From ice cream days on the beach to walks through the green countryside and a thriving high street, Deal holds activities and attractions for all the family. Not only are there great pubs with regular live music and a lot more history than you would expect of a small town, but just around the corner are all sorts of exciting activities to make the most of your escape to this picturesque seaside town. Here are just a few of them.
Day 1 - Walmer Castle
Though small, this town reigns mighty in the history books and it’s for good reason. Within the walls of Walmer Castle lives The Duke of Wellingtons bedroom, left unchanged since his life and death. It is also particularly well-known for its popularity among royalty, such as the Queen Mother, who stated that it was one of her favourite places to stay. Walk the steps of the countries past prime ministers for the day such as Winston Churchill and William Pitt. Both were Lord Wardens of the Cinque Ports and therefore regular residents of the castle. For the children, the gardens are a place of wonder and wildlife, where their imaginations will run free, as they do the same. Enjoy picnics by the pond or lunch in the tearoom and glass café, before burning off some energy in the nature play trail.
Price
For English Heritage members, entry is free.
Entry for adults is £16 and for children up to 17 years old, it is £10.
There are also options for family tickets as well as discounts for students and over 65’s.
Parking
There is a car park at the castle and if this is full there is also a pay and display one opposite.
How to get there
6-minute drive from Deal
1 mile from Walmer train station
16-minute bus journey from Deal
30-minute walk from Deal
Walmer Castle, Kingsdown Rd, Walmer, Deal CT14 7LJ
Contact details
Day 2 - Wingham Wildlife Park
Just a 20-minute drive from Deal, lies the characterful village of Wingham. Not only is this village home to beautiful fields and quaint, old churches, but it is also home to many species of fascinating animals such as penguins, crocodiles, monkeys and big cats at its popular wildlife park. Alongside the many wondrous animals lives a permanent dinosaur exhibition, allowing its visitors to be taken back in time to a very different world from what we know now. For an inevitable day of fun for people of all ages, Wingham wildlife park is a must-see and a day well spent.
Price
Entry on arrival:
Adults £18 each
Children £15 each
Senior citizens £16 each
Prices vary if purchased online and family options available
Parking
Plenty of free parking for visitors
How to get there:
Around 20-minute drive
Around 1.5 hours on bus
50-minute on bike
Contact details
01227720863
Day 3 - Whitemills Wake and Aquapark
If it is a truly unforgettable experience for all the family that you are seeking, then this brand-new aqua park and state of the art wakeboarding system is the place to go. Spend the day swimming in the beautiful lake, playing on the inflatable park and becoming the next best wakeboard superstars. Once worn out from the excitement of the day, cosy up inside the Whitemills kitchen and enjoy a dish from the extensive and varied menu, whilst gazing out at the calm water.
Price
Wakeboarding sessions: £30 for two hours or £50 for an all-day pass
Parking
Onsite parking available
How to get there
Just a 15-minute drive from Deal, heading into Sandwich
Cycle routes from Deal, taking around 40 minutes.
Wake and Aqua Park, Whitemills, Ash Rd, Sandwich CT13 9JB
Contact details
07778075565
Day 4 - Dover Castle
Once used to defend our country against arduous sieges, built around the end of the 12th century, the monumental Dover castle stands tall above the famous white cliffs. This mighty castle is always popular among locals as well as tourists and for good reason. If walking through the stone buildings, learning about its great and long history isn’t enough, it is also host to a multitude of activities all year round. From the epic views on the roof to the underground hospital and secret wartime tunnels, plus 80 acres of castle grounds, this is the perfect way to spend a day, no matter the weather. Immerse yourselves in the warrior season and meet some pirates over the summer and make some unforgettable memories for all the family.
Price
Adult entry £23.60
Children entry £14.50
Students/ over 65’s £20.90
Family entry options available
Parking
Free parking on site
How to get there
Around 14-minute drive from Deal
Around 26-minute walk from train station
Around 22 minutes on the bus from Deal
Castle Hill Rd., Dover CT16 1HU
Contact details
Day 5 - Dover Sea Safari
Heading all the way from Dover to Pegwell bay, bolting across the beautiful coast and being greeted with smiling seals, sunbathing on the sand - what more could you want on a summer’s day? If you want to stop and learn about the history throughout the journey, then hop aboard a white cliffs tour instead and be guided through the Kentish coast’s past. Both trips sail through great reviews and are a must-see when in the area. For a longer time on board, Dover Sea Safari also offer trips to the Goodwin Sands, where you can learn about the many shipwrecks and abundant history that lies within the waters, as you walk along the miles of sand, out in the channel.
Price
Seals trip £50 per person
White cliffs trip £40 per person
Goodwin sands trip £85 per person
Parking
Paid parking options available along the seafront
How to get there
20-minute drive from deal
45-minute bus ride
18-minute train journey with a 16-minute walk from the station
Sea Sports Centre, Esplanade, Dover CT17 9FS
Contact details
01304805799
Day 6 - Revolutions skate park
Whether you’d like to learn some new skills or just release some energy and have fun, Revolution Skatepark offers both. From beginners easing their way into the epic world of skate in the flow room and mini ramp room, to the more experienced soaring through the street/ jump room, there is space for everyone. For the thrill-seekers, the airbag is also available to attempt stunts that never before seemed possible. Nevertheless, if you prefer the life of a spectator, feel free to grab some refreshments and watch the skaters from the viewing area. Revolution is known not only for its astounding skate facilities, but also for its new and popular climbing sessions. These can be experienced by those who want to learn to climb as well as those who are just looking to have fun. The climbing areas also have an area for spectators to sit comfortably and watch, but be warned, once climbing here once, you’ll want to come back!
Price
Skatepark admission £9
Bouldering session £9
Climbing with ropes £15
Prices do not include equipment
Parking
Free parking available
How to get there
Around 30-minute drive from Deal
Around 2-hour bus journey
Oakwood Industrial Estate, Dane Valley Rd, Broadstairs CT10 3JJ
Contact details
01843866707
Day 7 - Joss Bay Surf School
After having run for the past 24 years, there is no better place in the Southeast to learn how to surf and stand-up paddle board than Joss Bay’s Surf and Sup School. Spend some time this summer gliding through the waves on a surfboard, floating in the serenity of the summer sun on a paddle board and then relaxing on the golden sand of the bay. The lessons are available to people of all ages, the abled and disabled and are taught by fully trained professionals. A day at this surf and sup school is one for the bucket list and should not go a miss!
Price
Surf and SUP lessons include 2 hours and all equipment
Starting at £40pp
Parking
Plenty of parking, costing £1 per hour.
How to get there
Around 40-minute drive from Deal
Around 3-hours on public transport
N Foreland Hill, Broadstairs CT10 3PG
Contact details
07719902025