We visited Dover Castle on a typical British summer day in June – misty when we arrived then cool and cloudy with showers for the rest of the day! Despite this we thoroughly enjoyed the visit and found plenty to do for a full day.
We started with an interesting tour of the tunnels which had been used as a hospital during the Second World War (this had been pre-booked as we were on a coach trip). This was a fascinating insight, which took us about 40 mins. After that we explored the Castle and the area as individuals. There is a land train taking you between the various areas, this goes round in a circular route and picks up at various stops about every 15 mins. As an educational group entry we were not entitled to use this but as I am independently a member of English Heritage I collected a wrist band on entry so could ride on it. The distances are not far but it is quicker and easier to use it particularly when the weather is not ideal.
The Great Tower/Castle itself has several rooms which have been recreated to look as it did in its heyday. The steps to the various levels and different rooms are steep as would be expected in an ancient castle. We made it to the roof, however, and were rewarded with a bright period and views over the countryside and sea.
“Dover Castle”:http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castle
We also visited the little Church of St Mary-in-Castro and Arthur’s Hall which has an introductory exhibition for the Great Tower. The gift shops had an excellent variety of historical items and the cafés served a good variety from hot meals to cream teas. Overall a good day out with plenty to do – there were more tunnels from medieval times but we did not have time to visit them on this occasion.
