The vibrant Kent seaside town of Deal ticks every box for a holiday from eating to sleeping
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FROM pubs on the beach to the last remaining complete pier in Kent, Deal is the perfect destination for the quintessential British seaside experience.
Join us for 48 hours of coastal fun in this historic Channel town.
Bargain hunt
Wander the peaceful Georgian streets to learn about the town’s colourful past – Julius Caesar arrived here in 55BC, plus it became England’s busiest port in the 16th century. Nowadays, Deal has a vibrant music and arts scene, and fans of antiques shopping will be spoilt for choice. Our faves are Mileage Vintage and Hoxton Store (), plus every Saturday there’s a market in Union Road car park for more retro treasures and local fresh produce. Don’t leave without a Scandi-style cinnamon bun from Bygga Bo.
Grub’s up
The burgers at 81 Beach Street, from £10.90, are the stuff of dreams. There are also vegan and kids’ choices, and an incredible value lunch menu, £10 for two courses (). Stop by ‘50s institution Deal Beach Parlour for a Mr Whippy ice cream, £1.50. For special occasions, Whits of Walmer does the best fish in town and is just a stone’s throw from the beach. The menu changes daily – the local lobster ravioli starter was sublime, £10.95, or order the sea bass, £19.75, if there’s any left ().
Pier pressure
Deal is home to the last remaining complete pier in Kent, and it stretches out from the wide pebbled beach, dotted with traditional fishing boats. Above the waves, the newly refurbished Deal Pier Kitchen is the perfect spot for a cuppa and chill. Gaze across the sea and on a clear day you can even spy France. Locals swim all year round – pack your cossie if you’re feeling brave.
Pedal power
Less than five minutes from Deal, Betteshanger Country Park is a former colliery transformed intoa family adventure land. Hire bikes from £4 per hour to enjoy a rural 3km cycle trail through beautiful woodland. There’s also archery, fossil hunting, a huge play area and great visitor centre explaining the site’s history. Entry is free, but it costs £3 per day to park ().
Be a history buff
Continue along the coast for a stunning view of the famous White Cliffs of DoverHenry VIII built both Deal Castle and Walmer Castle. They’re great for kids and the latter has glorious gardens, entry £10.90 (). From there, walk or cycle on the bike path west to the town of Kingsdown, stopping for a tipple at The Zetland Arms pub (). Continue along the coast for a stunning view of the famous White Cliffs of Dover.
Thirsty work
Deal’s smuggling past makes for some great traditional watering holes. The oldest pub in town is the King’s Head (), a cosy 17th-century gem with walls full of maritime memorabilia, while The Ship Inn is a classic wood-panelled boozer. For something a bit more modern, The Bohemian has great beers and a sun-trap garden ().
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Sleep cosy
Deal ticks all the boxes for a family trip. Stay at The Manor Farmhouse, which is set in several acres of farmland a few miles from the centre. It sleeps 12, with four-legged friends also welcome, and for extra cosy points there’s a wood burner and piano for sing-a-longs. Three nights start from £1,160 (). If you’re after a romantic break for two, The Rose in the centre was recently named one of Kent’s most stylish places to stay. Rooms cost from £100
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BTW...
- Deal and Walmer Castle were built to look like Tudor roses from above.
- Deal is 1.5 hours from London by train. Visit .