Dover Castle, perched atop the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, has stood sentinel over the English Channel for nearly a millennium. Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, the castle has played a crucial role in England’s defenses throughout history. Its strategic location made it a key fortress during medieval times, the Napoleonic Wars, and both World Wars.

The castle’s long and tumultuous history has given rise to numerous ghost stories. One of the most famous spectral residents is said to be a woman in a red dress, often seen in the castle’s keep. Witnesses have reported seeing her figure materialize and then vanish into walls.

In the underground tunnels, which were used as a military command center and hospital during World War II, staff and visitors have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, and doors slamming shut on their own. Some have even claimed to see the ghost of a headless drummer boy, supposedly dating back to the English Civil War.

The castle’s secret wartime tunnels are also said to be haunted by the spirits of soldiers. People have reported feeling sudden cold spots, seeing shadowy figures, and hearing the sounds of military activity long after the wars have ended.

In the King’s bedchamber, the ghostly figure of a man has been seen standing at the window, believed by some to be the spirit of Henry II. The castle’s battlements have yielded sightings of phantom soldiers, their forms sometimes mistaken for re-enactors until they disappear into thin air.