Things to see and do at Deal Castle
There’s plenty to see and do on a day out at Deal Castle. As well as exploring the castle’s striking semi-circular bastions, you can get hands-on and learn about the castle’s history in its interactive exhibits; and explore the gloomy, atmospheric ‘rounds’ in the passageways beneath the keep. Plus, there’s a gift shop and a secondhand bookshop to browse if you’re in search of a souvenir.
Explore Deal Castle's battlements
Explore Deal Castle's gatehouse, inner courtyard and keep. Then head up the stone steps to walk around Deal Castle's striking semi-circular bastions. From this vantage point, you can look down into the moat and enjoy the spectacular seaside views across Deal beach.
Enjoy the fresh sea air and admire the architecture of this mighty Tudor artillery fortress.
Discover Deal Castle's History
Displays and exhibits uncover the history of Deal Castle, and the role it played in defending the coast. Discover the world of 1539 and how Deal castle fit into it, and enjoy a huge illustrated map of Europe explaining the international situation at the time the castle was built. You can even eavesdrop on the thoughts and ambitions of Henry VIII and his opponents.
Upstairs, you can listen to the stories of those who lived and worked at the castle in later years, including the captains of Deal Castle.
Walk the Rounds
If you're feeling brave, make sure to head down to the passageways beneath the keep designed to defend Deal Castle from attack.
This twisting, dark and damp passageway, called the 'Rounds', runs along the outside of the outer bastions, linking gun positions covering the base of the moat.
Kids can grab a wooden musket to play with as they explore. Look out for the audio adventure posts that you can wind up and listen to as you go: they're very atmospheric.
Visit the shop
There’s a lovely little gift shop at Deal Castle, perfect if you want to buy a souvenir of your visit.
Looking for a good page-turner? Visit our secondhand bookshop located in the Captain’s Apartments of Deal Castle and find your next read. This is a volunteer-led project run and manned by our tireless on-site volunteers.
Thank you! Every souvenir, book or kids’ treat you buy helps the charity look after England’s heritage.
Walk to Walmer Castle
If you have time, why not take a walk or cycle along the seafront from Deal Castle to the equally gorgeous Walmer Castle and Gardens?
Like Deal Castle, Walmer was built by order of Henry VIII and is one of a chain of 'device' coastal forts built locally, including Camber, Sandgate and Sandown.