Deal is a historic, Georgian seaside town with two public castles, two small museums, and two weekly markets. The restaurants in town provide everything from regional specialties to exotic Orient-inspired fare, but if seafood is your thing, you can always go out and catch it yourself from the pier or beach. The majestic Deal Castle, built during the reign of Henry VIII, is a great site to take the kids because it is both fun and educational. Just down the coast is Walmer Castle, a favourite of the late Queen Mother and the former residence of the Duke of Wellington; its gardens and tea rooms are open from April to October; their scones come highly recommended. Even though the naval base that made Deal the most significant in Britain during the Age of Sail is no longer there, the town’s nautical past is still evident in the area’s Conservation Area architecture and house names. During the 1700s, Deal was a haven for smugglers; historic street maps reveal the routes that casks of rum and brandy took to evade the Excise officers. How about pedalling to Kingsdown, a picturesque Kent town with views of France? There are three pubs to choose from, and they all provide delicious food. There are a dozen courses within a half-drive hour’s if golf is your game, but the Royal Cinque Ports, Royal St. Georges, and Kingsdown are all convenient options. Dover Castle, located not far away, is an absolute must-see for any tourist because of its intimidating grandeur. This beautiful castle has stood vigil over our coasts for twenty centuries atop the breathtaking White Cliffs of Dover. In January, Deal was named “High Street of the Year” by the Daily Telegraph, and in November of 2014, it was selected Britain’s best coastal town. As one of the “best 30 weekend retreats” in March 2014, Deal is a great place for groups of friends and family to go hiking, fishing, or just relax on the beach and enjoy the fresh air and water. Deal is a great place to take a stroll down the cobblestone streets, enjoy a cup of coffee while people watching, or simply relax and take in the views of the sea.
