Dover Transport Museum

About the museum

Dover Transport Museum is an independent charitable trust that is staffed entirely by volunteer members of its society. It stands at Whitfield, about three miles from the port of Dover, just off the A2, and describes itself as the only museum of its kind in Kent.

The collection covers road and rail transport and the social history of Dover. It holds what the museum calls the world's largest collection of Norman motorcycles, the national collection of machines built in Ashford. A maritime collection records the development of train and car ferries from Dover, and a section is devoted to the East Kent Road Car Company and its buses.

Other displays include vintage road vehicles, such as a 1914 Pierce Arrow truck, a 1949 Land Rover, a Romany wagon and a steam roller, a vintage garage, recreated Dover shop fronts, Channel Tunnel memorabilia and several model railways, including a large layout that visitors can operate. A 5-inch gauge railway also runs on the site, and two double-decker buses are shown only on special occasions.

Highlights

• Large collection of Norman motorcycles built in Ashford
• Dover car ferry and train ferry memorabilia
• Model railways, including a layout visitors can operate
• Recreated Dover shop fronts and street scenes
• Vintage vehicles such as a 1914 Pierce Arrow truck and a steam roller

Permanent exhibition

• Transport and social history collections – Norman motorcycles, ferry memorabilia, East Kent buses, recreated shop fronts, vintage vehicles and model railways.

Founded

1980

Operated by

Dover Transport Museum (independent charitable trust)

Admission & discounts

There are no concessions for adults. A ticket allows re-entry for 12 months from the first visit. With a Max Card one child enters free with a paying adult.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is accessible to wheelchair users, and staff can assist visitors from the disabled parking area on request. There is an accessible toilet on site.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The museum presents itself as a family day out, with a large model railway layout that visitors can operate and a 5-inch gauge railway.

Getting there & parking

The museum is just off the A2 at Whitfield, about 3 miles from Dover; follow the brown tourist signs and avoid Old Park Hill, which is a no-through road.

Amenities & dining

The website says a full café service will be available on each open day in 2026, but it also lists the Tram Stop Café as currently closed. A retail manager looks after the museum shop.

Events & venue rental

The website does not advertise venue hire.

Plan your visit