The biggest downer about the UK is the weather – it’s why we’re so obsessed with it.  Head out for a holiday by the sea and rather than a cheery parasol, it’s highly likely you’ll be hiding under a large umbrella. So seeing the sun on our first day, we clapped our hands with merry glee!

And sank a large glass of cold white to celebrate the whole damn great joy of it..

Whilst watching the kids chase seagulls on the beach..

We weren’t far from Dover; So often a passing point, so rarely for stopping.  But overlooking the harbour is Dover castle, an imposing building with a cornucopia of history dating back to the Romans.

But we were there to see the underground tunnels…

Originally dug out as a prison in the Napoleonic wars, they were resurrected in WW2 to provide a secret headquarters and a hospital.

This is where all the planning took place for Operation Dynamo and the evacuation of Dunkirk.

Over 30 metres down there’s something like 3.8 km of tunnels, including deep, deep down, a nuclear bunker called Dumpy.

During the War Dover was hit by over 2000 bombs, making it one of the worst hit towns in the UK.  But none fell within the castle walls – apparently Hitler rather fancied the castle for himself and banned it from being bombed…if only he knew…

It’s a brilliant exhibition – real thought and atmosphere has gone into the presentation with clever projections onto the walls and newsreel footage.  On the hospital tour, you follow the story of a wounded spitfire pilot accompanied by the sounds of a bombing raid and flickering lights. Not for the claustrophobic!

A spot of light relief was then needed..

Even a star fish still has fascination..

Until Daddy chases you with it..

My kids are such urbanites..

We looked for sea diamonds..

And pushed Daddy in..

Before heading back home to be ready for another day..

Laters, Kate x