Dover Castle is one of England’s oldest forts and most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities and sights, some of which include tours of the long-standing architecture, history lessons, and witnessing paranormal activity. Visitors can also visit the gift shop, Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment Museum, and castle restaurant while touring the facility.

Things to do at Dover Castle.

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kent, the Dover Castle greets thousands of tourists a day. Dover Castle is the oldest fort in England, and guests can find a variety of things to see and do while visiting. The attraction is family friendly, and both adults and children can take part in all of the sights and activities that the Dover Castle has to offer.

Historical Significance.

Dover Castle was founded in the 12th century and overlooks the legendary white cliffs of Dover. It played a significant defensive role throughout history and has often been described as the “Key to England.” The castle was, originally, made of clay. The castle began to take on a recognizable shape, during the reign of Henry II. Wartime tunnels were also created, and those tunnels were used as an underground hospital, air-raid shelter, and military command center during World War II. The castle and surrounding land are now owned by English Heritage.

Architecture.

The Dover Castle has a number of unique architectural assets that helped to fortify it and protect against attack. The Keep is the inner-most defensive structure, and it is surrounded by the Inner Bailey walls and outer walls. Concrete, antitank obstacles are also present as a response to a 1940 threat of invasion. Towers, such as the Norfolk and St. John’s Tower are also present, as is the Constable’s Gate. Visitors are able to view all of these structures.

Paranormal Activity and Superstitions.

Over the years there have been countless stories of ghost sightings at the Dover Castle, some of which include the ghosts of Lady in Red, Anne Bolyn, Ann of Cleves, and soldiers in the World War II tunnels. One of the most popular stories is about a headless drummer boy who is thought to have haunted the castle for over 200 years. Many visitors to the castle have reported seeing a variety of different spirits and have stated they heard strange sounds, including the creaking of a door opening and closing that had long been removed from that area.

Food.

Tourists can make a day out of visiting the Dover Castle by visiting the castle restaurant, The Naafi. Visitors can grab lunch there or bring a picnic to eat outside on the grounds, weather permitting. There is also a Tunnel Cafe, which is located near the Secret Wartime Tunnels gift shop. Visitors can have a sandwich or cup of tea, or pick up a souvenir, while waiting for their tour to begin.

Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment Museum.

Exhibits in this museum include paintings, photographs, weapons, medals, uniforms and badges in order to trace the senior English line infantry regiment of the British Army, which is part of the Queen’s Division.

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Category: Travel
Keywords: Dover, Castle, Kent, Days Out