Dover Castle has opened Under Siege, a new visitor experience explaining the 1216-1217 siege and how the English throne was prevented from falling into French hands.

Visitors will also see what life was like for a soldier in the 1800s when fears of a French invasion in the Napoleonic era reached another peak.

Interactive exhibitions and experiences above and below ground in the castle’s conserved medieval tunnels will tell the little-known story of one the castle’s most testing times.

As well as explaining the historical context behind the sieges, the exhibition contains immersive film, light and soundscape to position visitors within the fighting, while hands-on elements include laser activated crossbow shooting. Groups can also walk into a Georgian barrack room, seeing furniture, beds, cooking facilities, uniform and equipment.

Groups can also explore the network of underground tunnels. These tunnels served the defensive barbican, later renamed the Spur, rebuilt in the aftermath of the sieges. English Heritage is opening the Spur to visitors for the first time for an incredible view of the castle, seen from the perspective of the attacking French and baronial army.

Free coach parking is available and group visits and guided tours must be pre-booked by emailing: bookings@english-heritage.org.uk. English Heritage gives 15% discount to groups of 11 or more at all its historic sites (10% at Stonehenge), plus a free place for a driver and leader per group.