Intro
Deal's charming unfettered seafront is not only postcard pretty, but conceals many cute shops and cafés.
Best picnic spot
Get some tasty goods from No Name deli on the high street and take your spread to the grounds of the castle or the seaside; and thanks to the pebbly beach there’s no danger of sand in your sandwiches.
Best beaches
Deal’s shoreline doesn’t tend to have any waves on a clear day, so it’s perfect for paddling. If building castles is your thing, Broadstairs has a big, sandy beach, only a 20-minute drive away.
Best walks
You can walk to Dover – it would take a few hours but it's an amazing walk. Otherwise, the walk up to Kingsdown in 45mins is a lovely coastal ramble.
Shopping
Readers and rummagers will love Golden Hind Books (+44 (0)1304 375533) at 15 Silver Street. The shop is crammed with old-fashioned postcards and ancient editions and housed in one of Deal’s oldest seafront buildings. Stock up on gifts and trinkets at Carried Away (+44 (0)1304 379167) at 183 High Street. There’s a magpie-pleasing profusion of china tea-sets, jewellery, scarves and other fripperies.
Activities
Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club is a great spot for more casual players to have a whirl: www.kingsdowngolf.co.uk. Deal Castle is a snug and pretty little citadel, worthy of an explore, as is the ptcturesque town of Sandwich, nearby. Canterbury is just 25 minutes' drive away and has a host of boutiques, restaurants and scenic spots, along with the cathedral of course. If you like oysters and wheat beer, make the 40-minute drive to Whitstable and be sure to explore the beach front eateries.
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Smith extra at Hector's Apartments
Hamper of local goods; free bottle of champagne when you dine at the Court Yard Oyster Bar & Restaurant, around the corner
