A Weekend Away in Deal

Tucked away in Kent, right on the coast, is Deal. A seaside town easy to get to from London, full of sea waves and small town charm. Scratch beneath the surface of the slightly dilapidated seafront and you’ll find a wealth of trendy bars and shops. But if we’re honest, we quite like the seafront as it is – we’re a sucker for a 20p arcade game.

By Sian Brett | Updated Mar 3 2022

Saturday Morning

As soon as you get off that train you’re going to want to head straight for the sea. As the pebble beach crunches slightly under your feet be sure to look behind you once you get down to the sea front and see all the little coloured houses lined up along the sea front. It will make you feel like you’re in a painting. Entry to the pier is free and means you can get even closer to the sea. Fishing is permitted off the pier, and once you get down to the end there’s a café to replenish you after all that sea air. Heavenly.

Image Credit: Laura Grimsley via Flickr

Saturdays in Deal are also home to the weekly Market, held in the Union Road Car Park. Car Boot Sale style bric a brac is on display to wander round dreaming of the things you’d fill your house with, with bargain treasures to be found if you search hard enough.

Saturday Lunch

Now you’ve done the beach bit of your seaside trip it’s imperative that you do the fish and chip bit. There are loads of chippies around Deal but we recommend Middle Street Fish Bar for the authentic seaside experience. If fish and chips don’t take your fancy, try the delightful Kings Coffee Shop on the high street for scones and tea, and a little train winding its way round the café goers, a la Wallace and Gromit.

Saturday Afternoon

Now that all of the Very Important Beach Stuff is out of the way, you’re going to want to explore the town a bit more. There are lots of lovely antique and gift shops dotted about - Mark 1 Music is a classic old school music shop with everything from guitars to vinyl to sheet music, and Smoke on the Water is the perfect place to find lots of presents to bring back with you. Mileage Vintage Home and Tea Station not only has lots of quirky bits of furniture from times past but you can stop there and get a cuppa when the shopping’s all got a bit too much for you.

Saturday Evening

After all that exploring and sightseeing you’re going to need a well-earned drink! The Lighthouse has live music on nearly every night of the week and they have lots of craft and local beers just waiting to be drunk. It’s a cosy little arts space and there’s even a little bit of room for a dance if you get really into it. If you’re after something a bit quieter, The Bar on the high street not only has a huge selection of beers but a cosy downstairs where you can sit and play board games as you sip on your local Kent ale.

Image Credit: The Lighthouse via instagram

Sunday Morning

To clear away the cobwebs on a Sunday morning there’s not much better than Deal Castle. An English heritage site, you can wander around the Tudor castle, built under Henry VIII and used for artillery. Explore the depths of the castle, down the windy dark corridors below the bastions and be sure, of course, to visit the gift shop on your way out. There’s also a cycling path that links Deal and Walmer castle along the sea front so if you’ve got your helmet at the ready there’s even more castle to be explored.

Image Credit: Richard Matthews via Flickr

Sunday Afternoon

A Sunday by the seaside demands roast potatoes. Head to The Kings Head for some traditional pub grub by the sea front. Another good Sunday lunch spot is the Bohemian by the pier, perfect for a slightly trendier lunch.

There’s only one way to round off your seaside weekend - the arcades. Right on the sea front, next to a chippie, 20p machines aplenty. Perfect.