Dover Castle and Cantebury Day Trip

My second day trip was to Dover Castle and Canterbury. We went to Dover Castle first and on approach we had a glimpse of the white cliffs and the English Channel.  Dover Castle has excellent views of both the countryside, valley below, and the ocean from the top of the hill.  This makes it a very good location strategically and for the French (whom they were enemies at the time) an imposing strong front. After an uphill journey, and crossing over the drawbridge, we stood before the keep. There was an re-enactment of Prince John, King Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine and her release from his imprisonment for supporting the revolt by Prince Henry. Into the Keep! Up the stairs I climb, to the view the different chambers for the garrison, scribes and main hall.  The main hall was decorated brightly with bold primary colors with chairs along the side with an open court for people to address the king. Further away we had a warm, crackling fire in the king's chambers.  It was lavishly done with furs and linens. It was a very tiny and low to the ground bed. Smaller than a full size mattress. Up the tower stairs to have a view and it was a far as the eye can see.  Before the mist rolled in, there was a clear view to the English Channel and country side. Down on the first floor of the keep was the working quarters and a kitchen and bakery. The mist rolled in the castle grounds as we were leaving, hiding it from view.

After Dover, we headed off to Canterbury which was the quaintest town I've seen so far. The Canterbury Cathedral had a wedding in progress and therefore we couldn't go into certain parts. We headed into the crypt and saw many small chapels and alters. There was a room of treasures of the church.  There were gem encrusted crosses and silver plates and globlets. The town center was filled with shops of all kinds, including witchcraft and magic. We ate at a pub called Hobgoblin. Before we knew it, time was up and onto the bus we went, homewardbound.

Dover Castle picture courtesy of museuminsider.co.uk
Canterbury Cathedral picture courtesy of destination360.com