Dover Castle, UK - Self Catering Cottages
English Heritage Offers the Chance to be Monarchs for a Day
Feb 1, 2008
Self-catering accommodation comes no better than that offered by English Heritage at some of their properties. This new innovation by English Heritage means that visitors to the stately homes, castles and palaces under their jurisdiction can live like lords, as the rental also gives them the freedom of the grounds and gardens of the estates on which the property stands. Rentals can be made for week-ends, mid-week breaks or full weeks.
Dover Castle for instance, offers the four-storey former residence of the Battery Sergeant Major, which stands in the grounds of the castle itself and allows visitors to roam at will and gives tickets to tour the tunnels deep in the White Cliffs.
This enormous 13th century castle at Dover embodies the fighting spirit of the island. Proudly standing atop the White Cliffs of Dover, overlooking the busy port, Dover Castle has withstood the test of time through a long and eventful history.
The Wartime Tunnels in the White Cliffs.
Touring the battlements, the great halls and the royal apartments is exciting, but nothing can beat a tour of the vast network of underground tunnels, first constructed in the Middle Ages, and home for England’s defending armies ever since. During the Napoleonic Wars, these tunnels were greatly extended to provide barracks for the thousands of soldiers called to Dover Castle to prepare for invasion from France. The massive underground complex was called on again during the Second World War to play one of the most vital roles in its 2,000 year old history, when it seemed that England was about to be invaded.
Winston Churchill and the Evacuation of Dunkirk
Deep within these tunnels in 1940, Sir Winston Churchill and Vice Admiral Ramsey masterminded the evacuation of Dunkirk, working round the clock for nine days to make it a success. Original estimates were that only 45,000 soldiers could be brought back, but 388,000 troops were ferried from the beaches of Dunkirk in France to Dover in England in "The Armada of Little Ships", a rescue operation that is known simply as "Dunkirk".
As you journey through the secret wartime tunnels, sounds, smells and film clips recreate the atmosphere of Britain at war. The drone of bombers overhead, the groans from the injured being treated in the underground operating theatre, and the glint of bloody instruments and strange looking medical tools caught in the flickering lights, add to the atmosphere.
Further and deeper into the tunnels is Casement Level, where Churchill and Ramsey formulated the plans that eventually led to Allied Victory. Here was the Command Centre, the Anti-Aircraft Operations Room and the Telephone Exchange.
This 90 minute tour should not be missed by the visitor to Dover. Wheelchair access and lifts are provided for those who cannot do the whole journey on foot.
The castle complex totals 70 acres and the easiest way to explore is to take a free ride on the land train. If there is time, a bracing walk across the cliffs to the restaurant and lighthouse is a worthwhile diversion from the sombre history of wars past.
Dover Town and Surroundings
The area of Kent in which Dover Castle stands is perfect for vacationing. Apart from Dover itself with its museums and parks, there are numerous nearby towns to explore offering Tudor houses and quaint streets, pubs, chic bistros and upmarket restaurants. Sandwich, Deal, Cranbrook and Broadstairs are particularly interesting.
Day Trip to FranceEven a day visit to France is possible, as the crossing to Boulogne from the Port of Dover takes only one hour.
Reservations can be made by calling 0870 333 1187 . Full details of the holiday cottages and prices are accessible from www.english-Heritage.org.uk or ring + 44 (0)870 333 1183 for all information.
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