While spring hasn’t quite arrived just yet, the weather is getting milder, meaning it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors and get exploring. One of the top picks has to be the coastal walk between Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
In just 30 minutes, this flat, paved, and pushchair-friendly route takes you past golden beaches, White Cliffs, wildlife spots, and two Henry VIII castles. You’ll cover about two miles with this walk. If you’re up for a longer walk starting in Deal, you could even include a bustling town, a seaside pier, and a third Henry VIII castle. Start at Deal Castle Beach and you’ll extend the walk to three miles.
If you choose the shorter route, starting in Walmer, you’ll immediately pass Deal Castle, which is actually located on the Walmer end of town.
This stunning building retains most of its original 16th-century structure, with bastion walls made of Kentish ragstone from near Maidstone that are some 15 feet thick. Further along the path, you’ll quickly reach the Strand in Walmer, a long row of period shopfronts, including two pubs.
There are even more of these deeper in the village of Walmer itself if you fancy a pint. On the left, you’ll find the glistening English Channel and soon a few rows of boats maintained by Downs Sailing Club.
You’ll then reach the expansive pebbled stretch of Walmer beach. Further up, on the outskirts of Walmer, lies the second and more magnificent Henry VIII castle.
Walmer Castle, with its stunning gardens, is a jewel in Kent’s crown. Its cannons, visible from the path, point directly towards the sea.
A mile away lies the charming ‘holiday village’ of Kingsdown, accessible via a wide, bench-lined path.
To the right, you’ll find lush meadows and trees, while to the left, golden beaches and the English Channel are dotted with trees, wildflowers and shrubs.
Upon reaching Kingsdown, you’re greeted with views of luxurious coastal properties. The Zetland Arms pub, with its beachfront garden tables, is a must-visit before relaxing on the pebble beach.
Beyond this stretch of beach, Dover’s White Cliffs begin, dominating the far end of Kingsdown beach. All this can be explored within a half-hour walk.
If you’ve parked at Walmer, a return trip makes for a perfect two-mile stroll.
This breathtaking segment of the Saxon Shore Way, one of Britain’s oldest and most picturesque walking routes, is truly a sight to behold. The 153-mile route, which stretches from Gravesend to Hastings, offers stunning landscapes and covers some of the most pivotal moments in human history – from the invasions of the Romans and William the Conqueror to the two World Wars.
