Three Castles Walk: Dover to Deal

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Kent Coast Path: Dover to Deal

Amble along this beautiful coastline, taking in three magnificent castles and a lighthouse, then discover the heritage and natural beauty of Deal.

Begin this walk from the White Cliffs Visitor Centre, follow the path along the cliffs to the South Foreland Lighthouse where you will see chalk grassland that is home to many unusual plants and insects.

From the high chalk cliffs look out onto the English Channel. These cliffs have a special place in our history and were used for defence in both World Wars.

Pass by St Margaret’s at Cliffe, an attractive bay and an ideal stop off point on this route.

Soon after leaving St Margaret’s at Cliffe is the Dover Patrol Memorial. The Dover monuments are a trio of war memorials designed by Sir Aston Webb to commemorate the Royal Navy’s Dover Patrol of the First World War.

Almost towards the end of this walk, you will pass by Walmer Castle is an artillery fort originally constructed by Henry VIII between 1539 and 1540 and is now managed by the English Heritage.

This wonderful walk closes at Deal Pier, which is clearly visible and is the same length as the Titanic and at the end there is a wonderful cafe with incredible Channel views!

Route Overview

The icons below highlight the distance, difficulty and theme of this itinerary.

Distance

14.5km

Grade

Moderate

Landscape

By Water

Starting Point

National Trust White Cliff Visitor Centre

Time

Allow at least 3 hours

Accessibility

4 Sets of Steps, 8 Gates

Kent Coast Path: Dover to Deal

Every step of the journey has been carefully planned to help you make the most of your walking adventure. Click on the blue tabs below for more information.

Travel
Maps and Guidebooks
Food & Drink
Itinerary Suggestion

Travel

By Rail

To/from Dover: The nearest train station to Dover is Dover Priory and served by Southeastern railway. Please check routes at Southeastern Railway

Please note: Additional 30 minute walk to the start point. Turn right along Folkestone Road, continue to the roundabout. Turn right along York Street and continue to the end, turn left along Townwall Street. Continue towards the port but just before the roundabout turn left into Marine Terrace which leads almost directly into East Cliff, follow this straight along to Athol Terrace which leads onto a path which passes under the main Jubilee Way and leads straight up well marked steps to the White Cliffs Visitor Centre.

To/from Deal: The nearest train station to Deal Pier (6 minute walk) is Deal and is served by Southeastern railway. Please check routes at Southeastern Railway

By Bus

Bus routes run from Dover to Deal – 80/80A stops at St Margaret’s at Cliffe.

Check kentconnected.org for timetables and services.

By Road

Paid parking is available at the visitor centre in Dover. There is also a car park at Deal Town Centre, Deal Castle and Walmer Castle.

Car Park:

White Cliffs Visitor Centre CT16 1HJ

Maps and Guidebooks

Explore Kent has produced a detailed leaflet for this walk, produced in 2019. Available to download from Explore Kent’s website or request a hard copy from Explore Kent.

Food & Drink

There are various spots to stop off along the way to have a break. The White Cliffs Visitor Centre, the Pines Garden Tea Room in St Margaret’s at Cliffe, as well as the Zetland Arms and a wonderful café at the end of Deal Pier.

Itinerary Suggestion

England’s Creative Coast have created some inspiring self-led itineraries which allow you to explore the beautiful England Coast Path as well as some other historic and cultural gems in Kent.

Check out their 7 day itinerary and explore Dover, Sandwich, Canterbury, Whitstable, Margate and Deal.