Programme for 2026

Heritage Open Day events in Deal and Walmer will take place between the 11th and 20th September

Friday 11th September

  • Exhibition and Launch (12:00 – 13:00) An introduction to this year’s events and an exhibition on the trades of Deal High Street.
  • Deal Museum (13:00 – 16:00) Portrays the changing history of Deal, Walmer and the surrounding area, and is packed to the rafters with fascinating glimpses into the past.

Saturday 12th September

  • 15 of our historic churches are open in conjunction with ‘Ride and Stride’.
  • St John’s Village Hall, Kingsdown (12:00 – 14:00) The former school will host an exhibition about the story of the hall.
  • Deal Museum (13:00 – 16:00) Portrays the changing history of Deal, Walmer and the surrounding area, and is packed to the rafters with fascinating glimpses into the past.

Sunday 13th September

  • Captain’s Garden, Deal Castle (10:00 – 14:00) Formerly an ornamental and kitchen garden for the Captain of Deal Castle, neglected for years and now a community garden.
  • Royal Marines Heritage Walk (10:00) A guided walk marking the long association of the Royal Marines with the area.
  • Deal Museum (13:00 – 16:00) Portrays the changing history of Deal, Walmer and the surrounding area, and is packed to the rafters with fascinating glimpses into the past.

Weekday Talks

A new series of mid-morning talks by Deal historians, all taking place in the main auditorium of the Astor Community Theatre, with coffee available from 10:30 and talks starting at 11.

Friday 18th September

  • Kent Mining Museum, Betteshanger Park (9:30 – 16:00) The museum is open with the opportunity to talk to former miners, and special screenings of a documentary-style film about the history and legacy of the Kent Coalfield.
  • Deal Museum (13:00 – 16:00) Portrays the changing history of Deal, Walmer and the surrounding area, and is packed to the rafters with fascinating glimpses into the past.

Saturday 19th September

  • Kent Mining Museum, Betteshanger Park (9:30 – 16:00) The museum is open with the opportunity to talk to former miners, and special screenings of a documentary-style film about the history and legacy of the Kent Coalfield.
  • Deal Cemetery Chapel (10:00 – 16:00) A refurbished chapel building, originally built as two chapels in 1856.
  • Deal Masonic Hall (10:00 – 16:00) A rare chance to see inside the world of Freemasonry.
  • Deal Town Hall (10:00 – 14:00) An elegant Georgian Grade II listed building dating from 1803 with a Council Chamber adorned with historic art and the Mayor’s parlour.
  • St. George’s Church (10:00 – 13:00) A Grade II* listed Queen Anne structure at the heart of Deal.
  • Trades of Deal and Walmer (10:00 – 15:00) An exhibition by the Addelam History Research Group showing their research into various trades people.
  • Medieval Manor House (10:30 – 15:30) The substantial and well maintained remains of a 12th century medieval moated manor house, which is not normally open to the public.
  • Deal Timeball Tower (11:30 – 16:30) Discover an iconic Grade II listed building on the seafront, which is a reminder of the importance of the town to the navy in Georgian times.
  • Deal Museum (13:00 – 16:00) Portrays the changing history of Deal, Walmer and the surrounding area, and is packed to the rafters with fascinating glimpses into the past.
  • Chitty’s Mill (14:00 – 16:00) The remains of Chitty’s Steam Mill are to be seen in this private garden, which is not normally open to the public.
  • A Festival of Hymns (15:00) Discover the stories behind some of the nation’s best-loved hymns …some with links to Deal and Walmer

Sunday 20th September

  • Kent Mining Museum, Betteshanger Park (9:30 – 16:00) The museum is open with the opportunity to talk to former miners, and special screenings of a documentary-style film about the history and legacy of the Kent Coalfield.
  • Ripple Windmill (12:00 – 16:00) Built in 1810 and now fully restored to working order, it has stunning views of the coast and countryside
  • Deal Museum (13:00 – 16:00) Portrays the changing history of Deal, Walmer and the surrounding area, and is packed to the rafters with fascinating glimpses into the past.

Details of these events and all Heritage Open Day events across the country are at www.heritageopendays.org.uk.