Spur Caponier

The Spur Caponier sits within the massive Victorian fortress of Dover Castle, a squat defensive structure that looks rather like a concrete bunker dropped into the medieval stronghold. It's a covered passage built to protect soldiers moving between different parts of the fortification - essentially a tunnel with loopholes for firing at attackers. Walking through it now feels oddly eerie, all narrow brick and Victorian engineering, a far cry from the ancient ramparts surrounding it.

Historically minded visitors will find it genuinely interesting, particularly if you're keen on 19th-century military architecture. Most families with young children, though, will spend five minutes maximum inside before heading back to the castle's more dramatic tunnels and towers. It's not a destination in itself - it's part of the Dover Castle experience, which means you need admission to the whole site.

Allow a couple of hours for Dover Castle proper, including the Spur Caponier and the secret wartime tunnels below. The castle sits right above Dover town, which means the drive from Kingsdown Camping takes about ten minutes. You'll want to visit on a clear day when you can actually see across the Channel - though that's more about the location than the caponier itself.

It works well as a morning activity before heading to the beach or exploring Dover's medieval town. Not thrilling on its own merits, but if you're already at the castle, it's worth the walk. Entry is included with full castle admission.