Property
A charming, self-catering, 3-bedroomed Georgian house, set within the walls of one of the most fantastic castles in England. The house has views to the busy English Channel on one side and Dover Castle on the other. The castle itself, used by Henry VIII among others, is perfect, with turrets and stone staircases to the top of the keep, where you can see for miles. Take a guided tour deep into the white cliffs through secret tunnels used by Winston Churchill in World War II. For younger explorers, there are medieval tunnels, cannons, dungeons, drawbridges, and huge castle gates.

Location
Dover Castle stands on the Southeast coast of England, 1 ½ hour’s drive from the center of London. The tourist’s choice is endless - think castles, pirates, Vikings, and William the Conqueror. Great beaches abound. The best are Sandwich Bay (with the famous golf course) and St Margaret’s Bay (with extensive rock pools at low tide and a pub on the beach). The cobbled-street Canterbury is 20 minutes away, with its beautiful cathedral. If England is not enough, France is just 26 miles away. Take a day ferry to Calais for little cost. If money is no object, catch the train through the Chunnel from nearby Ashford.

Sleeps
6 (8 at a stretch).

Highlights
Castle is open to the public (the Sergeant Major’s house is private and gated) but once the lower castle wall gates are closed at 5 pm, you and your family get the run of the castle grounds. There is nothing better than seeing your kids running with the rabbits over the green slopes of the castle at 6.30 am in the morning.

Good to know
Dover is a working docks town, so family dining is NOT its focus. Instead, eat out at the numerous country pubs in the surrounding Kent villages. My favorites are two pubs at St Margaret’s at Cliffe - the Clyffe Hotel and the Coastguard. Best restaurants for families are Wallets Court (a bit pricey but close) and Dunkerleys Hotel & Restaurant opposite the pier in Deal.

Contact
www.english-heritage.org.uk