Best things to do in Deal Kent

Plan a great day out that allows you to explore the many things the town has to offer.

This list includes plenty of walking and is an enjoyable day out even if you don’t pay to go into the mentioned attractions and stops.

This list allows you to explore the town, and from there we are sure you’ll want to go back over some of these and explore further. There are a few surprises along the way, so enjoy your walk as you discover all that Deal has to offer.

The Sandown to Kingsdown Seafront Stroll

This route is just over 4 miles, without detours. It has plenty of places to stop for refreshments. The seafront from Deal to Walmer has traditional fish & chips, ice cream, cafes, pubs and more.

Sandown Castle

Start at Sandown castle, not really a standing Castle as the ruins are in the sea now, but there is a pretty community garden and fantastic views over the sea and Sandwich Bay from this end.

The coffee truck is usually sited here and we recommend the flat whites, a great place to start exploring Deal.

Seafront & Beach

Walk along the seafront or the beach and take in the ambience of this quaint seaside town.

The houses reflect the history of the town, with no one style or period dominating, presenting a wonderful array of variety. The keen architectural enthusiasts will enjoy tracking the historical development of the town.

Swimming – Deal Seafront attracts visitors who enjoy swimming in the sea.

Beachcombing – People often enjoy walking along the shoreline at Deal and searching for interesting stones, shells, and other beach treasures.

Picnics – The Deal Seafront offers scenic spots for picnics, either on the beach or nearby.

Deal Pier

No visit to Deal is complete without a stroll down the pier. The view of the higgledy-piggledy arrangement of houses of different shapes, sizes and colours is a large part of the charm of Deal seafront.

It is a 1,000-foot-long Victorian pier that was built in the late 19th century to serve as a landing stage for steamboats. Today, Deal Pier is a popular destination for visitors, offering a range of activities and attractions, including:

  1. Fishing – Deal Pier is a popular spot for fishing, with anglers coming from far and wide to try their luck.
  2. Walking and sightseeing – The pier offers stunning views of the coast and is a popular place for taking walks and enjoying the scenery.
  3. Dining and refreshments – Deal Pier has a cafe and restaurant, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views.

Overall, Deal Pier is a popular destination for visitors to Deal, offering a range of activities and attractions for all ages and interests. Whether you are a history buff, an angler, or simply looking for a scenic walk, Deal Pier has something for everyone.

Deal Castle

This rugged castle is a favourite with kids. They can run around and let their imaginations run wild.

Deal Castle is known and visited for its historical significance, architectural beauty, and scenic location.

The castle was built by King Henry VIII in the 16th century as part of a chain of coastal defences against the threat of invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire.

It is considered an important example of Tudor military architecture and has been well-preserved over the centuries.

Visitors can tour the castle’s well-preserved interiors, admire the views of the surrounding coastline, and learn about its history through interactive exhibitions and guided tours.

Additionally, the castle’s location on the seafront makes it a popular destination for those seeking a coastal escape and scenic walks.

Walmer Seafront

As Deal gives way to Walmer, you will pass the paddling pool and adventure golf, the fishing boats, beach huts, lifeboat station and the bandstand on Walmer Green.

Again there are plenty of places to eat and drink.

  1. Swimming and sunbathing – Walmer Seafront is popular for swimming and soaking up the sun due to the tranquility and scenic views.
  2. Beachcombing – People often enjoy walking along the shoreline and searching for interesting stones, shells, and other beach treasures.
  3. Picnics – You’ll find scenic spots for picnics, either on the beach itself or on the green.
  4. Fishing – Walmer Seafront can accomodate anglers, who come to fish for a variety of species.

In general, stone beaches offer a range of activities for people of all ages and interests, and are popular destinations for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer vacation.

Walmer Castle

Walk along the seafront to Walmer Castle. The castle is fully furnished with a wide range of items that chart the history of the castle and its role as the official residence of the Lord warden of the Cinque Ports.

A fantastic garden awaits you to explore in the castle grounds, and you’ll get to see why this Castle was a firm favourite of Royalty for many years.

  1. Walmer Castle has a rich history dating back to the 16th century and was used as a coastal defence during the time of Henry VIII. Visitors can learn about the castle’s history through exhibitions and guided tours.
  2. Architecture and Design – Walmer Castle is an example of Tudor military architecture and is noted for its well-preserved interiors and impressive design features.
  3. Scenic Location – The castle is situated on the coast, offering scenic views of the surrounding area and the English Channel.
  4. Gardens and Parkland – Walmer Castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which include a mix of formal and informal areas, and extensive parkland, which is popular for picnics and walks.
  5. Special events and exhibitions – Walmer Castle hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, concerts, and historical reenactments.
  6. Family-friendly activities – The castle and its grounds offer a range of activities suitable for families, including guided tours, scavenger hunts, and interactive exhibitions.

Kingsdown Beach

Continue along Wellington Parade and you will reach the Zetland arms with Kingsdown beach stretching along to the foot of the cliffs.

The steps at the end of the road from Kingsdown beach will take you up onto the cliffs.

There are some stunning views over the sea from here, and you can often see France quite clearly. Bird watchers frequent this area due to the diverse array of birds that visit our coast.

This is where the Sandown to Kingsdown Seafront Stroll ends. Keen walkers can continue along the cliffs to St Margaret’s Bay, the South Foreland Lighthouse and Dover.

Delightful Detours

Deal High Street

From the Seafront, you could easily drop into the town and explore the many diverse shops on the high street.

Unlike many towns, Deal has retained a large number of small independent businesses and boutiques.

There is no shortage of coffee shops, cafes and restaurants offering everything from a quick sandwich to a leisurely seafood platter, or other culinary delights. See our list of places to eat.

The Deal Maritime & Local History Museum

This museum highlights the stories of this coastal town’s fascinating history.

You’ll find a collection of models, photographs, and maritime artefacts that tell the tales of the individuals who lived and worked in the area.

Following recent renovations, the museum now offers several fun selfie possibilities as well as an exhibition space that varies on a monthly basis.