Visit us
Now, more than 800 years since its inception and thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other partners, this impressive building has been painstakingly restored to showcase its rich history and the genius of Victorian art, architect and designer William Burges.
With beautifully preserved stained-glass windows designed by Edward Poynter and Horatio Walter Lonsdale and the restoration of its internationally significant decorative schemes by William Burges, the Maison Dieu has been reawakened to become a first-class events and heritage venue for Dover and the South East.
You can also get involved in the exciting events programme or simply pop into the venue to explore its incredible architecture and collections.
What is there to see?
The building comprises a venue with multiple rooms, self-catering accommodation provided by the Landmark Trust and a Bistro.
The Venue
The building has four beautiful, historic rooms of different sizes for hire, which can seat an intimate party of 10 guests or up to 500 for bigger events.
Mayor’s Parlour, Accommodation
A self-catering apartment sleeping six is provided in the beautiful Mayor’s Parlour by the Landmark Trust.
Maison Dieu Bistro
A bistro is located in the old town Gaol, sit in the fascinating cells and enjoy a drink before coming to see a performance in the Maison Dieu.
Other Dover Attractions
Dover has a wealth of incredible attractions, from the Bronze Age Boat to Dover Castle ‘England’s Mightiest Castle’.
Opening times
The Maison Dieu is open to the public seven days a week, Monday to Friday 9:30 - 15:30hrs and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 16:00hrs, unless it is in use for an event, when access to certain areas may be limited.
Entry fee
General entrance is free but donations are welcome.
Contact details
- Email address: maison.dieu@dover.gov.uk
- Phone number: 01304 201200
How to get here
The Maison Dieu is now fully wheelchair accessible from the main entrance on Biggin Street. There is a lift on the ground floor that takes you up to the Connaught Hall and Stone Hall. Accessible toilets are located on the lower ground floor. Find out more about The Building.
Travelling by car
Parking:
Ladywell pay and display car park is a two-minute walk:
- 9 Ladywell, Dover, Kent CT16 1DQ
- Please click the link for directions Ladywell - Google Maps
- What3words - ///others.bets.beams
Maison Dieu pay and display car park is a four-minute walk:
- Maison Dieu Road, Dover, Kent CT16 1RU
- Please click the link for directions Maison Dieu Rd Parking - Google Maps
- What3words ///plots.with.almost
- Large coach parking available
For alternative car parks, please see Car Parks in Dover
Travelling by public transport
There are several bus stops nearby, and Maison Dieu is a 10-minute walk from Dover Priory railway station.
Travelling by Taxi
When arriving by taxi, the drop-off location is to the front of the main entrance. We recommend ordering a taxi in advance for the end of your event to ensure a timely pick-up and no long delays.
Accessibility
For further accessibility information, please read more on our dedicated page.
Food and Drink
The Maison Dieu does not offer dining opportunities on general open days however, there are many local cafes and restaurants to enjoy.
Please take a look at a list of some of the local offers in the district. Fantastic food and drink - White Cliffs Country.
Event Catering
We are delighted to offer two exceptionally talented and local caterers for you to choose from.
Tayberry Foods
Tayberry Foods was established in 2012, founded by Head Chef Simon Chipperfield. Simon knew at a very early age he wanted to be a chef, and pursued this passion with zeal, gaining a wealth of experience and qualifications in catering and events management. Simon now has over 23 years experience working in the outside catering industry, and catering has truly been a life-long passion.
"We pride ourselves on our personability and ability to establish close working relationships with our clients. We know communication and preparation are key when creating the ideal menu, and so we offer personalised tasting sessions at our production kitchen to help you prepare for your event.
"Make a day out to visit our kitchen and taste all your choices before the big day. This enables you to get the menu ‘just right‘ for all your guests, and help tailor the service to your event and venue. Unlike many other caterers, we guarantee that the quality of our ingredients and the presentation of the food that you sample at your tasting will match that of the food served at your wedding. And if you find that you change your mind following the tasting, we’re happy to accommodate any changes you wish to make.
"We will tailor our service to your needs and wishes, and if you or your guests have any allergies or dietary requirements, then we’re very happy to guide and assist you."
Please take a look at what they can offer Tayberry Catering – High-quality dining experiences for weddings and events.
The Maison Dieu Bars
We are delighted to offer a fully stocked bar in the Connaught Hall and, coming soon, a further bar in The Court Room.
The bars are open for events as required and they are designed to maximise the best service we can for your guests. We offer a selection from local and Kentish suppliers that cater for all your wishes.
Drinks Packages
To complement your event, we are pleased to offer a selection of drinks packages from reception drinks to wine with your meal and toast drinks. Please ask a member of the team for more information.
Private events
For private events for 10 people to 600, the Maison Dieu can adapt to your needs. The versatile halls offer a grand space for lavish celebrations, but can also offer the intimacy of private dining in our Council Chamber.