Deal Castle in Kent is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the town’s pebble beach, offering breathtaking views of the English Channel, the Goodwin Sands, and, on a clear day, even France.
Having called Deal home for a few years, I had strolled past the castle countless times but never actually stepped inside. On a balmy, sun-soaked day, I decided it was high time to pay the castle a visit.
Constructed between 1539 and 1540, the castle was part of Henry VIII’s Device programme, designed to fortify the country against potential invasions from France and the Holy Roman Empire.
In addition to erecting Deal Castle, King Henry also commissioned Walmer Castle and Gardens, located just a mile away, while Sandown Castle has largely succumbed to coastal erosion.
Armed with these historical tidbits, I ventured into the castle, unsure of what awaited me. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a quaint gift shop brimming with souvenirs, English Heritage wines, food gifts and children’s toys.
Admission to Deal Castle will set you back £9.50 for an adult and £5 for kids aged five to 17 when bought on the day. A family ticket for two adults and up to three children comes in at £26.50.
Tickets purchased online in advance offer a slight discount, with adult entry priced at £8.50, children’s entry at £4.50 and a family ticket at £21.50. Visitors can secure their tickets online until 8.45am on the day of their visit.
After perusing the gift shop, we opted to amble around the bastions, soaking up the stunning vistas of the sea, the moat and beyond. Information boards dotting the semi-circular bastions offer a deep dive into the history of the Tudor fort and its artillery.
Venturing inside, we opted to delve into the tunnels below, which is where things took a rather eerie turn. For the little ones and their families, there’s an opportunity to grab a wooden musket and “defend” the castle while navigating the subterranean passages.
The tunnels are prone to dampness after heavy rainfall, but fortune favoured us with a visit during a dry period. Known as the ‘Rounds’, these winding passageways skirt the outer bastions and feature gun positions (now repurposed as windows) designed to defend the moat’s base in times of siege.
Devoid of lighting save for the occasional sliver of daylight from scattered windows, the tunnels’ gloominess necessitated the use of our phone torches for navigation an ideal Halloween adventure for those eschewing costumes or crowded pumpkin fields.
Ascending to the upper levels, we immersed ourselves in the castle’s storied past through various exhibits and displays. A highlight for me was the expansive table map depicting 16th-century Europe, complete with archaeological discoveries, intriguing trivia, and the era’s reigning monarchs.
In this chamber, an interactive audio exhibit provides further insight into Henry VIII’s concerns for England’s safety, Anne of Cleeve’s voyage to England, and the perceptions of other global leaders towards Henry VIII.
Additionally, there were various exhibitions and displays chronicling the history of Deal Castle post the Tudor era. On the upper floor, guests will discover the captain’s quarters which houses a second-hand bookshop.
The apartment was initially built in the 18th century, with the role of a captain still being maintained today, albeit ceremonially.