insideKENT Magazine Issue 37 - April 2015 | Page 108

TOWNSPOTLIGHT
DEAL cont.
The Royal Hotel

Deal Beach

Deal Castle

THINGS TO DO
Deal Castle
It was King Henry VIII who ordered Deal Castle
be built, and its Tudor Rose shape and enviable
defences certainly made it a sight to behold when
it was finished in 1540. Today most of the castle
is still standing, and it is all accessible to visitors,
making this an ideal day out to learn about Tudor
architecture and enjoy the exciting castle layout
and battlements. There are canons on display,
winding staircases to explore, and even a labyrinth
of tunnels beneath the castle. Audio guides and
guidebooks are available, allowing you to soak
up the ancient atmosphere.
Deal Maritime and Local History Museum
This little museum is packed full of local history
and fascinating facts about Deal, its past, and
the maritime life that has made it what it is. Each
exhibit has a vast amount of information, giving
visitors the full story of Deal. There are often talks,
exhibitions, and social events that take place here
too.
Deal Beach
When visiting a coastal town, it would be a shame
not to go to the beach – and Deal’s beach is
particularly lovely. Consisting mainly of shingle,
it is the epitome of traditional fishing village
prettiness, with boats drawn up along the
shoreline, couples strolling arm in arm, and
children playing. Whether you visit in the height
of the summer when tourists are keen to soak
up the sun, or whether you arrive in the coolness
of a winter’s day, the beach is accessible and
beautiful. And if you can be on the beach at
sunrise, you’ll witness the most incredibly vibrant
and stunning colours painting the sky.
Deal Pier
Deal Pier, which was refurbished and reopened
in 1997, is a Grade-II listed structure, and is the
last intact leisure pier left in Kent. For this reason,
it's well loved by locals and tourists alike, and
attracts many visitors every week. Taking a gentle
stroll along the pier, watching the fishermen,
enjoying the views…it really is idyllic.
Fowlmead Country Park
Fowlmead Country Park is a peaceful outdoor
space that has something for everyone. Go for

a long walk, ride your bike (take your own or hire
one at the park), play on the BMX track, enjoy
the assault course, build a den, take in the fresh
air, spot the animals, go geocaching, try
orienteering, and even look for fossils. Don’t forget
to check out the statue of the miner outside the
entrance – the Waiting Miner is a poignant
reminder of days past.
Walmer Castle and Gardens
Having undergone a winter refurbishment, Walmer
Castle will reopen this April, complete with new
displays and previously untold stories. Originally
built during the reign of King Henry VIII as part of
a chain of coastal artillery defences, Walmer
Castle has since evolved into the official residence
of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and
counts the armchair in which The Duke of
Wellington died amongst its hi v