Dover Castle, Kent

23rd June 2015
Considered the greatest landmark symbol of England, the castle stands proud guarding the straight of Dover (the narrowest point of the English Channel between England and France).

Iron Age - hill fort existed at site of current castle today
43AD - Romans built a lighthouse (Pharos)
Saxons - added a church and fortification
1066 - William the Conqueror strengthened the defences here
1180s - Henry II remodelled the castle
1200s - building work continued under the orders of King John and Henry III1216 - 1217 - defences were put to the test when the castle came under sieges from the French
Castle garrison for many years
World War II - site was the headquarters for Admiralty Regional Command 
1940 - Operation Dynamo was orchestrated here 

We began with the guided tours, as these can get quite busy. The Operation Dynamo tour takes about 50 minutes and takes you 26 metres underground around the middle level of the war tunnels, known as Casemate level. The tunnels were built/used during the Napoleonic wars and could house 2000 men. The level above this, Annex, was the Underground Hospital and this tour takes 20 minutes. The lowest level, Dumpy, is not open to the public. The hospital tour finishes at the Admiralty Lookouts. We then made our up to the New Officers Barracks – an impressive building through unfortunately not open to the public. The Roman Lighthouse was impressive to see as well – amazingly well intact considering its age. The Church of St Mary in Castro was nice. We made our way through the Colton’s Gate, went into a small exhibition in Arthur’s Hall and up to the castle – definitely saving the best till last! The castle is epic and has been recreated elaborately with beautiful décor and vibrant royal colours. There are many passageways to explore and in one of the rooms was an open fire. A climb to the top of the castle gives amazing views over Dover and on a clear day France. Coming out of the castle we did the Medieval Tunnels which were great fun exploring.

We loved this castle and definitely lived up to our expectations and more! The castle was just spectacular and the war tunnels were interesting. You will need a whole day here in order to fully appreciate the site and its vast history from the Romans to World War II.

Owned by English Heritage
Designated car parking
Shops, cafe, toilets
A map is provided, guidebooks available, several exhibitions
Dogs are allowed but only around the grounds, not inside anywhere

N & K

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