Dover Castle

When I was in Folkstone a few years ago I walked to Dover along the cliff base but never got to the Castle so today I plan to correct that.

Passing the punts on the way to the rail station

And from the train a lovely allotment garden

From the outside the Castle is certainly impressive, but the overall experience seemed less than I’ve seen at other Castles. Certainly not on par with Edinburgh or Sterling.  And oddly the ticket booth is deep within the castle grounds.  So deep that I think that if you wanted to you could see almost everything for free.  No one ever checked my ticket.  I had purchased an English Heritage one year pass since I knew I’d recoup my money after about 3 castles or other sites. I had done that in Wales and more than broke even the first day.

The views over Dover Harbor & the Channel were great.  Perfect weather and a perfect location for a castle to defend a harbor.

Although the castle was manned until 1958, it was only under attack twice.  The French in 1216 and Prince Edward in 1265.

Once back in Canterbury, I found myself walking some of that city’s remaining walls

Oldest pub.  Oldest Brewer.  These signs catch my attention

And the winner is?  Either.  Both very smooth.  The music in the pub was way too loud.  And poor so I headed to the wee back smoking garden that, since I was the only person there, a non smoking retreat.

With what appears to be a church over the fence