The 13 best things to do in Deal, Kent

Managed by English Heritage, tiny Deal Castle was built in perfect symmetry in the shape of a Tudor Rose by Henry VIII in 1539. On route from France to meet husband-to-be Henry for the first time, poor Anne of Cleaves stayed here while the builders were still in. Full of atmosphere with dingy nooks and crannies, and gun ports set within the walls, don’t miss seeing the historic graffiti hidden on the castle’s soft lead roof.

With origins going back to 1699, located at the north end of the high street, Deal Town Market (open every Saturday morning 9am-2pm) is the stuff of every small town’s dreams. Bustling with shoppers and brimming with local and home-concocted produce, don’t miss an ice-cream from Penny Licks (the fruit is grown in their own orchard, and you can try flavours like ginger and greenage), or a slice of artisan cake from Eat and Mess (they also deal in wild flavours, like meadowsweet and almond with roasted strawberry). 

It’s beach time, but don’t go hungry: grab fish and chips from Middle Street Fish Bar, or a gourmet picnic for two from Deal’s best deli, Arno & Co (think Perello olives, pasta salads, artisan chocolates, with prices starting at £35), and head to the beach, lined with a paintbox of period houses and 1930s seafront shelters that look like flying saucers. You may even see a grey seal on its way back to the colony at nearby Pegwell Bay. 

Located at the end of Deal’s brutalist pier (the last to open in the UK in 1957), Deal Pier Kitchen’s décor is stylishly stripped back to let the view do the talking: across the English Channel to France or to Deal’s seafront (pop in for a cocktail when the town is bathed in the rosy glow of sunset). Breakfasts range from a classic full English to chorizo hash with devilled eggs. A bottle of Railway Hill rose from local wine estate Simpsons is the perfect accompaniment to the ‘Steak & Lobster’ nights thar run on weekends from summer up to Christmas. Outside, there’s a take-away shack serving snacks & coffee. And it’s dog friendly! 

Deal’s contemporary art scene is buzzing, largely thanks to Linden Hall Studio. Just 500 yards from the High Street, this airy, two-floor gallery space hosts visiting artists and masterclasses. From etchings to sculptures, there’s something to catch everyone’s eye.

As the name suggests, what started as a small pop-up in an abandoned shop has now become a larger and permanent fixture on the Deal scene. As you’re in the garden of England, the emphasis at Pop-Up Café is on local produce and in the core range, you’ll find polenta cake, brownies, granola bars and scones, made daily on site. Just like the seasons, the menu changes, so after a seaside stroll, pop in for a bowl of soup in winter or salad in summer (remembering always to ask for a dollop of their delicious homemade pickle on the side). 

Vintage emporium Mileage is housed in an Edwardian stable block and is chock-full of preloved furniture and homeware. From a handmade humpty dumpty to an Ercol chair, retro signage or a 70s sofa clad in psychedelic fabric, a browse is guaranteed to stroke up childhood memories. With an ever-changing collection, if you see something you like, it’s wise to nab it. 

At the epicentre of Deal’s art scene, Taylor-Jones & Son offers affordable contemporary art, often with a focus on landscape, wildlife, and seaside, and there’s no pressure to buy from owners Richard and Sonja, who invite you to simply enjoy. Linger over Christine Hodson’s mixed media scenes of Kent’s towns and white cliffs; Richard Taylor-Jones minimalist seascape photography, found in the ‘Buoy’ and ‘Moon’ series; and well-known naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham’s sparkly wildlife screen prints.

Established in 2008 by musician Will Greenham, Smuggler’s Records began as an indie record label, hosts an annual festival, and has a record shop in Deal. Much loved by locals as well as out of towners on vinyl pilgrimages, it also serves as a charmingly dishevelled coffee shop and bar (serving beer by from local Deal brewery Time & Tide), often with spontaneous DJ sets. 

Inspired by the Tokyo dining scene (with hints of Europe), the Blue Pelican, located in a seafront Georgian townhouse, is easily one of the city’s most exciting food spots. On chef Luke Green’s menu expect a mix of small plates and sharing platters, including lip-smacking pickles and ferments, crab croquettes, seaweed and cucumber salad, and dry-aged rump cap with Tokyo turnips. As well as a new set lunch menu, there’s also a daily special board for the likes of raw sea bass with daikon and ginger. Wash these down with a Blue Pelican cocktail, a tasty mix of yuzu, gin, and sparkling wine.