Often referred to as the “Key to England”, Dover Castle sits on its historic White Cliffs, dating back to 1066 when it was founded by William the Conqueror.
Over the centuries the castle has played a vital role in defending England during the Napoleonic war, and later famously during World War II when its tunnels were used to house a great command control centre that played a monumental role in evacuating Dunkirk.
Whilst much of the structure itself can be traced back to the Norman period, some of its architecture including its Roman lighthouse is famous for being one of the oldest of its kind in Great Britain, dating back to 50 AD.
Dover Castle is often called the “Key to England” because of its strategic position overlooking the English Channel — the closest point to continental Europe.
Now owned by English Heritage, today you can explore the castle and see what remains of this hugely preserved structure, from its famous wartime tunnels to its Great Tower built by Henry II in the 1180s.
With so much history behind this famous castle, it’s no wonder that it’s racked up its fair share of ghost sightings and stories over the years.
Among them is the famous story of the headless 18th century drummer boy often seen wandering the castle grounds, with the sounds of echoing drumbeats reported by staff at night.
Another famous ghostly apparition is said to be that of a lady wearing red seen gliding through the castle corridors, with rumours that she may have been a lady who died of a broken heart, or more notoriously murdered by a jealous lover.
But if you visit the medieval parts of the castle, you may spot the ghostly apparition of the Crying Woman, who has been sighted crying as she walks down empty corridors.
Its final ghostly haunting links with the castle’s strong military past, with people often reporting sightings of soldiers seen marching and despatching orders in the wartime tunnels of the castle.
But whether or not you believe in its hauntings, the castle still offers plenty to see and do on a day trip to Dover.
This October half term, Dover Castle is hosting a Halloween Half-Term programme from 10am to 5pm daily.
Guests can follow a spooky quest around the castle to solve creepy clues, meet costumed characters such as vampires and witches, and enjoy interactive shows, storytelling and light scares.
Meanwhile, as part of your visit you can explore Dover’s Secret Wartime Tunnels, climb the Medieval Great Tower, and experience the Under Siege exhibition, which brings the 1216–17 siege to life with new interactive displays.
