Having taken out membership, as we wanted to visit Deal and Dover Castles, add to that Languard Fort and Walmer Castle, we managed to get our fees back over a couple of days. Our thanks to Di for letting us stay, before we set off for France.

Languard Fort & Felixstowe Museum (next door)
The Fort defends the approach to Harwich Harbour and was the site of the last opposed seaborne invasion of England, by the Dutch in 1667, who were repulsed by the Royal Marines in their first land battle (re-enactment done in 2017). Built in the 18th century, it was manned through both World Wars, played an import role in defending our shores and closed in 1956.

The Museum next door was crammed with loads of local history, particularly RAF, freight ships and the odd Egyptian artefact.

Jaywick Martello Tower
Not English Heritage but interesting and part of a large network of towers, helping defend us from seabourne invasion.

Deal Castle
One of a number of circular castles built by Henry VIII to defend our shores. In the lower level there are passages around the bottom of the towers, it is thought this is the origin of the phrase “doing the rounds”.

Walmer Castle
Another built by Henry VIII, fabulous gardens, wonderful tulips, one dedicated to the Queen Mother, who stayed here a number of times.

Dover Casyle
Last but no means least, huge site, needed a full day really. It was initially built by Henry II in 1180-1189 and King John continued it’s build, until a siege in 1216, where it was defended by a few hundred men. Finished by Henry III in 1256, since then it has been renovated over the years, depending on who was invading us! In WWII the Napoleonic Tunnels were used as combined forces Headquarters, where the Dunkirk landings were masterminded. Definitely worth coming back here.