Welcome to the Timeball Tower website. The tower is located on the seafront in Deal. This website will give you an insight into the tower, what it is and information on exhibits and opening times. Visit the Photograph Galleries for a photographic tour of the museum.
The Visitor Information page provides you with our admission and opening times details, a brief history of the TimeBall Tower as well as directions to us and a location map to give you that little bit more help when finding us. You can also find details and a standing order form for membership subscription here.
We've recently acquired the licence to sell Norfolk China, embossed with images of Deal and the Tower itself. Please see price list to the right and the Photograph Galleries for some representative images.
We hope you enjoy visiting our website and hope to see you at the Timeball Tower soon.
Latest News
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Reopening
We Will Open Again on Good Friday
We are open Friday 19th April to Monday 22 April from 11.30 - 4.30
If you have been put off by all the stairs in the past we have a pleasant surprise for you. We have been busy over the close season. You can now explore the tower and its exhibits by using our new interactive touchscreen computer. There are video's that explain the history of the tower and its residents; descriptions and photographs of some of the other towers; an interactive quiz and much more.
So if you haven't been before come and have a look and if you have you won't have to walk up those stairs.
Written on Saturday, 30 March 2019 10:35 in News Read 66 times -
Close Season
Sorry We are Closed
But we are open on Good Friday 19th April 2019.
We have a lot of plans for the new season including an interactive touch screen computer so people with limited mobility will be able to learn about the Tower and why it was so important during the Napoleonic wars.
We hope to implement a number of other changes, soo be sure to visit in the new year.
New Year's Eve to bring in 2019.
The Time Ball will be illuminated from 2300 on New Year's Eve Monday 31 December 2018 and will drop at midnight to bring in the 2019 New Year .
On New Year's Day Tuesday 1st January the museum will be open from 12.00pm to 2.00pm.
Written on Tuesday, 09 October 2018 08:50 in News Read 768 times -
The Tower's Chronometer comes home
We're delighted to announce that the Tower's original 19th century Marine Chronometer is back where it should be, proudly on display in an illuminated security cabinet on the top floor.
This wonderful piece of Victorian craftmanship is still in full working order. It was bought at auction by Deal Town Council for visitors to the Tower to enjoy.
Written on Saturday, 12 May 2018 12:57 in News Read 1163 times -
Volunteers desperately needed
Dear Deal and District – Please Help!
After just managing to staff the latest Easter opening, we Keepers of Deal’s famous and unique TimeBall Tower are facing the forthcoming season with dismay. We’ve never been overwhelmed with Volunteers, but recent losses of long-standing stalwarts have made our future openings look decidedly uncertain.
The Tower is due to open 1130-1630 on Saturdays and Sundays in May plus Bank Holidays, then the full season of Wednesdays to Sundays inclusive is scheduled to begin in June. Without extra Volunteers to supplement our dwindling band of Regulars, this schedule may not be achievable.
Anyone who can devote those hours on one day per week to admitting visitors to the Tower would be extremely welcome! Please get in touch via our website dealtimeball.co.uk, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 01304 373973.
Written on Tuesday, 03 April 2018 18:11 in News Read 1382 times -
Refurbishment update (January 2018)
Over the winter of 2016 -17 the Timeball Tower Museum underwent considerable refurbishment. The electrical systems were updated and the interior was repainted. The Timeball roof was completely re-sealed and all the slates were replaced. Regrettably at the start of the main 2017 season, a fault developed with the Timeball operating system which necessitated adjusting the movement of the Ball to make it slightly slower. Eventually an expensive major overhaul will be needed to the switching system which controls the Ball's travel. There were periods in 2017 when the Timeball was locked for safety reasons; this may unfortunately continue into the 2018 season until the major overhaul can be completed.
Written on Friday, 02 February 2018 13:26 in News Read 1729 times