Deal Maritime & Local History Museum tells the tales behind this seaside town.

Models, local photos and marine artifacts illustrate the stories of the local people who lived here, the fishermen, lifeboat crews, Royal Marines and smugglers.

The museum has been reorganised and now has some great photo opportunities plus a display area that changes every month.

Opening times from the start of April to mid October:
1pm-4pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Admission Price:
Free, but donations are very welcome!

22 St George’s Road, Deal, Kent, CT14 6BA.
01304 372098

From lions and tigers to flamingos and monkeys, there is lots to see at this popular local attraction. As well as the animals there is an indoor play area and the life size animatronic dinosaurs.

There are talks and feed times scheduled everyday with hands on animal encounters available at weekends.

Opening times:
October – March 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
April – September 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Last admission 1 hour before park closing.
Indoor soft play area shuts up to 2 hours before closing.

Check the website for prices, etc.

Dover castle is one of English Heritage’s top attractions. There is plenty to do here even on a rainy day.

The history of the site stretches back to the iron age. The Great Hall has had a £2.45 million refurbishment to showcase the grandeur of Henry II’s court.

The Secret War Time Tunnels reveal the history of the castle as a command centre during World War II. The underground hospital has been restored and is very atmospheric.

The guided tours really add to the enjoyment.

Check the website for opening hours, prices, etc.

This 100 acre wildlife park has elephants, gorillas, rhinos and a huge range of other animals.

There is a cafe, a restaurant and a large gift shop as well as the Treetop Challenge.

You’ll need a full day to do justice to all that is on offer here.

Check the website for opening hours, prices, etc.

Deal Tourist Information

Deal Visitor Information Centre
Town Hall, High Street, Deal, CT14 6TR.
(At the corner of the High Street and St. George’s Road.)

01304 369576
info@deal.gov.uk

Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday  10.00am – 2.00pm
Saturday (1st April to 30 September)  10.00am-2.00pm

As well as general tourist information they can help you find accommodation, book coach tickets and provide walking and cycle routes.

The Visitor Information Centre also sells local souvenirs.

The beautiful informal gardens at Quex park include herbaceous borders, ponds, a Victorian walled garden and a woodland walk.

Part of Quex House is open in the summer season (unless it is hosting a wedding.) It is home to a varied assortment of collectables amassed by the Powell-Cotton family from around the world. Be sure to speak with the House Stewards who can tell you tales of the family’s adventures and the history of the exhibits.

The Powell-Cotton museum is home to wildlife specimens from around Asia and Africa all displayed in life like scenes. It also has artifacts and photographs from the expeditions of 6 generations of the family.

Visit the website for more information.

The recently restored gardens were originally designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1911. The 3.5 acres of gardens have been lovingly restored and added to ensuring year round interest.

Audio tours are available and there is a restaurant on site. There is also a gift shop and the nursery sells a select variety of plants including some unusual plants.

The Lutyens designed house, The Salutation, is a boutique hotel that also caters for weddings and functions

Check the website for opening hours, prices, etc.

A small but beautiful 15 acre garden with year round interest. There is a walled garden, a woodland garden, a parterre, an arboretum and a gravel garden.

Jane Austen was a frequent visitor to Goodnestone Park where her brother lived.

Check the website for opening hours, prices, etc.

Leeds castle is about an hour’s drive from Deal, but is well worth the effort. It is widely acknowledged as one of the most romantic castles in the country.

As well as the beautiful moated castle with its sumptuous interiors there are over 500 acres of parkland including a maze. Other attractions include birds of prey and children’s adventure playgrounds.

Throughout the year there are frequent events and displays including jousting and falconry displays.

Additional activities on site for an additional charge and subject to availability: Go Ape, punting, Segway tours and falconry experiences.

Visit the website for full details.

40 acres of beautiful woodland are the setting for over 200 animals native to the UK. See Bears, Wolves, Bison, Wild Boar, Lynx, Badgers, Beavers as well as birds and reptiles.

There is also an adventure playground, cafe, gift shop and picnic area on site.

Check the website for opening hours, prices, etc.

With over 600 acres to explore Port Lympne makes for an amazing day out. Don’t miss the African Experience, a truck safari ride through 100 acres of free roaming African animals including zebras and giraffes.

Check the website for opening hours, prices, etc.