Deal Castle in Kent is located a stone’s throw from the town’s pebble beach and has stunning scenic views of the English Channel, the Goodwin Sands, and, on a clear day, France.
Having lived in Deal for a few years, I had walked past the castle multiple times but had never visited it in person. On a warm, sunny day I decided to give the castle a visit.
The castle was built between 1539 and 1540 and was part of Henry VIII’s Device programme to protect the country against an invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire.
As well as constructing Deal Castle, King Henry also built Walmer Castle and Gardens which is just one mile away and Sandown Castle has been largely destroyed by coastal erosion.
Armed with some basic facts, I entered the castle not knowing what to expect. On entry, visitors enter a small gift shop which is filled with souvenirs, English Heritage wines, food gifts and children’s toys.
Entry to Deal Castle costs £9.50 for an adult and £5 for children between the ages of five and 17 when purchased on the day. A family ticket for two adults and up to three children costs £26.50.
Advance online tickets are slightly less with adult entry costing £8.50, children’s entry £4.50 and a family ticket costing £21.50. Visitors can book online until 8.45am on the day of their visit.
After exploring the gift shop, we decided to walk around the bastions, admiring the views of the sea, the moat and beyond.
Along the semi-circular bastions, there are information boards which detail more of the history of the Tudor fort and the artillery.
Heading inside, we decided to explore the tunnels below which is when the experience turned a bit spooky.
For children and families, there’s the chance to pick up a wooden musket and “defend” the castle while exploring the underground tunnels.
The tunnels can get a bit wet when there has been a lot of rain but luckily we visited during a dry spell.
The twisting passageways, also known as the ‘Rounds’, run along the outside of the outer bastions and have gun positions (now windows) that would cover the base of the moat during an attack.
There are no lights in the tunnels except for the odd crack of daylight from some sporadic windows. While this was a little spooky – we had to use our phone torches to navigate – it made the perfect activity for those who want to celebrate Halloween without committing to fancy dress or visiting a crowded pumpkin patch.
Next, we headed upstairs to find out more about the castle’s history through exhibits and displays.
My favourite aspect of the castle was a giant table map of what Europe would have looked like in the 16th century. The map included archaeological finds, unusual facts and the leaders in each country at the time.
In this room, there is an interactive audio exhibit which details more about Henry VIII’s fears for the safety of England, Anne of Cleeve’s journey to England and what other world leaders thought of Henry VIII.
There were also other exhibitions and displays which detailed the history of Deal Castle after the Tudor period.
Upstairs, visitors will find the captain’s apartments which has a secondhand bookshop.
The apartment was first constructed in the 18th century with the position of a captain still existing today as a ceremonial role.
