Dover Castle is one of Englands oldest forts and most popular tourist landmarks. Visitors can participate in a selection of activities, some of which contain tours of the old architecture, history lessons, and witnessing paranormal activity. Visitors can furthermore check out the gift shop, Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment Museum, and castle eatery while touring the facility.
Things to do at Dover Castle.
As one of the most popular tourist spots in Kent, the Dover Castle meets thousands of tourists a day. Dover Castle is the oldest fort in England, and visitors can find many different things to see and do while there. The attraction is family friendly, and adults and children can engage in all of the sights and things to do that the Dover Castle has to offer you.
Historical Importance.
Dover Castle was built in the 12th century and looks over the legendary white cliffs of Dover. It played a significant defensive role throughout history and has often been defined as the Key to England. The castle was, initially, made of clay. The castle begun to take on an identifiable shape, during the reign of Henry II. Wartime tunnels were also developed, and those were used as an underground hospital, air-raid shelter, and military command center in the course of World War II. The castle and surrounding land are now owned by English Heritage.
Architecture.
The Dover Castle has numerous distinctive architectural assets that helped to fortify it and guard against attack. The Keep is the inner-most defensive structure, and it is encompassed by the Inner Bailey walls and outer walls. Concrete, antitank obstacles are also present as a response to a 1940 threat of invasion. Towers, like the Norfolk and St. Johns Tower are also present, as is the Constables Gate. Visitors are able to see all of these structures.
Paranormal Activity and Superstitions.
Over the years there have been countless stories of ghost sightings at Dover Castle, most of which include the ghosts of Lady in Red, Anne Bolyn, Anne of Cleves, and soldiers in the World War II tunnels. One of the most popular tales is about a headless drummer boy who is thought to have haunted the castle for over 200 years. Countless tourists to the castle have documented witnessing a range of different spirits and have suggested they heard eerie sounds, like the creaking of a door opening and closing that had long been taken away from that area.
Food.
Tourists can make an outing of visiting Dover Castle by eating at the castle restaurant, The Naafi. Tourists can grab lunch there or bring a picnic to eat outside on the grass, weather permitting. Another highlight is the Tunnel Caf©, which is based near the Secret Wartime Tunnels gift shop. Tourists can have a sandwich, cup of tea, or pick up a souvenir, while waiting for their tour to begin.
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