Castles of Britain<\/h4>\n
Britain\u2019s ancient castles are woven into the rich heritage of our cities and countryside. Explore remote medieval ruins and iconic castles with our guide to the best castles to visit in Britain<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> Dover Castle began life as a motte-and-bailey fortress in the 11th century. Built under the instruction of William the Conqueror, it served to protect the narrowest point of the English Channel while acting as a show of power to any would-be invaders.<\/p>\n Subsequent rulers rebuilt, fortified and modified the castle and its surrounds until it became the formidable fortress it is today.<\/p>\n Following the castle\u2019s great siege of 1216, Hubert de Burgh, a loyal supporter of King John, built an impressive network of tunnels under the fortress, allowing troops to intercept enemies to the north before they even made it to the main gate.<\/p>\n In Napoleonic times, when the threat of invasion was always present, the tunnels were expanded and used as a barracks. Yet it was during the Second World War that the catacombs would play their most important role in history. The tunnels were expanded to incorporate a secret hospital and an allied base of operations. From here, Winston Churchill led Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of over 300,00 soldiers from Dunkirk.<\/p>\n Today, visitors can explore Dover Castle<\/a>\u2018s tunnels and the underground hospital by joining one of the many fascinating guided tours.<\/p>\n Above ground there are 32 hectares for kids to run around in and a picnic site.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also the Princess of Wales\u2019 Royal Regiment Museum, the great tower to explore and an excellent caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve explored the castle, visitors with energy to spare can enjoy a walk along the cliffs from Dover to Deal<\/a>.<\/p>\n From Dover\u2019s staggering White Cliffs and the bustling seaside towns of the east coast, to the peaceful banks of the Medway River and the ancient remains of Coldrum Long Barrow, Kent has many landscapes worth exploring \u2013 discover them on foot with our pcik of the best walks in Kent<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> ![\""Corfe\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/10\/Corfe-castle-GettyImages-560632919-1-9c76997.jpg?quality=45&resize=556,556"\" "\\"\"Corfe\\"\/")
<\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>When was Dover Castle built?<\/h2>\n
![\""Dover\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/07\/Dover-Castle-5c8a423.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C412"\" "\\"\"Dover\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Dover Castle tunnels<\/h2>\n
![\""Dover\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/07\/Dover-fb80069.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"Dover,\\"")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Things to do at Dover Castle<\/h2>\n
Walks in Kent<\/h4>\n
![\""seaside\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/01\/Ramsgate-harbour-cab2f78.jpg?quality=45&resize=556,556"\" "\\"\"Ramsgate\\"\/")
<\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>Dover Castle tickets and opening times<\/h2>\n