DOVER CASTLE Let ’ s start with the icon that is Dover Castle , shall we ? Known as the key to England , this mighty fortress has many historical gems to discover , from a Roman lighthouse to an Anglo-Saxon church and an underground hospital . Step into Henry II ’ s medieval palace and discover vibrant stately rooms , unmissable rooftop views and the tales of one of England ’ s most important castles .
From medieval ambition to World War II secret missions , your next stop is the wartime tunnels for an immersive tour that brings to life Operation Dynamo and the dramatic Dunkirk rescue mission . Hidden deep within the White Cliffs , the Underground Hospital is an intriguing look into the castle ’ s Second World War dressing station , with authentic sounds and smells to really paint the picture of wartime life .
WALMER CASTLE Just along the coast stands Walmer Castle , a Tudor artillery fortress transformed into a stately home for the likes of the Duke of Wellington and the Queen Mother , so you ’ d better believe it has more than a few stories to share . Inside the castle , the Wellington Room tells of the Duke ’ s 23 years spent here and artefacts include the armchair where he died , his campaign bed and even his iconic boots .
Outside , the eight acres of awardwinning gardens offer coastal views , wild flower meadows , woodland walks and formal gardens to explore . The Queen Mother ’ s Garden is a serene spot to sit and soak up the beauty of this jewel in Walmer ’ s crown , while the sunken Glen garden is a newly reinstated spot to relax in a former chalk quarry . Little adventurers will love letting off steam in the natural play trail on the woodland walk . Here , hollow tree trunks , giant nests and wibbly-wobbly bridges make the most of the landscape and the soaring trees above . Spot sculptures of woodland birds along the trail for some secret learning opportunities ( we won ’ t tell if you don ’ t ) and let your explorers feel the thrill of fun in the great outdoors .
DEAL CASTLE Mere minutes from Walmer Castle ( we recommend cycling along the coast ), Deal Castle was built by order of King Henry VIII . Regarded as one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England , it ’ s impressive – seriously , you should see its Tudor Rose footprint from above ! Once you ’ ve made it over the ramparts , the castle storerooms and tunnels are waiting to be explored . Learn all about the security fears that shaped the country ’ s defences during the reign of King Henry VIII , and even his own married life ! Budding historians will find plenty of activities and artefacts to help them learn all about the lives of those who have lived and worked here .
So there you have it , three castles each with their own intriguing history to tell about Kent ’ s incredible Heritage Coast .
ENGLISH HERITAGE | 19