insideKENT Magazine Issue 52 - July 2016 | Page 87

VISITKENT

Dover Castle
THE MOST ICONIC OF ALL ENGLISH FORTRESSES

Dover Castle is an awesome medieval fortress.
Standing strong on the iconic White Cliffs, the castle
is an imposing symbol of royal power and the
country’s historic struggle to maintain independence.
From the mighty Great Tower to the depths of
the wartime tunnels – dug deep into Dover’s
chalk white cliffs – there’s a huge amount to see
and do. In the summer sunshine, experience the
fantastic views from the top of the tower and the
panorama across the busy harbour from the Fire
Command Post. Take a walk around the
battlements and enjoy an ice cream by the NAAFI.
If the weather turns, you can head underground,
with plenty to explore inside and stories to
uncover.
This summer is the 800th anniversary of the Siege
of Dover, when the castle spent months
surrounded, valiantly defending itself proving its
incredible strength as a fortress. This summer
you can experience the medieval castle as it’s
brought to life through an exciting programme
of action-packed events.

ACTION-PACKED SUMMER

COMING SOON

• Roman Festival – 30th–31st July – Get kitted
out for action as the mighty Roman army
invades. Come face to face with the Ermine
Street Guard. Be thrilled by the skill of the
cavalry and help decide who lives or dies in the
brutal world of Gladiators.

• Siege of 1216 – 13th–14th August – It’s 800
years since the great Siege of Dover, join the
action as the castle again comes under siege.
Roam among the gruesome history, meet the
menacing characters and hear their gory stories.
Jostle in the medieval marketplace before
witnessing the drama of siege warfare.

• WWI Fire Command Post – anti-aircraft gun
firing drills, not to be missed, every Saturday
and Sunday at 1pm with the castle’s volunteer
artillery unit.
• Costumed actors bring the impressive medieval
Great Tower to life on weekends (and daily
from 23rd July) through the summer. This
summer’s themes are Angevin Chronicles
2nd–29th July, Siege Practice 1st–14th August,
Carousel of Armies 15th August – 2nd
September.

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• Castle Live! 27th–29th August – the ultimate
historical adventure through history from the
iron age to the cold war – with medieval knights,
romans, red coats, horses, musicians and
much more.
Open: daily 10.00am – 6pm
(but arrive early, as it’s a full day out!)
Book tickets online at
www.english-heritage.org.uk/dover