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'I visited a 500 year old castle by the sea - it was the perfect Halloween activity'
by Millie Bull · Manchester Evening NewsDeal Castle in Kent, a mere stone's throw from the town's pebble beach, boasts breathtaking views of the English Channel, the Goodwin Sands, and on a clear day, even France.
Having resided in Deal for a few years, I had frequently strolled past the castle but never ventured inside. On a particularly sunny day, I decided to pay the castle a visit.
Constructed between 1539 and 1540, the castle was part of Henry VIII's Device programme, designed to fortify the country against potential invasions from France and the Holy Roman Empire.
In addition to Deal Castle, King Henry also commissioned the construction of Walmer Castle and Gardens, located just a mile away. Sandown Castle, another of his projects, has largely succumbed to coastal erosion.
Armed with these historical tidbits, I stepped into the castle, unsure of what awaited me. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a quaint gift shop brimming with souvenirs, English Heritage wines, food gifts, and children's toys.
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Admission to Deal Castle is priced at £9.50 for adults and £5 for children aged five to 17 when purchased on the day. A family ticket accommodating two adults and up to three children is available for £26.50.
Tickets bought in advance online offer a slight discount, with adult entry costing £8.50, children's entry at £4.50, and a family ticket priced at £21.50. Online bookings can be made until 8.45am on the day of the visit.
After perusing the gift shop, we chose to wander around the bastions, taking in the stunning views of the sea, the moat, and beyond. Information boards detailing the history of the Tudor fort and its artillery line the semi-circular bastions.
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Venturing inside, our exploration took a slightly eerie turn as we delved into the tunnels beneath. For the younger visitors and their families, there's an opportunity to grab a wooden musket and playfully "defend" the castle while navigating the subterranean passages.
The tunnels are prone to dampness after heavy rainfall, but fortunately, our visit coincided with a dry period. Known as the 'Rounds', these twisting corridors skirt the outer bastions, featuring gun positions (now repurposed as windows) designed to defend the moat's base in times of siege.
The absence of lighting in the tunnels, save for the occasional sliver of daylight from scattered windows, added a touch of spookiness to our adventure we had to use our phone torches to find our way. It was an ideal Halloween activity for those looking to avoid fancy dress or crowded pumpkin patches.
We then ascended to learn more about the castle's past through various exhibits and displays. A highlight for me was the expansive table map depicting 16th-century Europe, complete with archaeological discoveries, intriguing facts, and the rulers of each nation at that time.
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In this room, an interactive audio exhibit provides further insight into Henry VIII's fears for England's safety, Anne of Cleeve's journey to England and the perceptions of other world leaders towards Henry VIII.
Additionally, there are exhibitions and displays that delve into the history of Deal Castle post the Tudor era. On the upper floor, visitors will discover the captain's apartments which house a second-hand bookshop.
Constructed in the 18th century, the apartment still holds the position of a captain today, albeit in a ceremonial capacity.