Dover Castle is a fantastic place for anyone who wants a close experience with England’s history. It’s less hectic and more genuine than the Tower or many other London attractions and beautiful as well. At the same time, it gives a far more complete experience than the typical ruin in the countryside: most historic sites have one stretch of glory before fading into obscurity, but the site of Dover Castle has been important through almost every era of British history from prehistoric times to World War II. Atop (and inside) a single chalk hill facing the channel are the earthworks of an iron age fort, a Roman lighthouse for the military harbor, an Anglo-Saxon chapel (remodeled for the modern age by our friend George Gilbert Scott, the St. Pancras Station Hotel architect), a Norman keep used as a royal residence through Henry VIII’s time, medieval defenses that withstood a French siege, batteries and tunnels put up in Napoleon’s day to defend the coast of Britain, strategic command centers used in both World Wars, and even a Cold War bunker for emergency government. Oh, and there are at least five systems of secret tunnels. The very best part, though, is that each of these wonders is still standing, and many are either still in official use (such as the constable’s residence in the gatehouse) or maintained as they were historically and open to visitors. Really, there’s no justification for missing the chance to visit.
Click here to see Adante’s Dover pics