Dover Castle in England Guide Posted on April 17, 2024April 23, 2024 Sitting on top of the famous White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle in England shows off England’s long history and strong power. This old castle, looking out over the English Channel, has seen many important things happen over hundreds of years and is still one of the most important places in the country. Delve into our comprehensive guide about Dover Castle in England to discover everything about this medieval castle. Guide for Visiting Dover Castle in England Address: Dover Castle, Castle Hill, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HU, England. How to Get There: By Car: Dover Castle is easily accessible by car, located just off the A20 in Dover, Kent. There are ample parking facilities available on-site. By Train: The nearest train station to Dover Castle is Dover Priory, which is approximately a 20-minute walk away. Regular train services run from London St Pancras International and London Victoria stations to Dover Priory. By Bus: Local bus services operate from Dover town center to Dover Castle, with several stops along Castle Hill. Accommodation Guide In Dover and nearby, you can find different places to stay that fit your budget and what you like. You can choose from hotels, guesthouses, bed-and-breakfasts, or cottages where you can cook your own meals. It’s a good idea to book your place to stay ahead of time, especially when lots of tourists are visiting. Hotels near Dover Castle in England FIND BEST HOTELS IN DOVER Guide for Reservations at Dover Castle Enter Your Destination and Dates: Type in the city or location where you want to book a hotel, along with your check-in and check-out dates. Filter Your Search: Use the filters provided to narrow down your options. You can filter by price, star rating, amenities, and more to find the hotel that best fits your preferences and budget. Browse Hotels: Browse through the list of hotels that match your criteria. You can view photos, read descriptions, and check out reviews from other travelers to help you make a decision. Select Your Hotel: Once you’ve found a hotel you like, click on it to see more details. Make sure to review the room types, cancellation policy, and any additional fees. Book Your Room: Choose your desired room type and any add-ons you may need, such as breakfast or parking. Then, proceed to the booking page. Enter Your Information: Fill in your personal information, including your name, contact details, and payment information. Make sure to double-check everything before proceeding. Confirm Your Booking: Review the booking details one last time to ensure everything is correct. Then, confirm your reservation. Receive Confirmation: After completing your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your reservation. Make sure to keep this email handy for check-in. Enjoy Your Stay: Pack your bags and get ready to enjoy your trip! Don’t forget to check the hotel’s policies and any local guidelines before you go. Tours and Activities People visiting Dover Castle can make their visit even better by joining guided tours and taking part in different activities available there. Whether it’s learning tours or acting out historical scenes, there’s fun for everyone. Things To Do When Visiting Dover Castle in England Dover Castle offers a plethora of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages. Here are some must-do attractions: CLICK HERE TO FIND THINGS TO DO IN DOVER CASTLE Guided Tours Dover Castle has lots to offer for a better visit, with guided tours and activities to show more about its history and cool architecture. Historical Guided Tours Led by smart guides, these tours give a good look at Dover Castle’s past. They talk about important events, how the castle is built, and famous people connected to it. You’ll get to see the Great Tower, old tunnels, and other important places while learning how the castle has changed over time. Specialized Tours Dover Castle also has tours focused on certain parts of its history, like its role in World War II or how it defended itself in medieval times. These tours give you detailed info about specific times or topics you’re interested in. Interactive Exhibits Inside the castle, there are displays where you can learn in fun ways about its history. You can see how people fought in medieval times or what life was like during the Tudor period. These exhibits have videos, things you can touch, and signs with info for everyone. Living History Events Sometimes, Dover Castle holds events where actors dress up and act out scenes from the past. You might see knights jousting, people dancing like they did in Tudor times, or soldiers practicing from World War II. It’s like going back in time! Educational Workshops Dover Castle offers workshops for schools and families where you can learn by doing stuff. You might learn how castles were built, what life was like in medieval times, or about wartime history. It’s a hands-on way to understand why the castle is important. Audio Guides If you like exploring on your own, you can get an audio guide. It’s like having someone tell you stories while you walk around. They come in different languages and talk about all the cool things in the castle. You can take your time and learn at your own speed. Best Time to Visit For the nicest visit to Dover Castle, go in spring or summer, from April to September. The weather’s good, and the castle grounds look great with all the flowers. Plus, you get more daylight to explore outside. If you can, visit on a weekday—it’s usually not as busy as weekends, so you can enjoy it more. But watch out for school breaks and public holidays, as Dover Castle might get really crowded. Try to plan your visit for quieter times to avoid the crowds. Dover Castle History Dover Castle has a rich history filled with conquests, defenses, and strategic importance. It all started in 1066 during the Norman Conquest when William the Conqueror ordered its construction to control England. Positioned strategically, it guarded the shortest route between England and Europe, making it crucial for defense. Its tall walls and towers made it tough for invaders, and its spot on the White Cliffs gave a clear view of the English Channel, letting defenders watch for trouble. Over time, Dover Castle saw lots of action in history, from medieval fights to modern wars. It was a big deal during the Angevin Empire, hosting kings like Henry II. They built the Great Tower, a huge castle keep. As times changed, so did the castle. Henry VIII beefed up its defenses during the Tudor era because of worries about attacks from Europe. It got even stronger during the Napoleonic Wars and the World Wars, with lots of changes to keep it safe. One famous event was during the First Barons’ War in the 13th century. French forces tried to take over the castle to help Prince Louis of France claim England’s throne. Despite being outnumbered, the defenders fought hard and kept the castle safe, scoring a big win for England. Throughout history, Dover Castle has shown England’s strength and spirit, watching empires rise and fall while standing tall on the cliffs. Architecture Dover Castle’s architecture shows how clever and skilled its builders were over the years. It has lots of different styles because it changed a lot from being a Norman castle to a Tudor one and more. The main part of the castle is the big Great Tower, showing off its medieval greatness. It’s a huge stone building with strong walls and battlements, used as both a fancy home for royals and a tough fort for soldiers. Around the Great Tower are more walls, towers, and gates built for defense, all made to fight off attackers during battles. The castle also has a Roman lighthouse called Pharos, adding some ancient history to its medieval look. And don’t forget about the secret tunnels and rooms underground, which tell stories of its military past. All these parts come together to make Dover Castle strong and beautiful, keeping its history alive for people to see and enjoy in the future. Dover Castle in England Today Today, Dover Castle in England shows off the country’s amazing history. Visitors can wander through its big grounds, taking a trip back in time through centuries of battles and importance. Inside, there are lots of things to see, like exhibits and displays, where you can learn about the castle’s past and how it shaped England. From the old Great Tower to the hidden tunnels used in wartime, every part of Dover Castle tells a story about its history and design. Plus, Dover Castle often holds events and shows where you can see history come alive. Whether you’re walking along its walls, enjoying the stunning views of the English Channel, or joining in activities, a visit to Dover Castle is a journey you won’t forget. It helps you understand more about England’s strong spirit and lasting legacy. 10 Facts About Dover Castle in England Strategic Importance For more than nine hundred years, Dover Castle has stood as a symbol of England’s protection, watching over the southeastern coast of the country. 2. Roman Connection Before Dover Castle, there was a Roman fort called Portus Dubris, set up around AD 43. 3. Royal Residence Over time, Dover Castle has been a home for kings like Henry II and Henry VIII. 4. Underground Tunnels In World War II, Dover Castle’s tunnels were turned into a military command center and a hospital. This was really important for defending Britain. 5. Medieval Siege During the First Barons’ War in 1216, Dover Castle held strong against a siege by French forces. This made it famous and showed everyone it was a tough castle that couldn’t be beaten easily. 6. Henry VIII’s Coastal Defenses Henry VIII put a lot of money into making Dover Castle stronger because he was worried about attacks from Europe. 7. Historic Landmark In 1951, Dover Castle got a special title as a Scheduled Monument, recognizing its historical importance. Later on, it became even more prestigious when it was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 8. Shakespearean Inspiration Some people think Dover Castle might have given William Shakespeare the idea for his play “King Lear.” Its big cliffs could have been the backdrop for the play’s intense moments. 9. Military Museum Nowadays, Dover Castle has a cool military museum where you can see all sorts of artifacts and displays about its interesting history. 10. Breathtaking Views People who visit Dover Castle get to see amazing views of the English Channel and the countryside around it. It’s a beautiful sight that’s been impressing travelers for hundreds of years. Castles Near Dover Castle in England Although Dover Castle is impressive on its own, the area around it is full of other historic castles, each with its own stories. Here are a few notable ones near Dover Castle in England: Walmer Castle Not far from Dover, you’ll find Walmer Castle, which has a long history starting from Henry VIII’s time. First, it was a fortress by the sea, then it became the home of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. People can visit its beautiful gardens, old rooms, and interesting exhibits, like the Wellington Room, honoring the Duke of Wellington. SEE BEST HOTEL OFFERS Deal Castle In the town of Deal, about five miles northeast of Dover, you’ll find Deal Castle, a remarkable coastal fortress constructed by Henry VIII to protect against possible French attacks. Its special round shape and layers of defenses make it a one-of-a-kind example of Tudor military design. People can join guided tours inside the castle and take in amazing views from its walls. SEE BEST HOTEL OFFERS Richborough Castle Near the village of Richborough, roughly nine miles northwest of Dover, you’ll find Richborough Castle, an old Roman fort with roots going back to the 1st century AD. It was first made during the Roman takeover of Britain as an important military spot. Later, it was used as a Saxon shore fort and then turned into a Norman castle. Nowadays, people can visit and see its remains, getting a glimpse into its role during Roman times. SEE BEST HOTEL OFFERS FAQ Are there dining options available at Dover Castle? Yes, Dover Castle has different places to eat, like cafes and restaurants, where you can find various drinks and meals. Is Dover Castle accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility issues? While some parts of Dover Castle are accessible to wheelchair users, like the Great Tower and certain exhibition areas, there might be limitations in certain areas because of the castle’s old architecture and uneven ground. Can I purchase tickets in advance for Dover Castle? Yes, you can buy tickets ahead of time for Dover Castle. You can do it online or when you get to the castle’s ticket office. It’s a good idea to book early, especially if it’s a busy time for tourists. Are there accommodations available near Dover Castle? Yes, you can find lots of places to stay near Dover Castle. In Dover itself and nearby, there are hotels, guesthouses, and bed-and-breakfasts for all kinds of budgets and tastes. Is photography allowed within Dover Castle? Yes, you can take photos for your own use in most parts of Dover Castle. But in some exhibition areas, you might not be able to use flash to protect delicate artifacts and displays. England
England Walmer Castle: 10 Interesting Facts and History Posted on February 16, 2024April 23, 2024 Nestled on the Kentish coast of England, Walmer Castle stands as a monument to Tudor military architecture and the evolution of English country residences. Built by Henry VIII in the 16th century as part of his coastal fortification program, the castle has transitioned from a military stronghold to a stately… Read More
England Tamworth Castle (England) – Review and Guide Posted on May 2, 2024May 2, 2024 In the middle of England, there’s this cool old castle called Tamworth Castle. It’s been around for ages and seen a ton of stuff happen over the years, like battles, kings and queens doing sneaky stuff, and just regular people living their lives. Let’s go check it out together! We’ll… Read More
England Warwick Castle in England – History, Facts and Tours Posted on March 18, 2024April 23, 2024 About Warwick Castle in England In the middle of England’s Warwickshire countryside is Warwick Castle, a very famous and important place in the country. It’s a really old castle with lots of stories from the past, cool things to see, and amazing buildings. People from all over the world come… Read More