Admiralty Pier — Attraction in Dover

My purpose in visiting Dover - as a member of the Morriston Orpheus choir , was to participate in the naming ceremony of SAGA's new boutique cruise line- The Spirit of Discovery in the presence of the Duchess of Cornwall. In alighting from our coaches to be greeted withing the main building of the dock, it was clear we were in a very special place indeed. This place is an icon of British maritime history. The architecture of the roof alone was stunningly beautiful - a filigree creation in perfectly geometric wrought iron, stitched together with thousands of rivets. Evocative in its silence now, but still echoing voices which had for an hour slipped through this marshalling point as they moved from train and land to ship and sea and uncertainty. . In the silence you could clearly hear the ghostly voices of excitement, joy and fear fossilised in the memory of that place. I thought of those in 43 who had passed through anticipating a return that never came - those for whom the white cliffs were destined to remain to their backs but never again to cheerfully please their eyes.

Outside, the gnarled brickwork of this magnificent utilitarian building stood evidence of the cruel salt that has battered this place for a century and more. Similarly I looked with respect at the defiant stone work of the quays and jetties caressing as they do the polished flagstones of the pier's floor. Thoughts turned to the men and women of old who built this great gateway from the sea to our land of Britain. A poetic romantic account you might think! Visit yourself and you surely cannot avoid being moved if there is a gremlin of love of mankind in your heart. Dover is not pretty but it is certainly...

The place is mainly for fishing. You pay £6 for entry and you can stay as long as you would like. If you are planning to go there fishing, the spot has been really bad for fishing is the last few years. This was the third time we have been there and didn't see anyone at the pier catch anything. Local shops are saying the same thing, even for cod in winter where it was famous for being a good spot. We went home once again...

Always been a good place to go fishing with kids as there's a good chance of catching something.. bad thing is it's like some people go there to get fish to stock up their fridge and not for the thrill of a day out fishing. I'm not against keeping your catch but keep it nice, clean and a conducive atmosphere for kids and family...