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United Kingdom Dover Kent Tourist attractions

Annexe Level - THE UNDERGROUND HOSPITAL

Annexe Level - THE UNDERGROUND HOSPITAL
About

Annexe Level – The Underground Hospital at Dover Castle offers a haunting and powerful insight into wartime medicine beneath the cliffs. Built into the chalk during World War II, this subterranean facility was designed to treat casualties from air raids and coastal operations, shielded from enemy fire. Visitors descend into dimly lit corridors where recreated wards, operating theatres, and staff quarters evoke the urgency and resilience of medical teams working under pressure. Soundscapes and visual effects bring the space to life, immersing guests in the tense atmosphere of wartime care. The hospital forms part of the wider Secret Wartime Tunnels experience, revealing how Dover’s hidden defences supported Britain’s war effort. It’s a sobering and unforgettable journey into the human side of conflict, where bravery and compassion met in the depths of the cliffs.

Dover United Kingdom
Location

The Annexe Level of the Underground Hospital is located within the extensive network of tunnels beneath Dover Castle, carved into the White Cliffs overlooking Dover town and the English Channel. This underground facility was built during World War II as a bombproof dressing station with wards, operating theatres, kitchens, and stores, staffed by the Royal Army Medical Corps to treat casualties from the nearby battles and bombardments. The tunnels are part of the larger complex at Dover Castle, which also includes secret headquarters and wartime command centers. Nearby above ground is Dover Castle itself, one of the most historically significant fortresses in England, as well as the town centre of Dover with its ferry port, museums, and promenades. Access to the tunnels and the hospital is through guided tours, offering a rare glimpse into wartime life in this strategic coastal fortress.

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