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Going to visit a nearby(ish) castle seems to be becoming a theme when work send me to London. I went to Windsor and Rochester earlier in the year. This time it was Dover's turn.
I have to say, Dover Castle is very impressive. One of the largest castles in England, it was in continual military use from before the Norman Conquest right up to 1958 and it's fascinating to see how it's evolved over the years as military technology advanced. There's a Roman lighthouse, a Saxon church, a reconstruction of the 12th century court in the Great Tower, medieval tunnels, gun emplacements, barracks, and several miles of later tunnels used in the Napoleonic and World Wars. Operation Dynamo was planned from here, and the tour and exhibition commemorating it are very well done.
Definitely recommended as a day out if you're in that part of the world. It's not cheap, but I was there a solid six hours and still didn't quite get round everything. There are good views over the town and the harbour too; it was a clear day and I could easily see France on the horizon.
( Photos )
Because one castle is never enough, I also swung past the Tower of London to take a look at the growing (and stunning) sea of WW1 poppies.
( More photos )
I have to say, Dover Castle is very impressive. One of the largest castles in England, it was in continual military use from before the Norman Conquest right up to 1958 and it's fascinating to see how it's evolved over the years as military technology advanced. There's a Roman lighthouse, a Saxon church, a reconstruction of the 12th century court in the Great Tower, medieval tunnels, gun emplacements, barracks, and several miles of later tunnels used in the Napoleonic and World Wars. Operation Dynamo was planned from here, and the tour and exhibition commemorating it are very well done.
Definitely recommended as a day out if you're in that part of the world. It's not cheap, but I was there a solid six hours and still didn't quite get round everything. There are good views over the town and the harbour too; it was a clear day and I could easily see France on the horizon.
( Photos )
Because one castle is never enough, I also swung past the Tower of London to take a look at the growing (and stunning) sea of WW1 poppies.
( More photos )
