Deal is a unique place, where coast meets country, country meets the town and England meets the Continent. Whatever the time of year, it’s a great spot to savour some quality time and glimpse life from a bygone era.
You’ll find a wealth of independent, quirky shops open all year round, and every Saturday, in the centre of town, a lively market with stalls selling everything from antiques through to cheese and wine.
For generations, artists, designers, writers and musicians have been inspired by the beautiful coastline, chalk cliffs, stunning countryside, smugglers’ alleyways, historical heritage and nautical charisma. There’s an energetic arts scene with a host of independent galleries, exhibitions and events, whatever the time of year, there’s always something exciting happening.
Regardless of whether you are after a casual bite or a full dining experience, Deal’s choices of eateries will appeal to all tastes and appetites.
Dozens of pubs, cafes and restaurants are making the most of their prime location in the Garden of England using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients including fresh seafood from the surrounding shores.
Out & About
Deal Castle
Built during the reign of Henry VIII, this stunning castle is one of many old heritage buildings in the surrounding area. Unique to this castle is its elaborate shape, which, when seen from an aerial view, is in the shape of a Tudor rose. Educational yet awe-inspiring, do spend a day discovering one of the finest artillery castles in England.
Walmer Castle
Another in the line of castles built under the command of Henry VIII, this castle is rich in heritage and history. There are many well-known historical characters that have taken residence within the castle, including Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and the Duke of Wellington. In recent years, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was a frequent visitor of Walmer Castle. Spend a day exploring the castle and its magnificent grounds and gardens.
Dover Castle
One of the most important castles in English history. From its founding in 12th Century, it has helped to protect our shores from invasion. This is true right up to its use in World War II as Churchill directed Operation Dynamo from the War Tunnels. This makes up just one of the many exciting exhibitions at the castle.
Howlett’s Wild Animal Park
Howlett’s Wild Animal Park is a day of wild adventure set in 90 acres of beautiful ancient parkland. As well as having many rare and endangered species, the park also offers special experiences that enable you to take the adventure to a new level. Try becoming a zookeeper for a day or taking a guided tour to learn more about your favourite wild animals.
Wingham Wildlife Park
Visit Wingham Wildlife Park and enjoy a walk on the wild side! Get unrivalled close access to the animals with free roaming birds and wallabies, walk through enclosures and enjoy hands-on encounters where you can meet reptiles, insects and hand-reared mammals. This charity organisation takes care of hundreds of different species of wildlife and is a great place to teach children about the natural world and the importance of preserving it.
Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre
Evocatively sited amid the East Kent marshes, Richborough is perhaps the most symbolically important of all Roman sites in Britain, witnessing both the beginning and almost the end of Roman rule here. Explore the massive stone walls which mark the site of this Saxon Shore fortress and take a look at the fascinating museum.
The Turner Contemporary
This is a dynamic visual arts exhibition centre, which showcases some of the most talented artists in modern and contemporary art. The Turner Contemporary aims to make art more open, fulfilling and relevant for all. Definitely worth a visit.
Canterbury
If you are staying at The Admiral Penn, then a trip to the beautiful city of Canterbury is a must. Take a punt on the river a favourite pastime for over 80 years, escape the busy city centre and discover the city from the unique perspective of the River Stour.