9/20/2019
Last evening we did a walkabout here in Dover. As we wandered about we ended up on the promenade by the waterfront. Yes things have changed a bit since our last visit. We then found the 1£ store and got some sundries we ran low on and stopped at the M&S for breakfast pastries.
Back at the room we settled in and did some organization. Soon it was 2100 and we headed down to the cellar to listen to some music. There was a great duo playing a great variety of songs and it was fun to chat with the locals as we enjoyed a pint or two. We learned of the status of the Tour de France and a bit more about the walking in the area.
One thing I learned is there is a serious group of musicians who play the area’s pubs. There is also a local guitar builder in Canterbury which I understand is rather well respected.
Simply put it was a fun evening,
We were up and prepared for the day as we enjoyed our coffee and pastry. The skies are grey and it is raining so will visit the Castle and other inside venues today.
We started out with rain coats on and walked up the hill to the Dover Castle. We were early and the ticket booth was not open so we had about a 15 min wait to purchase our tickets. We then walked up to the Castle grounds via the Cannon Gate.
First we came to the War Tunnels. There are two open at this time the first one we visited is based upon the story of Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Dunkirk. Due to copy write laws there are no photos allowed.
The second tunnel we visited was The Underground Hospital. Here you learn about the hospital annex as the story of a pilot who arrives and is treated for his injuries.
Both of these are extremely well presented and should not be missed. My suggestion is to start your Castle tours here as the queues to get long.
Probably the main highlight or draw to the Dover Castle is the Great Tower. Here one finds the story of Henry II presented in interesting displays and one might find costumed interpreters bringing the Tower to life.
Roman Lighthouse, interestingly there was also one on the other side of Dover
St Mary-In - Castro
Fun Interpreters
Also, while we were there, the WWI fire command post we found period dressed interpreters explaining the workings of the artillery piece on display.
RAMSAY
It is fun to explore the ramparts and the medieval tunnels. The lawn is cared for by grazing sheep. The skies are starting to clear and the sun is warming the day up.
In doing our pre-trip research, we learned the location of Louis Bleriot’s landing. Bleriot was the first person to fly across the English Channel and the location where he landed is very near the Dover Castle. I think landing would be better described as a controlled crash, as the location is in a gully. Interestingly, Bleriot had never been to Dover and relied upon journalist Charles Fontaine to wave a large tri-colored flag in the Northfall Meadow. The exact spot where he landed is marked with a plaque and a stone outline of his aircraft.
We then made our way back to central Dover and went to the Visitor Information Center. We made some purchases for our trip Christmas ornament along with other items and were encourage to go to the Painted Roman House.
The Painted Roman House was discovered in 1970 during a road construction project. This site was preserved and is rather interesting as it gives one an insight into the Roman Times of Dover. Back then, Dover’s topography was quite different as the estuary had not silted in and the River Dour had not silted in. It was then as now a very busy port and the Painted House was a hotel. It contained over 100 rooms. This was the premier lodging during those times. One interesting aspect of this site is the heating system used to heat the floors of the rooms.
From there we walked to the Royal Post Office to mail a post card. Then we strolled through Pencester Gardens and picked up some Puppy Poop Bags for The Boys.
For The Boys
very much enjoyed Blakes
Back at Blakes we cleaned up and went to the Cellar for a pint and some food. I had the Steak and Ale Pie and Lynn had the Croque Monsieur (grilled ham and cheese). The food here at Blakes is very very good, plentiful and served nice and hot. I should also say the staff here is very friendly and have made our stay wonderful, we are looking forward to our return in September.
Tonight the plan is to organize our bags in preparation for our walk to the ship in the morning.
We will also return to the Cellar to listen to some music this evening.
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