This is one of the most interesting places I've ever been! (Though I'd love to take credit for it, I didn't take this picture; but it gives you a great view of this massive structure.)
Dover is on the southeastern tip of the island near Kent, the city of white cliffs. The castle began as an Anglo-Saxon fort, then William the Conquerer strengthened it and Henry II and Henry VIII both made additions. Aside from being absolutely beautiful and too cool for words, it has been a defensive stronghold during wars involving Britian ever since (Napoleanic, WWI, WWII, etc.). Carved out of the limestone, there is a series of tunnels underneath the castle. Started during the Napoleanic wars, the tunnels have since been added to and are several miles long. The tunnels have housed medievial soldiers down to soldiers during WWII. During WWII, in addition to housing several thousand troops, the tunnels served as a hospital/communications center. The central command center is even where Churchill viewed/orchestrated the Battle of Britian.
While visiting, you get to explore a large section of the castle, go on a tour of the wartime tunnels, and explore the other tunnels on the property. We thought this was a two-hour sightseeing trip, but we spent an entire day exploring and were trying to see more as the sun went down and the property was closing. It's about a two-hour drive from our house through beautiful countryside that looks exactly like you dream it would, but it was worth it. We are bringing anyone who comes to visit us to this interesting place--definitely a must see!
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