Today we decided that we should put our last few weeks of English Heritage membership to use and went to Dover Castle. The drive was relatively short and straightforward. The forecast was +24 degrees with sunny intervals and no rain. The real weather could be best described by wonderful English word - muggy. It was cold, dark, and windy with drizzling rain. I am sure Dover Castle would have made a better impression on me if the weather was a bit better. It also suffered from the high expectations caused by hype created around it.

Overall, Dover Castle was OK. It is well maintained, but it does not deserve all the hype. I would not mind returning there when kids are a bit older - maybe in another 5 or 6 years. Until then, there are better places to go.

From Dover Castle we decided to go to Walmer Castle. Unfortunately, it was closed. Deal Castle, just a few miles drive further along the coast, was a small (though well-maintained) tower. Nothing special what so ever. By the time we reached Sandwich both kids were sound asleep. We decided to drive home and let them sleep. I would not mind coming back to Sandwich. From our drive though it seems to be a nice place to have lunch, breath fresh air, and just relax.