It’s Going to Be Sense‑sational!
Published: 19 February 2026
It’s
Going to Be Sense‑sational!
Enjoy a Fun Day of Accessible Activities at Dover’s
Maison Dieu and the Riverside Centre
Dover’s newly refurbished Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall) and
the nearby Riverside Centre will open their doors on Saturday 21 February, from
11am to 3pm, for The Sense‑sational Story of Dover’s Maison Dieu.
This FREE, family-friendly day will be packed with creative,
multi-sensory activities inspired by the building’s
remarkable 800‑year history.
Designed with and for people with disabilities, this vibrant
event is suitable for all and offers the chance to meet a wide range of local
disability groups.
Entry is by advance booking only at www.maisondieudover,org.uk/whats-on
or phone 01304 201200.
At the Maison Dieu, visitors can enjoy an action‑packed
programme, including:
·
High-energy seated and wheelchair‑friendly
dancing
·
A book launch with SEND author, advocate and mum
Sam Bowen
·
Helping to create a 2m x 3m tactile portrait
·
Touch and audio-described tours of the Maison
Dieu
·
Hands-on sessions exploring historic artefacts
·
Dressing up as kings and queens from the
stained-glass windows
·
Gentle piano music and orchestral listening
sessions
·
Bollywood dancing and tea dances
·
Opportunities to explore the newly restored
Maison Dieu
·
Tea, coffee and soft drinks from the Maison Dieu
bar
A new Maison Dieu and Riverside trail, created in
partnership with Wild with Wheels accessible adventures will take visitors on a
short, level 200 metre route to the Riverside Centre, highlighting the history
and heritage of this special part of Dover. Look out for opportunities to see,
touch, hear and smell history, from Maison Dieu cannons and its Victorian
prison, to carved animal grotesques and the gentle gurgling of the River Dour.
At the Riverside Centre visitors can enjoy an equally
impressive programme, including the opportunity to…
·
meet a host of disability groups for a chat and
advice
·
take part in accessible art activities
·
Make a zine celebrating the important
contribution of people with disabilities to Maison Dieu history, from medieval
pilgrims to talented Victorian architect and designer Ambrose Poynter.
·
Find out about the important work of the
Riverside Centre supporting people with disabilities
·
Enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits
Pauline Hamilton, Chair of the Dover District Disability
Association, said: “We’re really looking forward to this exciting event, hosted
in partnership with local people with disabilities and the Maison Dieu, to
celebrate history in a truly accessible way. Come along to have fun, get
creative and chat to many of the incredible organisations that support us.”
Martin Crowther, Engagement Officer at the Maison Dieu,
said: “We’re thrilled to welcome everyone to the Maison Dieu for this Sense‑sational
celebration of creativity, history and inclusivity. Working closely with local
people with disabilities has helped us shape an event that truly opens up the
stories of this extraordinary building in fun, imaginative and accessible ways.
We can’t wait for visitors of all ages and
abilities to explore, discover and enjoy this special place together.”
Notes
The Sense‑sational Story of the Maison Dieu
has been organised in partnership with the Dover District Disability
Association and Disability Assist and made possible with generous support from
the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other partners.
The Maison Dieu is accessible to wheelchairs and small
mobility scooters. Please note that large Class 3 mobility scooters cannot be
accommodated inside the building.
Please note, spaces are limited, so book early to avoid
disappointment. A free accessible guided tour of the Maison Dieu will be
provided at a future date for anyone unable to attend on the day. Please email Maison.Dieu@dover.gov.uk to leave
your details.
Accessible toilets are available at both sites, and
accessible parking is located nearby at Ladywell, Maison Dieu, and Norman
Street car parks.
