Five Motivations to Check out Dover Castle
July 22nd, 2010, 11:03 pm
Dover Castle is one of Englands oldest castles and most well-liked tourist venues. Visitors can take part in a range of activities, some of which involve tours of the long-standing architecture, history lessons, and being witness to paranormal activity. Visitors can furthermore check out the gift shop, Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment Museum, and castle restaurant while visiting the facility.
Activities at Dover Castle.
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kent, the Dover Castle meets thousands of visitors a day. Dover Castle is the oldest fort in England, and guests 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 activities that the Dover Castle has to provide.
Historical Significance.
Dover Castle was built in the 12th century and looks over the famous white cliffs of Dover. It performed a significant defensive role throughout history and has often been referred to as the Key to England. The castle was, formerly, made of clay. The castle started to take on a recognizable shape, during the reign of Henry II. Wartime tunnels were also built, and those tunnels were used as an underground hospital, air-raid shelter, and military command center throughout World War II. The castle and surrounding land are now owned by English Heritage.
Architecture.
The Dover Castle has many unique architectural assets that helped to fortify it and guard against attack. The Keep is the inner-most protective structure, and it is surrounded by the Inner Bailey walls and outer walls. Concrete, antitank obstacles are also present as a reaction to a 1940 threat of attack. Towers, just like the Norfolk and St. Johns Tower are also found, as is the Constables Gate. Tourists 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 contain the ghosts of Lady in Red, Anne Bolyn, Anne of Cleves, and soldiers in the World War II tunnels. One of the more popular reports is about a headless drummer boy who is thought to have haunted the castle for over 200 years. A lot of tourists to the castle have reported witnessing a variety of different spirits and have claimed they observed odd sounds, including the creaking of a door opening and closing that had long been taken out from that spot.
Food.
Visitors can make a day trip of visiting Dover Castle by going to the castle restaurant, The Naafi. Tourists can pick up lunch there or take a picnic to eat outside on the grass, weather permitting. Another highlight is the Tunnel Caf©, which is based nearby 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.
Find out more information about visiting Dover Castle