Dating back to the 11th century, Dover Castle is one of the largest castles in England and is set on high ground above the town of Dover on the south coast of England where it commands spectacular views across the Strait of Dover, the narrowest point in the English Channel between Great Britain and France.
The 75-acres (30-hectares) castle site is a protected Scheduled Monument with its buildings Grade 1 listed to preserve their originality. While the majority of the site, including the complex of tunnels beneath the castle were developed since the 11th century, the site also includes structures dating back to Roman times. Dover Castle has served as served a strategic role in the protection of the country from invaders cross via the Strait of Dover and earned its reputation as the “Key to England” up to 1984 when the underground tunnels which were used during the Cold War as a nuclear bunker were finally vacated.
Today, Dover Castle is managed by English Heritage as a historic tourist destination and attracts over 300,000 visitors each year.