Deal Castle

A Tudor coastal fort built by Henry VIII, whose plan resembles a Tudor rose when seen from above, a model of this type of coastal defence fortress.

Deal Castle was built in 1539–1540 to defend against an invasion by the combined forces of France and Spain. Its low, six-lobed, rose-shaped gun platform and underground passages are well preserved, and you can walk between the bastions. It is managed by English Heritage, with admission of about £10. The town of Deal, where it stands, has a shingle beach and a pier, and from here you can walk about 2 km along the seafront to Walmer Castle.

Opening hours

Approx. Apr–Oct 10:00–17:00 (closed in winter)

Tudor style · Coastal fortresses · English heritage

Nearby sights

• Walmer Castle and Gardens
• Sandwich
• South Foreland Lighthouse
• White Cliffs of Dover
• Dover Castle
• Broadstairs & Viking Bay
• Shell Grotto
• Dreamland Margate

Places to eat nearby

• The Fordwich Arms
• Il Posticino
• The Corner House
• Tiny Tim's Tearoom
• The Cook's Tale
• The Goods Shed

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