptan Status: act
Naptan Street: Limekiln Street
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: kntdjmjp
Source: naptan_import
Source Date: 2018-02-20
Lat/Long: 51.1181492/1.3075323
Bus Stop
Wellington Dock
Bus: yes
Local Ref: opp
Naptan AtcoCode: 2400A031970A
Naptan Bearing: NE
Naptan BusStopType: MKD
Naptan CommonName: Wellington Dock
Naptan Indicator: opp
Naptan Landmark: Wellington Dock
Naptan NaptanCode: kntdjmjt
Naptan PlusbusZoneRef: DOVERP
Naptan RevisionNumber: 4
Naptan Status: act
Naptan Street: Snargate Street
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: kntdjmjt
Source: naptan_import
Source Date: 2018-02-20
Lat/Long: 51.1209012/1.3100069
Bus Stop
Knights Templar
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 2400A043520A
Naptan Bearing: W
Naptan CommonName: Knights Templar
Naptan Indicator: opp
Naptan Landmark: Knights Templars
Naptan NaptanCode: kntdtpmp
Naptan PlusbusZoneRef: DOVERP
Naptan Street: Citadel Road
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 51.119346/1.3041533
Bus Stop
Citadel Road
Naptan AtcoCode: 2400A043530A
Naptan Bearing: NE
Naptan CommonName: Citadel Road
Naptan Indicator: opp
Naptan Landmark: Citadel Heights
Naptan NaptanCode: kntdtpmt
Naptan PlusbusZoneRef: DOVERP
Naptan Street: Citadel Road
Naptan Verified: no
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 51.1176533/1.2991159
Bus Stop
Knights Templar
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 2400A043540A
Naptan Bearing: E
Naptan CommonName: Knights Templar
Naptan Indicator: adj
Naptan Landmark: Knights Templars
Naptan NaptanCode: kntdtpmw
Naptan PlusbusZoneRef: DOVERP
Naptan Street: Citadel Road
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 51.1192821/1.3035485
Seamark Type: gate
Waterway: lock_gate
Lat/Long: 51.1178729/1.3106138
City of London II
Water Rescue
Emergency: water_rescue
Lifeboat: offshore
Lifeboat Class: RNLI Severn
Operator: Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Operator Short: RNLI
Operator Wikidata: Q2166873
Ref: 17-09
Seamark Name: City of London II
Seamark Radio Station Category: ais
Seamark Radio Station Mmsi: 232002480
Seamark Rescue Station Category: lifeboat_on_mooring
Seamark Source: Bing; https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest
Seamark Type: rescue_station
Website: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/dover-lifeboat-station/dover-lifeboat
Lat/Long: 51.1181846/1.3109312
Seamark Type: gate
Waterway: lock_gate
Lat/Long: 51.1193608/1.3112849
Post Box
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 16:15; Sa 12:30
Operator: Royal Mail
Operator Type: private
Operator Wikidata: Q638098
Post Box Design: type_b
Post Box Type: pillar
Ref: CT17 80
Royal Cypher: GVIR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102169
Lat/Long: 51.1207006/1.3095639
Traffic Signals
Traffic Signals: junction
Traffic Signals Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 51.1201906/1.3095535
Dover Harbour
Abandoned Railway: station
Railway: site
Lat/Long: 51.1173877/1.3085128
Hawkesbury Street Junction
Railway: junction
Lat/Long: 51.1169373/1.3088678
Crossing
Crossing: traffic_signals
Crossing Ref: pelican
Lat/Long: 51.1206449/1.3098106
Crossing
Crossing: traffic_signals
Crossing Ref: pelican
Lat/Long: 51.1206703/1.3100186
Crossing
Crossing: unmarked
Crossing Markings: no
Lat/Long: 51.1206988/1.3096574
Fuel
Lat/Long: 51.1172762/1.3103133
Post Box
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 09:00; Sa 07:00
Operator: Royal Mail
Operator Wikidata: Q638098
Post Box Mounting: metal_post
Post Box Type: lamp
Ref: CT17 43
Royal Cypher: EIIR
Lat/Long: 51.1177662/1.2994172
Car Wash
Lat/Long: 51.1179092/1.3071706
Seamark Buoy Lateral Colour: green
Lat/Long: 51.117686/1.3113681
Traffic Signals
Traffic Signals: junction
Traffic Signals Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 51.1198435/1.3094301
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.1233677/1.3011751
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.1233626/1.3039479
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.1233929/1.3039345
Bus Stop
Westbury Road
Bus: yes
Local Ref: adj
Naptan AtcoCode: 2400107342
Naptan Bearing: N
Naptan BusStopType: MKD
Naptan CommonName: Westbury Road
Naptan Indicator: adj
Naptan Landmark: Westbury Road
Naptan NaptanCode: kntjwgpd
Naptan RevisionNumber: 0
Naptan Status: act
Naptan Street: Belgrave Road
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: kntjwgpd
Source: naptan_import
Source Date: 2015-07-22
Lat/Long: 51.121662/1.2989163
Traffic Signals
Traffic Signals: junction
Traffic Signals Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 51.1199205/1.3091325
Traffic Signals
Traffic Signals: junction
Traffic Signals Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 51.1199084/1.3094449
Crossing
Crossing: unmarked
Crossing Markings: no
Lat/Long: 51.1199305/1.3097078
Crossing
Crossing: unmarked
Crossing Markings: no
Lat/Long: 51.1199698/1.3095257
Crossing
Crossing: unmarked
Crossing Markings: no
Lat/Long: 51.1198284/1.3093658
Crossing
Crossing: unmarked
Crossing Markings: no
Lat/Long: 51.1199179/1.3093915
Traffic Signals
Traffic Signals: junction
Traffic Signals Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 51.1201978/1.3091109
Traffic Signals
Traffic Signals: junction
Traffic Signals Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 51.1199895/1.3090284
Waste Basket
Lat/Long: 51.1181876/1.307095
Waste Basket
Fixme: exact_location
Lat/Long: 51.1183047/1.307521
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.1236993/1.3046506
Camera Angle: 25
Camera Direction: 20
Camera Mount: bridge
Camera Type: fixed
Height: 8
Man Made: surveillance
Surveillance: public
Surveillance Type: camera
Surveillance Zone: traffic
Lat/Long: 51.1162058/1.3069088
Camera Angle: 10
Camera Direction: 135
Camera Mount: wall
Camera Type: fixed
Height: 3
Man Made: surveillance
Operator: Greggs
Surveillance: public
Surveillance Type: ALPR
Lat/Long: 51.11763/1.3068612
Camera Angle: 10
Camera Direction: 135
Camera Mount: wall
Camera Type: fixed
Height: 3
Man Made: surveillance
Operator: Greggs
Surveillance: public
Surveillance Type: camera
Lat/Long: 51.117648/1.3068817
Camera Angle: 10
Camera Direction: 120
Camera Mount: wall
Camera Type: fixed
Height: 3
Man Made: surveillance
Operator: Greggs
Surveillance: public
Surveillance Type: ALPR
Lat/Long: 51.1176367/1.3068661
Camera Angle: 10
Camera Direction: 130
Camera Mount: wall
Camera Type: fixed
Height: 3
Man Made: surveillance
Operator: Greggs
Surveillance: public
Surveillance Type: camera
Lat/Long: 51.1179784/1.3070527
Man Made: surveillance
Surveillance: camera
Lat/Long: 51.1196288/1.311792
Man Made: surveillance
Surveillance: camera
Lat/Long: 51.1183458/1.3075955
Man Made: surveillance
Surveillance: camera
Lat/Long: 51.1195895/1.3110923
Man Made: surveillance
Surveillance: camera
Lat/Long: 51.1195935/1.3118328
Man Made: surveillance
Surveillance: camera
Lat/Long: 51.1198808/1.3118755
Man Made: surveillance
Surveillance: camera
Lat/Long: 51.1183399/1.3107544
Man Made: surveillance
Surveillance: camera
Lat/Long: 51.1183468/1.3106264
Bench
Lat/Long: 51.1227428/1.3091345
Traffic Signals
Traffic Signals: pedestrian_crossing
Traffic Signals Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 51.1182717/1.3076996
Traffic Signals
Traffic Signals: pedestrian_crossing
Traffic Signals Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 51.1184056/1.3079461
Budgens
Addr Postcode: CT17 9EF
Addr Street: Limekiln Street
Brand: Budgens
Brand Wikidata: Q4985016
Opening Hours: 24/7
Shop: convenience
Website: https://www.budgens.co.uk/our-stores/dover
Lat/Long: 51.1182067/1.3068849
Man Made: mast
Tower Type: lighting
Lat/Long: 51.1165661/1.3099941
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 51.116059/1.3093217
Man Made: mast
Tower Type: lighting
Lat/Long: 51.1174738/1.3093056
Natural: cave_entrance
Lat/Long: 51.1189044/1.3071497
Natural: cave_entrance
Lat/Long: 51.1190173/1.3072665
Man Made: mast
Tower Type: lighting
Lat/Long: 51.1182463/1.3090567
Man Made: mast
Tower Type: lighting
Lat/Long: 51.119708/1.3118321
Crossing
Crossing: uncontrolled
Crossing Markings: yes
Lat/Long: 51.1166023/1.3093895
Traffic Signals
Traffic Signals: signal
Traffic Signals Direction: backward
Lat/Long: 51.1195114/1.3119277
Traffic Signals
Traffic Signals: signal
Traffic Signals Direction: backward
Lat/Long: 51.119643/1.3110659
Traffic Calming: choker
Lat/Long: 51.1195457/1.3117902
Seamark Type: light
Lat/Long: 51.1195705/1.3111063
Man Made: mast
Tower Type: lighting
Lat/Long: 51.1192858/1.3110107
Traffic Signals
Traffic Signals: pedestrian_crossing
Traffic Signals Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 51.1206206/1.3097822
Traffic Signals
Traffic Signals: pedestrian_crossing
Traffic Signals Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 51.1206976/1.3100488
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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