Location: Deal and Walmer Seafront

Date: 13th December 2023

Blog Written by: Helen (Disabled Walk Leader)

It was chilly but bright morning. We met in the car park and set off Southwards towards Deal. There aren’t a lot of plants and wildlife to spot at this time of the year and so on this walk we learnt about Walmer Place, a spectacular seaside mansion that used to sit in 17 acres of gardens, close to Walmer Castle.

 

The house, sadly, was demolished in the 1960’s and replaced with a large housing estate. However, Walmer Place was significant enough that a large archive of information is on the internet about it. So we can see photos of how it looked.

There are still a few traces of the original house - the stone balustrade is still visible near the road.  The house was put on the market in June 1909 (the time of the year when the gardens would have been at their peak) and the sales particulars describe it as: 

“MARINE MANSION"

Magnificently equipped. 

Long Sea Frontage.

Yacht Moorings.

Superb Views.  

One of the most beautiful homes of moderate size in the South of England.  

Adjoing the grounds of Walmer Castle and overlooking the famous Downs.

We then carried on along the seafront and talked about the Downs. They’re not hills at all, but are the safe waters between the treacherous Goodwin Sands and the shoreline. One of the ladies in our group said she has been to a cricket match on the sands at low tide!

Our usual “haunt” for bacon sarnies was closed at this time of the year, but we were really pleased to find the cafe at the crazy golf course open. It was so festive and cosy in there. The Christmas tree was up and all the tables had their own illuminated mini tree. Mulled wine and mince pies went down very well indeed and we then headed back to our starting point feeling very Christmassy.

📸 Image Credit: Helen