Deal and Walmer

Deal and Walmer are two charming coastal towns between Dover and Sandwich, which both have a rich history dating back to the Roman era. These towns are famed for its castles, which were built by Henry VIII as part of southern England’s defences.

In 1278 Deal became a ‘limb port’ of the Cinque Ports in and later grew to become the busiest port in England and nowadays Deal is a seaside resort that is known for its picturesque seafront promenade and elegant Georgian architecture. Deal Castle, built by Henry VIII, is a must-see attraction, offering stunning views of the English Channel from its battlements. Other attractions include the Deal Timeball, which includes a small museum that includes exhibits about the tower’s history and its role as a navigation aid.

Neighbouring Walmer, which was once home to the Duke of Wellington, offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with tranquil gardens and sandy beaches. Visitors can stroll through the gardens of Walmer Castle or take a leisurely walk along the coastline.

Both Deal and Walmer are contiguous with the main shopping area, and most accommodation options, located in Deal, while both Deal and Walmer Castles are in Walmer. Deal Castle is a 10-minute walk from Deal’s town centre and Walmer Castle is a further half-hour-walk south along a lovely seafront promenade.

Coming and going

Deal and Walmer are both well served by bus and rail services.

Although both Deal and Walmer have railway stations, Deal railway station is the most convenient of these as it is close to the town centre and is actually closer to Walmer Castle than Walmer station, which is located a fair distance inland. Both stations are on the railway line linking Dover with Ramsgate and you’ll need to change trains at either of these stations to go any farther afield.

Deal and Walmer are also well served by local buses connecting both towns to other places in Kent. Useful bus routes include bus 12 which goes to Canterbury every hour and bus route 81, which goes to Dover and Sandwich every 30 minutes.

Sights and activities in Deal and Walmer

Places to stay in Deal and Walmer