19 THINGS TO DO IN DEAL FOR A WONDERFUL WEEKEND.
A trip to the British seaside used to make me think of noisy amusement arcades, salty chips, and overfed seagulls swooping for leftovers – maybe even a stick of rock for the train home. But after visiting Margate last year, I realised the Kent coast has so much more to offer. Now, I’m on a bit of a mission to explore it properly.
My latest stop was Deal, a charming and walkable town that’s full of independent shops, good food and sea air. Deal feels creative and lived-in, far removed from the peeling paint and faded grandeur often associated with old seaside resorts.
In this post, I’m sharing 19 of the best things to do in Deal for a wonderful weekend – from coastal walks and wine bars to vintage browsing and beachside strolls.
Is Deal worth visiting?
Absolutely. Deal has all the best ingredients for a perfect weekend by the sea – character, charm, and a relaxed pace of life that’s instantly soothing. It has a thriving creative scene, a great selection of independent restaurants, and a real sense of history.
Unlike some British seaside towns that have gone all-out for gentrification, Deal has managed to modernise without losing its soul. You’ll find plenty of London weekenders here, but also the same local characters you’ll see walking their dogs along the pier every morning. And we really enjoyed that blend.
Deal is also perfectly placed for exploring Kent’s coastline – sitting between Walmer, Kingsdown, and Sandwich Bay, it’s ideal if you love long walks, fresh air, and good food. As we do!
19 things to do in Deal for a wonderful weekend
Here are 19 of my favourite things to do in Deal.
1/ Vintage shopping
Deal has an impressive number of vintage and charity shops for a town of its size. The High Street is dotted with spots selling retro treasures.
Pop into Mileage Vintage for antique furniture and Aubourg Vintage for clothing. There are also loads of great charity shops selling second hand bargains – we loved Dog’s Trust which was well curated.
2/ Coffee culture
There’s no shortage of excellent coffee in Deal. The most atmospheric place to start your morning is The Lane, a cozy café tucked down a side street.
Coffee snobs will want to wander to Middle Street Coffee (on the corner with Broad Street), known for their flat white.
3/ Promenade the seafront
Deal’s seafront is made for slow strolling. The wide promenade stretches from Sandown Castle in the north to Walmer in the south, lined with pastel houses, old fishing boats, and benches facing the sea.
I always find that it’s a pleasure to see the ocean, even on a dull day.
4/ Walk the Pier
Deal Pier is one of the town’s icons – a long, concrete structure jutting into the sea with incredible views back to the shoreline. Walk right to the end and you’ll find acafé-bar where you can warm up with a hot drink or glass of wine.
On the weekend, it opens late into the evening.
5/ Get lost in the old alleys
The heart of Deal lies in its warren of narrow lanes around Middle Street, where fishermen’s cottages and Georgian houses sit shoulder to shoulder. It’s one of the prettiest conservation areas in the South East.
6/ Sip wine at Le Pinardier
Deal’s best wine bar, Le Pinardier, is a must for anyone who enjoys a glass of something good. It’s small, intimate, and always buzzing, with a brilliant selection of wines by the glass – including English bottles from nearby vineyards.
7/ Go on a small plates crawl
If you asked me about my favourite way to spend an evening in a new town or city – I’d tell you, I love to go on a “small plates crawl.” It’s i-deal (pardon the pun) in this town, because there are far too many good restaurants to settle for just one.
If you can’t decide where to eat, try a little bit of everything. Start at Le Pinardier for cheese and charcuterie, move on to The Blue Pelican (a Japanese-inspired seafood restaurant) for a sharing plate or two, and finish with Sicilian flavours at The Sicilian on Middle Street.
8/ Or pick a fabulous restaurant for supper
If you prefer to sit down for a full meal (yes, I do agree that sometimes it’s nice to stay put), 81 Beach Street is one of the town’s best-loved restaurants, offering modern British dishes and sea views.
Other great choices include Victuals & Co for fine dining in a laid-back setting, or The Frog and Scot, a lively French bistro that’s perfect for date night.
9/ Walk part of the coastal trail
The walking opportunities around Deal are fantastic. Head north along the Saxon Shore Way towards Sandwich Bay for a quiet, scenic route, or go south to Walmer and Kingsdown for dramatic views of the White Cliffs.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can even walk all the way to Dover and take the train back. You can find out more about this walk here.
10/ Stroll to the Zetland Arms
This classic seaside pub sits right on the shingle at Kingsdown Beach, about a 45-minute coastal walk from Deal. There are some great pubs in Deal, but none that are quite so close to the water, like the Zetland Arms.
It’s the perfect reward for your efforts – grab a pint or fish and chips and sit outside watching the waves roll in.
11/ Visit Deal Castle
Built by Henry VIII in the 16th century, Deal Castle is one of the best-preserved artillery forts on the south coast. You can explore the tunnels, walk the walls, and learn about its surprisingly lively history.
English Heritage members get in free, and it’s a great rainy-day option.
12/ Look at art in the galleries
Deal’s art scene is small but vibrant. Pop into Linden Hall Studio, which showcases contemporary British artists, or Taylor Jones & Son for quirky prints and paintings.
13/ Visit a museum
Deal isn’t known for its museums, but there are a few small, interesting ones worth popping into. The Deal Museum gives insight into the town’s past, while the Kent Museum of the Moving Image showcasing everything from silent movies to world war footage.
14/ Shop in a niche store
Deal’s charming streets are full of independent and eccentric shops. Gotcha Geek sells collectible cards and memorabilia, Deal Radio doubles as a record store, and Arno & Co is a delightful deli with excellent local produce.
15/ Cosy up in an old pub
After a day of exploring, duck into one of Deal’s characterful old pubs. The King’s Head on the seafront is a great stop, with a cosy atmosphere inside or seating outdoors.
For something smaller, try The Ship Inn or The Just Reproach, a micropub known for craft beers and conversation.
16/ Join a beach yoga class
If you’re in town on a sunny morning, join a class with Hut 55, a community café on the beach that runs outdoor yoga sessions overlooking the sea. It’s a blissful way to start the day, followed by a smoothie or pastry afterwards.
17/ Mini golf
Just a short stroll south in Walmer, you’ll find an adventure course by the beach. It’s not quite the “old-fashioned style”, but kids will love the elaborate themed holes.
18/ Fish and Chips on the beach
No seaside weekend is complete without fish and chips. Grab a takeaway from The Blue Mermaid Fish Bar and eat them on the shingle.
If you’d rather still enjoy some fish, but with less batter – head to Jenkins & Son Fishmongers, which offers fish tacos for lunch. There are a few tables inside to perch at.
19/ Have a massage at the Pelican Rooms
For the ultimate wind-down, book a treatment at The Pelican Rooms. This holistic wellness space offers massages, facials, and other restorative treatments in a calm, minimalist setting.
How to get to Deal
Deal is easily accessible from London by train. Southeastern runs direct services from Charing Cross which takes two hours. Alternatively, you can take highspeed lines from St Pancras and change in Ashford.
If you’re driving, it takes about two hours via the M2 or A2. Check if your hotel has parking, or park in one of the areas near to the coast.
Where to stay in Deal
Deal has plenty of lovely places to stay, from stylish boutique hotels to cosy seafront spots. Here are a few options for every budget.
MID-RANGE: The Royal Hotel combines 18th-century charm with modern comfort. Many rooms have balconies and sea views, and the lively bar downstairs is a favourite with locals.
LUXURY: Once a seaside pub, The Rose is now Deal’s chicest boutique hotel. Each room is uniquely designed, with vintage touches and bold colours.
More of Kent
- Best towns to visit on the Kent coast
- Walking from Ramsgate to Margate
- Walking from Dover to Deal
- Best things to do in Margate
- Things to do in Hastings for a lovely weekend
- Romantic things to do in Kent for couples
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
Walking from Dover to Deal: White Cliffs, Coastal Pubs and Sea Views
WALKING FROM DOVER TO DEAL: WHITE CLIFFS, COASTAL PUBS AND SEA VIEWS. When we are not travelling in Europe, we return to our base in the UK and one of our favourite things to do is to head out on day hikes. My current obsession is the Kent coast and with the Kings Charles III…
Margate or Ramsgate for a weekend away
MARGATE OR RAMSGATE FOR A WEEKEND AWAY. Until recently, I’d only thought of Ramsgate and Margate as those slightly tired seaside towns from visits as a child. If Margate was the place of my teenage Dreamland memories, Ramsgate barely registered – apart from a vague recollection of fish and chips in a windy harbour. But…
23 things to do in Kent Coastal Towns
23 THINGS TO DO IN KENT COASTAL TOWNS. Before we started travelling full time, I would often escape to the Kent coast. I lived close enough that I could jump on a train, have a whole day breathing in the salty sea air, and still be back home for supper. Since then, I’ve returned countless…
USEFUL LINKS FOR FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORT
CHECK LATEST FLIGHTS
ACTIVITIES TO CONSIDER
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Please note that some links on our website are partnered with affiliates. Using an affiliate links does not make it more expensive for you to purchase. We receive a small commission whenever you buy something which in turn allows us to keep writing independent travel guides and your support is greatly appreciated.