TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Spotlight on DOVER cont.
THINGS TO DO
Dover Castle Founded in the 11th century and added to by a variety of rulers and military strategists, Dover Castle is one of the best-preserved – and most interesting – castles in Kent. Not only is the keep itself exciting to explore( it is full of authentic medieval tools and furniture too), but so are many of the additional buildings in the compound. This is more like a selfcontained village than a simple castle, and included in your ticket price are the World War II tunnels and hospital amongst many other exciting activities. At various times throughout the year there are themed event days at Dover Castle( at the end of May there is a World War II themed event, and Halloween is always fun here).
Dover Transport Museum The only museum of its kind in Kent, the Dover Transport Museum is home to a variety of different forms of vintage transport. To add to the fun there are also vintage shop fronts, a large model railway, a‘ taxi and bus hunt’ and a great little café.
Samphire Hoe Country Park This lovely outdoor space is the perfect place to take a deep breath and enjoy the stunning scenery that Dover has to offer within the Kent
Downs Area of Natural Beauty. This 30-hectare site is an ideal place to visit with the family, as a couple, by yourself … if you love the open air and nature, you will love it here. It’ s a fantastic spot for a picnic and for simply adventuring in the great outdoors.
Western Heights Although perhaps somewhat overshadowed by the splendour that is Dover Castle, the Western Heights is another great place to visit when in town. It is what is known as a‘ drop redoubt’ – a place where soldiers were able to fire upon their enemies whilst remain as safe as it was possible to be. Although not open to the public, it is possible to book( in advance) onto one of the many guided tours that take place here.
DINING OUT
La Scala For delicious, authentic, fresh Italian food, La Scala is the place to go. It was founded in 2001, and since that time La Scala has become one of the best-loved restaurants in the area – testament to the great food and friendly staff. The menu is packed with traditional Italian dishes including gamberoni piccanti( king prawns cooked with chillies, garlic white wine served with bread), risotto funghi e asparagi
( mushroom and asparagus risotto) and pollo valdostana( breast of chicken cooked with ham, fontina cheese, green peppercorns, white wine and cream).
The Smugglers Bar & Restaurant Fabulous food and real ale – what more could anyone ask for when they enter this beautiful old pub that sits snuggly in Dover’ s closest corner to France? Food here is traditional British fare such as salmon Aurora( salmon fillet finished in a sauce of white wine, tomatoes, cream and prawns, served with fresh vegetables, sauté or new potatoes), lamb rump in a rosemary infused red wine sauce, and slow cooked belly of pork.
The Marquis at Alkham Located just five miles from Dover itself, it is worth making the short journey to try the incredible food at this fine dining restaurant. A 200-year-old former village inn is now a luxury hotel with the most grand of restaurants attached – The Marquis at Alkham certainly lives up to expectations. There are a variety of different menus to choose from including the Kentish lunch menu and the à la carte menu, but no matter which you choose you can be sure of eating superb food such as guinea fowl leg‘ au vin’, wild rabbit with truffle and garlic risotto, parmesan and soft herbs and orange and cardamom soufflé.
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