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While Deal’s more fashionable siblings like Margate and Whitstable draw larger crowds, the quiet town is perfect for a relaxing day trip in Kent.
Okay, there may not be a whole lot to see and do compared to the other seaside towns in Kent. But that’s the beauty of Deal, you can spend a whole day outdoors at this hidden gem.
Photos of Deal
Deal might be one of my favourite places to photograph in Kent. My photo of The Kings Arms was reposted on Instagram by Visit Britain.
Have you seen a prettier pub?
I loved walking along the seafront and the streets, photographing the old buildings in Deal. It seems like time has stood still (which isn’t a bad thing by any means).
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I’m a sucker for bright and pastel coloured houses like those in Gamla Stan, Stockholm.
Then, there’s the pier which seems to never end (when you do find the end there’s Deal Pier Kitchen which offers unrivalled views of the sea while you enjoy delicious food). Or you could obviously dine alfresco on the beach with a classic fish and chips (my personal choice between the two).
Afterwards, continue your seaside stroll and admire the many boats and beach huts (it is my life’s goals to own a cute beach hut).
If you’re looking for a little bit history, there’s Deal Castle and Walmer Castle and gardens – both are English Heritage properties and picturesque of course.
After all that walking, you’ll be glad to that the beaches are deserted in Deal, so you can lie back and relax.
Getting to Deal
Reaching Deal is a breeze, allowing you to embark on your coastal adventure with ease. From London, hop on a train from London St Pancras International to Deal Station, and enjoy a relaxing journey through the picturesque Kent countryside.
The train station is centrally located and takes less than 10 minutes to walk to the seafront. From there, you can either walk left, which takes you towards Sandwich Bay, or right which takes you towards Kingsdown Beach (this is the route I took).
Deal is around 1 hour 30 mins from London on the train and only an hour from Canterbury (36 minutes by car) if you want to escape city life for a day. Several car parks in Deal are free on Sunday too! Take the A2 or M2, following signs to Deal. The town is also well-connected by bus routes, offering convenient options for transportation.
Things to see and do in Deal
Deal Castle
Deal Castle is a round stone fortress built by King Henry VIII to protect England from invasion. You can walk through its dark tunnels and climb to the top for sea views. It’s a fun place for families to explore history.
Ticket cost: Adults £9, Children £5.40 (with donation)
Marine Road, Deal CT14 7BA
Visit Deal Castle – English Heritage
Walmer Castle
Walmer Castle was once a Tudor fort and later became a grand home for famous people like the Duke of Wellington. You can visit the rooms, see his boots, and enjoy the beautiful gardens. Kids will love the woodland play trail.
Ticket cost: Adults £13.50, Children £8.10 (with donation)
Kingsdown Road, Deal CT14 7LJ
Visit Walmer Castle – English Heritage
Deal Timeball Tower
This tall tower by the sea helped ships set their clocks using a ball that dropped at 1pm each day. Inside, you’ll find displays about timekeeping, smuggling, and sea signals. It’s a small but fascinating museum.
Ticket cost: Adults £4, Children £1
Sondes Road, Deal CT14 7BP
Deal Timeball Tower Museum
Deal Museum
Deal Museum shows the town’s history, from boats and lifeboats to Royal Marines and coal mining. Highlights include a model boat room, a World War One trench, and an old-fashioned shop front. It’s a great place to learn how Deal changed over time.
Free entry
22 St George’s Road, Deal CT14 6BA
Kent Museum of the Moving Image
This museum tells the story of film and pictures, from magic lanterns to old cinema. Exhibits change often, so there’s always something new to see. It’s run by film experts and has a cosy café and garden.
Ticket cost: Adults £7, Children £3
41 Stanhope Road, Deal CT14 6AD
Kent MOMI Official Site
The Astor Theatre
The Astor Theatre is a lively arts centre with plays, music, films, and exhibitions. It’s a great place to enjoy local culture or catch a show. There’s also a bar and gallery space.
Ticket cost: Varies by event
Stanhope Road, Deal CT14 6AB
The Astor Theatre
Pier Amusements Deal
This small arcade near the pier is perfect for families and kids. It has 2p machines, games, and friendly staff. A fun stop after a walk along the seafront.
Free entry
15 King Street, Deal CT14 6HX
Best shops in Deal
Deal Saturday Market
This lively outdoor market has been running since 1699 and fills the top of the High Street every Saturday. You’ll find everything from fresh produce and flowers to handmade crafts and vintage treasures. It’s a great place to browse, snack, and meet local traders.
High Street, Deal CT14 6BE
Deal Saturday Market – Deal Town Council
Smugglers Records
Smugglers Records is a cool record shop selling new and second-hand vinyl, craft beer, and great coffee. It also hosts live music events and has its own record label. A must-visit for music lovers and curious browsers.
9 King Street, Deal CT14 6HX
Smugglers Records
Hoxton Store
Hoxton Store is a stylish home and lifestyle shop filled with unique finds from around the world. You’ll discover textiles, ceramics, and gifts with a modern, boho feel. It’s perfect for picking up something beautiful for your home.
142 High Street, Deal CT14 6BE
Hoxton Store
Positive Retail
Positive Retail is a fashion shop that mixes pre-loved designer clothes with last-season stock from top brands. It’s colourful, creative, and full of stylish surprises. A great stop for sustainable fashion fans.
20A High Street, Deal CT14 7AE
Positive Retail
Mrs Lang
Mrs Lang is a boutique filled with handmade and upcycled clothing, each piece one of a kind. Expect bold designs, vintage fabrics, and a splash of seaside creativity. It’s fashion with flair and a story.
138 High Street, Deal CT14 6BE
Barkened
Barkened is a lifestyle shop offering handcrafted goods for people, dogs, and homes. You’ll find leather accessories, cosy blankets, and thoughtful gifts. The shop has a calm, welcoming feel and celebrates traditional craft.
132 High Street, Deal CT14 6BE
Barkened
123 High Street
123 High Street is a quirky gift shop full of fun and unusual items for your home and garden. From vintage mirrors to handmade jewellery, it’s a treasure trove of surprises. Everything is carefully chosen and affordably priced.
123 High Street, Deal CT14 6BB
123 High Street
Dunlin & Diver
Dunlin & Diver is a gallery-style shop selling art, ceramics, jewellery, and homewares. Many items are made by local artists and designers. It’s a lovely place to find a special gift or piece of coastal-inspired decor.
112 High Street, Deal CT14 6EE
Dunlin & Diver
Arno & Co
Arno & Co is a modern deli and grocer offering fresh meals, snacks, and foodie gifts. You’ll also find small-producer wines and picnic treats perfect for the beach. It’s a stylish stop for food lovers.
94 High Street, Deal CT14 6EE
Tamarisk
Tamarisk is a colourful fashion boutique known for its feel-good clothing and accessories. It’s especially popular with women over 40 looking for flattering, fun styles. The shop also stocks beautiful Indian pyjamas and kimonos.
85 High Street, Deal CT14 6EH
Tamarisk Boutique
Best restaurants in Deal
The Lane
The Lane is a fun and friendly spot known for its creative brunches, themed afternoon teas, and homemade cakes. It has a relaxed vibe with colourful decor and a menu full of comfort food favourites. Great for families, friends, or anyone after a cheerful bite.
15 South Court, Deal CT14 7AF
The Lane – Official Website
It’s The Real Deal
This lively bar and restaurant mixes great food with music, cocktails, and themed events. From Sunday roasts to karaoke nights, it’s a place where something’s always happening. Expect bold flavours and a buzzing atmosphere.
15A South Court, Deal CT14 7AF
It’s The Real Deal – Official Site
The Court Yard Bar and Restaurant
The Court Yard offers stylish dining with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and a wide choice of dishes. You can eat indoors or under the stars in the glass-roofed courtyard. It’s known for its seafood, Sunday roasts, and over 100 gins.
The Old Coach House, Sondes Road, Deal CT14 7BW
The Court Yard – Official Website
Deal Pier Kitchen
Perched at the end of Deal Pier, this café-restaurant has unbeatable sea views. It’s popular for brunch, lunch, and its Friday and Saturday steak and lobster evenings. Vegan and gluten-free options are also a big part of the menu.
Deal Pier, Beach Street, Deal CT14 6HZ
Deal Pier Kitchen
Victuals & Co (V Gastro & Bar)
Tucked away in a quiet passage, this cosy bistro serves modern British and European dishes made with local produce. It’s known for its seasonal menus, fine wines, and monthly steak and magic nights. A hidden gem for food lovers.
2–3 St George’s Passage, Deal CT14 6TA
V Gastro & Bar – Official Site
81 Beach Street
Right on the seafront, 81 Beach Street is a long-time favourite for fresh seafood and creative seasonal dishes. The setting is relaxed and elegant, with big windows looking out to sea. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion.
81 Beach Street, Deal CT14 6JB
81 Beach Street – Official Website
Best bars and pubs in Deal
Le Pinardier
Le Pinardier is a cosy wine bar and shop with a French bistro feel and live acoustic music on Saturdays. It specialises in natural and biodynamic wines from around the world, plus local beers and charcuterie platters. A great place to unwind with a glass and a nibble.
102 High Street, Deal CT14 6EE
The Just Reproach
This award-winning micropub is all about real ale, cider, and good conversation. There’s no music, no TV, and no lager — just a warm welcome and a changing list of local brews. Mobile phones are discouraged, so it’s a proper place to switch off.
14 King Street, Deal CT14 6HX
Bloody Mary’s
Bloody Mary’s is a stylish wine and cocktail bar with comfy seating and big windows onto the High Street. It serves flavoured gins, real ales, and its namesake cocktail, plus coffee and croissants on Saturdays. A relaxed spot for drinks with friends.
160–162 High Street, Deal CT14 6BG
Bloody Mary’s – Official Site
Kings Head
This traditional pub sits right on the seafront and is full of character, with cricket memorabilia and cosy corners. It serves hearty pub food, local ales, and has live music and sea views. A favourite for locals, visitors, and dogs alike.
9 Beach Street, Deal CT14 7AH
The Kings Head – Official Website
Deal Hoy
Deal Hoy is a nautical-themed pub with a hidden beer garden and a wood-fired pizza oven. It’s known for its relaxed vibe, great drinks, and friendly atmosphere. The name comes from a small sailing boat once used along the Kent coast.
16 Duke Street, Deal CT14 6DU
Deal Hoy – Official Site
Queen Street Tap
Queen Street Tap is a lively pub with craft beers, cocktails, and a full food menu including pizzas and burgers. It has big screens for sports, regular live music, and a sunny garden. There’s also a hotel upstairs if you fancy staying over.
42–44 Queen Street, Deal CT14 6EY
Queen Street Tap – Official Website
The Stag
The Stag is a traditional pub in Walmer with sea views, a courtyard garden, and a friendly local crowd. It offers cask ales, bar snacks, and live music on Friday nights. A great place to catch the sunset with a pint.
7 The Strand, Walmer CT14 7DY
The Stag – Official Website
Best cafes and coffee shops in Deal
Hey! Sushi
Hey! Sushi is a colourful café serving fresh sushi, bubble tea, and Japanese snacks in a relaxed setting. You can sit inside or in the sunny courtyard and enjoy handmade rolls and sweet treats. It’s a fun stop for something different by the sea.
22 Victoria Road, Deal CT14 7BN
Hey! Sushi – Official Site
Deal Deli
Deal Deli brings a slice of Italy to the High Street with fresh focaccia, deli meats, and vintage Italian scooters on display. It’s a stylish spot for coffee, sandwiches, and sweet pastries. The shop also sells Italian groceries and gifts.
168 High Street, Deal CT14 6BQ
Deal Beach Parlour
This retro-style ice cream parlour sits right on the seafront and serves sundaes, milkshakes, and hot food. It’s a family favourite with 1960s decor and views of the pier. Vegan options and seaside classics make it a fun stop for all ages.
57 Beach Street, Deal CT14 6HY
Middle Street Coffee
Middle Street Coffee is a small, independent café known for its top-quality brews and local baked goods. It has a cosy feel and works with Kent roasters and makers. A great place to relax with a flat white and a slice of cake.
10 Broad Street, Deal CT14 6ER
Pop Up Cafe
Pop Up Cafe is a bright and friendly spot serving homemade food, sourdough toasties, and speciality coffee. It’s popular for brunch and has plenty of seating upstairs and outside. Their cakes and almond croissants are local favourites.
16 High Street, Deal CT14 7AE
Pop Up Cafe – Official Website
Hog and Bean
Hog and Bean is a welcoming café offering hearty breakfasts, brunches, and its own roasted coffee. The menu includes homemade cakes, sausage rolls, and veggie options. It’s a great place to start your day or grab lunch near the pier.
4 Victoria Road, Deal CT14 7AP
Hog & Bean – Official Site
Algar Lodge Farm Shop & Café
Just outside Deal, this café and farm shop serves generous breakfasts, cakes, and fresh lunches made with local produce. You can eat indoors or outside with views of the fields. The shop sells Kentish goods, from cheese to wine.
Sandwich Road, Hacklinge, Deal CT14 0AS
Hut 55
Hut 55 is a beachside coffee shack serving giant sausage rolls, cakes, and hot drinks with sea views. You can sit in a deckchair, hire a bike, or grab a picnic to go. It’s a relaxed and family-friendly spot right on the pebbles.
Marine Road, Walmer CT14 7RD
Hut 55 – Official Website
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