The white cliffs of Dover...

We had a free day so we headed to the southern coast to see Dover Castle that is perched above the famous white cliffs near town. The view from the castle is beautiful as you gaze out across the English Channel to the shores of France. This site is interesting as it contains structures that have been used from the first century by the Romans to the underground tunnels used during WWII and for multiple battles in between.
We began our day by getting an overall feel for the place and going through a audio-visual dramatization of the French attempt to siege the castle. They made it through the first set of walls but the English were able to fight them off. It was one of only two castles that Prince Louis VIII and the rebel barons were unable to seize from King John in 1216. We then headed to the secret wartime tunnels that were used first during the Napoleonic wars as barracks and then later expanded during WWII to include an underground hospital and headquarters.

We then headed back to the top of the castle to explore the three story keep which included the throne room and king's private quarters. We found it interesting that you had to cross three drawbridges to reach the king's residence.

Later we headed to explore the medieval tunnels and walk the outer walls before heading back to the car. All day W had been asking to go to the beach so we headed there afterward and hung out for a little while. It was a rocky beach so not much fun for playing on but Whitney did enjoy wading in the water for a bit.