"Today, my friend and I visited Deal Castle, which is on Marine Road in Deal, a small town by the sea in Kent. The castle was built by King Henry VIII to protect England from a possible attack by Catholic countries in Europe. It’s not the biggest castle, but it’s still very impressive and nearly all of it is original. Only a few parts have been repaired, and those have been done carefully to match the old style.

We drove from East London, and it took us a bit more than two hours to get there. The weather was lovely, and we really enjoyed both the sunshine and the drive. There’s a car park right next to the castle. If you’re a member of English Heritage, you can park for free by showing your car sticker and getting a free ticket from the machine. If you’re not a member, you’ll need to pay. There’s a 3-hour time limit for all cars in the car park.

At the castle, we walked along the battlements and enjoyed the great views of the English Channel. There are also public toilets available.

If you’re interested in English history, or just want to visit a unique old place by the sea, Deal Castle is worth seeing. You can spend around an hour exploring and learning about the past."

Romuz Uddin

"Nestled on the Kent coastline, Deal Castle is a truly captivating historical site that offers a fantastic day out for the whole family. This remarkable fortress, built in the distinctive shape of a Tudor rose, is not only a monument to England's past but also a brilliant and engaging place for children to explore.

Its unique design, with its circular layout and interconnected rooms, makes it feel like a real-life maze, sparking the imagination of young adventurers.

Part of a series of coastal artillery forts constructed by King Henry VIII, Deal Castle was built in the 1530s to protect the Downs, a sheltered anchorage in the English Channel, from the threat of French invasion. Its strategic location and formidable design were key to its purpose, and visitors can still appreciate the ingenuity of its construction. Wandering through the castle, you can imagine the soldiers who once manned its battlements, ready to defend the kingdom.

One of the most exciting aspects for children is the opportunity to run around the open-air courtyard and climb the steps to the top of the ramparts. From here, they can take in the stunning panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape, just as the lookouts would have centuries ago. The underground tunnels and dark, winding passages are a highlight, creating a sense of mystery and adventure. The castle's layout is perfect for a game of hide-and-seek, and the interactive exhibits and audio guides bring the history to life in a way that is both educational and fun.

Adding to its historical significance, Deal Castle is situated incredibly close to the point where Julius Caesar is believed to have launched his first invasion of Britain in 55 BC. This connection to such a pivotal moment in ancient history adds another layer of intrigue to the visit. The proximity to this ancient landing site provides a tangible link between the castle's Tudor history and the much older, Roman past of the area.
Overall, Deal Castle is an excellent choice for a family outing. Its accessibility, fascinating history, and engaging layout make it a perfect place for children to learn about England's past in a hands-on and memorable way. From the stories of Henry VIII to the shadows of Roman legions, this unique coastal fortress is a historical treasure that truly has something for everyone."

Giles Polglase

"Beautiful and unique castle built by Henry the Viii to repel a possible invasion from France. Neil who was one of the volunteers was very approachable and answered our questions and was very knowledgeable about the history of the castle. It's free entry for English Heritage members as well as the parking as long as you display your membership sticker and parking meter ticket."

Garry Hunt