The 845-year-old-castle set to launch major attraction this summer with medieval tunnels, barracks and new play area

AN 845-YEAR-OLD castle in the UK is opening a new attraction for children just in time for the school summer holidays.

Dover Castle in Kent attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to its long history and family-friendly activities.

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The castle, which is managed by English Heritage, was built in the 12^th century by King Henry II.

Further defensive features, including a series of underground tunnels, were added over the next 800 years.

After being used during both the First World War and the Second World War, the castle was decommissioned in the 1980s.

Ever since the Kent castle opened to the public, it has remained popular with Brit holidaymakers.

And ahead of the school summer holidays, Dover Castle will be launching a major new attraction this July.

The new attraction, which has been called Dover Castle Under Siege, "will tell the story of the castle's most challenging times, defending the crown from English rebels and French forces in 1216-17".

In addition to learning about siege warfare, visitors will also see what life was like for a soldier stationed at the castle in 1800 by exploring the barracks.

Visitors will also be able to explore the re-imagined medieval tunnels before heading outside to a new play area that "brings the spirit of siege warfare to life".

A statement on the website adds: "Through play, imagination, and learning, kids can delve into the art of defence and attack while having lots of fun."

Interactive activities and multimedia elements will also be part of the new attraction, with specific details being kept under wraps.

There are plenty of other attractions at Dover Castle, including the secret wartime tunnels.

Unlike the re-imagined medieval tunnels, these wartime tunnels are hidden deep within the White Cliffs of Dover.

The wartime tunnels are brought to life by state-of-the-art special effects, dramatic projections and real film footage.

Inside the tunnels, visitors will also be able to explore an underground hospital complete with an operating theatre, wards and corridors.

Meanwhile, inside the Great Tower, families will be able to step inside the medieval court of King Henry II with its rich and vibrant furniture where costumed characters will interact with visitors on select days of the year.

Another attraction at Dover Castle is a recreated fire command post home to the only working British 3 Inch Gun in the world.

Other attractions include a Battlement Walk, Roman Pharos (the oldest lighthouse in the UK) and the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment and Queen's Regiment Museum.

There are also several restaurants hidden inside the castle, including a tearoom inside the wartime tunnels.

I've visited many castles across the UK and this is in the top five for sure

Dover Castle has been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor, with a 4.5/5 star rating from more than 6,400 reviews.

One person wrote: "It's just breathtaking castle. I've visited many castles across the UK and this is in the top five for sure."

Another person added: "A really interesting multi-dimensional site where I could've spent more time exploring."

Someone else said: "An absolutely stunning castle. We intended spending an hour here but we were there over five hours."

Entry into the castle costs £29.00 for a full-paying adult and £18 for a child aged between five and 17.

Members of English Heritage can visit the castle for free.

Dover Castle is open from 10am to 5pm every day.

While most Brit holidaymakers simply head to Dover to access its port, there are plenty of other things to do in the Kent town.

Other attractions include Dover Museum and the Western Heights Fortress - an abandoned fortress that was once part of Napoleon's defences.

There's also Shakespeare Beach where holidaymakers will be able to gaze at the White Cliffs of Dover from the shore.

Meanwhile, a new £16million medieval-themed hotel is set to open at a UK castle.

These are some of the most popular castle stays that can be booked in the UK.

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