Tourists and visitors guide to Deal, Kent
Here is my list of the Best things to do in Deal, Kent
I see many lists compiled about the best things to do in Deal, and as a local I felt I should help you plan a great day out that allows you to explore the many things the town has to offer.
My 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. Continue reading “14 Best things to do in Deal Kent”
Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour, The Dairy, Church Lane, Ripple, Deal, Kent, CT14 8JL.
+44 (0)1304 374100
Open daily April – August, 11am – 4pm.
The AboutDeal team are big fans of Solley’s ice cream. With 15 flavours to choose from, ranging from traditional vanilla to blue bubblegum, plus sorbet’s and vegan ice cream, everyone will be happy with a visit to Solley’s.
The farm also has walking and cycling trails plus tractor rides most weekends.
It is a very child friendly site with plenty to keep the children diverted whilst you enjoy your ice cream.
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
This independent gallery in Deal, Kent describes itself as having a ‘punk rock’ ethic. This is not your standard, twee seaside themed gallery.
The DONT WALK WALK gallery is a working artists’ studio. See work from over 20 artists ranging from emerging artists to established talents. The rotating exhibitions include painting, printmaking, illustration, photography and sculpture plus film screenings.
The gallery has hosted work by Noel Fielding and Jim Moir aka Vic Reeves.
10 Victoria Road, Deal, Kent, CT14 7AP.
Opening Hours:
Mon 10-5
Tues 10-5
Wed CLOSED
Thurs 10-5
Fri 12-7
Sat 10-5
Sun 11-4
32 St George’s Road, Deal, Kent CT14 6BA
01304 360 411
Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday 11am – 2pm
See their website for details of the latest exhibitions.
A journey through the history of cinema. This new addition to Deal’s list of attractions is a lovingly curated collection of movie memorabilia.
Disabled access, including lift and WC plus disabled parking can be reserved in advance.
Click here for more information.
One-Year Ticket
£5.50 – Adult
£4.00 – Concession
£4.00 – Under 16
Open All Year Friday-Sunday and Bank Holidays.
11am – 6pm May to September
12pm – 5pm October to April
41 Stanhope Road, Deal, Kent, CT14 6AD.
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.
Sandwich is a picturesque town near Deal. It is one of the medieval Cinque Ports and is packed with history.
Stroll along the quay and admire the boats. Wander the twisty streets and stop for tea and cake in one of the many coffee shops. Visit the Guildhall Museum, the White Mill Rural Heritage Centre or the Salutation Gardens.
For keen golfers, Sandwich has 2 championship golf courses and a further 5 within 10 miles plus 2 pay & play courses locally.
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.
Golfers are spoilt for choice in Deal
Walking routes, cycle paths and a nature reserve all on the site of the former Betteshanger Colliery. Go fossil hunting, enjoy a stroll or hire a bike. Playground, 9m climbing wall, archery range and a wide range of events throughout the year.
Just outside Deal, off the A258 Sholden, Deal. 01304 619227
Leisure pool, gym, tennis courts, exercise classes.
Park Avenue, Deal, Kent, CT14 9UU. 01304 373399
6 coarse fishing lakes for anglers of all levels. 2 mixed coarse lakes, 2 specimen carp lakes and 2 match lakes. Camping and caravan site.
Sandwich Road, Sholden, Deal Kent, CT14 0AR. 01304 380691
Deal pier and seafront are both popular with sea anglers. Click here for the latest tide times for Deal, Kent.
Deal also has 2 angling shops:
Deal Town Football Club.
The Charles Ground, St Leonards Road, Deal, Kent, CT14 9AU. Tel: 01304 375623
The home of Deal’s Football Club. For all the latest news and info visit www.dealtownfc.co.uk
Just a few miles from Deal is the port of Dover with cross channel ferries to France and the iconic white cliffs of Dover.
If you are staying in Deal it is well worth making a trip to Dover castle. Dover castle sits high on the cliffs and has superb views of Dover town and across the channel. It is one of English Heritage’s star attractions.
To find out more about Dover, see this handy guide to Dover.
Dover castle is much more than just a Norman castle. The tunnels beneath the castle that were used during world war two are now open to visitors. They give a fascinating glimpse into the war years and the secret work that went on deep beneath Dover castle. There are also events throughout the year. You will need the best part of a day to do full justice to all that Dover castle has to offer.
Dover Museum and Bronze-Age Boat Gallery is also well worth a visit. From the oldest known seagoing vessel to Saxon jewellery and Roman pottery. Dover museum gives a real sense of the Dover’s long history.
The lovely cliff top walks make Dover popular with walkers. Dover also has plenty for water sports enthusiasts too.
