There it was in the Travel Section of the Independent . I could have my own Norman Tower at Dover Castle for the weekend – it seemed like a good idea and it would be a surprise for the rest of the family , staying at Deal – so I booked it and set out without delay .

It brings a new twist to the phrase ‘an Englishman’s home is his castle ‘and there is an absolutely novel aspect to your stay . During the day you are sharing your home with thousands of visitors.

And then they are gone . It’s all yours .

Roaming the ramparts you can survey the scene , think of all the times in the past when those staying in the Castle were charged with a real sense of defending it , and just wonder at the sheer age of the structure ; the massive walls .

It did feel a bit of an imposition on the guards ( there were guards at the gates ) when I ordered the take-away pizza . It seemed a trivial act , unworthy of this ancient monument , to go down to the Gate House to collect my Classic Margherita . Maybe it was just me but I felt a veiled criticism in the air of my choice : why hadn’t I gone for a Stuffed Crust Meat Feast – if they were having to go to the trouble of opening the gate , it , obviously , should have been for something more substantial .

I recommend having your own castle – even if it’s only for the weekend

Travel Dover English Heritage Travel