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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