Dover Kent County is in the South eastern side of England on the English Channel. It lies directly across from France and makes it a perfect place to put a ferry that travels between the two countries. The famous cliffs that flank the Strait of Dover are the White Cliffs of Dover that are sung in lyrics in several songs.
There is evidence that the town has existed since the Stone age. Many archaeological digs have shown that this area has been a sea port even during the Bronze Age. During the Roman era it was communications connections and the Romans built lighthouses to guide vessels in when it was dark and they couldn't see the cliffs. Many forts were built in around the town as well. It was never really in danger from a French take over all though many tried. Because of the valley and the cliffs it is very hard to attack the town and actually get in. It is a natural fort.
There is hardly a busier shipping lane in the world than the Straits of Dover. It was necessary to set up lanes in the strait so that ferries and other ships could safely cross back and forth from France to England. The straits and all traffic is under the auspices of the Maritime and Coastguard of HM Customs. Even cruise ships travel through the straights at times.
Down through history many people have tried to swim the English Channel and this is the place they either began that swim or ended it if they made it. The narrow area of water between France and England make it a better shot than anywhere else on the Channel. You can find the Dover Sole, a fish that many fishermen try to catch from the channel or from the beach or pier.
Dover castle is one of the most interesting places to visit. This is a Norman style castle that was built in the twelfth century. This was the place where the evacuation of Dunkirk was planned by Lord Ramsey and Churchill. In 1216 the French attempted to conquer England at Dover and in side the castle is the Underground Hospital. Also in the castle is an exhibit all about the era of Henry the VIII. Be sure to visit the Anglo Saxon church that are on the grounds of the Castle and next door is one of the ancient Roman Lighthouses.
In 1812 there were several different mills built to make grain to serve the English troupes that protected the town from the invasion led by Napoleon. The Crabble Corn Mill is the one that survived and is now a museum and working mill. All the mills were powered by water and once steam power became popular they faded out and were no longer used. You can take a tour of the mill and learn the history of that era and then go have a cup of tea in the tea room.
There are several museums in town and one is the Dover Museum where you can see pictures of the area from when it was small. Inside this museum you can see the oldest vessel known in the world in the Bronze Age Boat Gallery. Take a trip to an old Roman hotel that gained its heat through the floor much like the baths in Rome were heated. It is called the Roman Painted House because of the beautiful murals that are painted on the walls. See the history of any manner of transportation at the Dover Transport Museum.
If museums are not your cup of tea then check out Goodnestone Park Gardens are take a boat ride by the White Cliffs of Dover. There are also walking trails that go through some of the most beautiful scenery ever. There are many different shopping opportunities and some great restaurants. It is a wonderful town to visit any time of the year.
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