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Town/City Name
Deal
County
Kent
Population
30,085
About Deal
Deal is a historical gem and a lively seaside borough in Kent, Southeast of England. Known as one of the most fascinating resort towns in the country, Deal sits at the meeting point of the English Channel and the North Sea.
The seafront is one of the most remarkable landmarks in Deal. It is the perfect place to enjoy fishing or take a stroll with breathtaking views. Exciting events and concerts happen on the beachfront throughout the year. In the city center, pastel-coloured structures make the perfect location to take photographs. The town's pebble beaches deserve attention and appreciation, too.
Aside from its natural beauty, the seaside town of Deal is famous for its naval history. Its role as a 'limb port' in 1278 for the Cinque Ports makes it one of the most vibrant ports in England. And the town has successfully preserved these milestones and historical events in various maritime museums and ancient structures. Among the most highly-regarded heritage sites in Deal are the Walmer Castle and the Deal Castle. Both castles have witnessed the town’s struggles and triumphs since the rule of Henry VIII.
The Deal Maritime and Local History Museum is also a must-visit destination for history buffs. This museum features exhibits of model naval vessels, comprehensive background stories of lifeboats, and other maritime developments in Deal.
Going out in Deal is a treat for the palette as well. Although the borough is relatively small compared to the neighbouring towns, restaurants in Deal are huge in flavours. Visitors can expect a variety of trendy and impressive cuisine – from Traditional to British, Caribbean, and a lot more.
The town also has a bustling nightlife. Pubs in Deal offer some of the best ales, beers, and cocktails in England. In summer, locals swarm beer gardens to enjoy their drinks and snacks.
Deal is a haven for musical and theatrical performances as well. One of the town’s significant entertainment venues is the Astor Theatre where great acts and performances are guaranteed.
Places to eat in Deal, Restaurants in Deal
Places to drink in Deal, Pubs and Bars in Deal
A brief history of Deal
There is a claim stating that Julius Caesar came to Deal in 55 BC. But the town started to flourish in 1228 when it established association with the Cinque Ports. This status, along with the silting up of the port of Sandwich, opened Deal to business opportunities relating to the importation of goods. Lacking a traditional port, Deal found an area of anchorage in the Goodwin Sands for large vessels.
In 1539, Henry VIII directed the construction of three castles named Deal, Sandown, and Walmer. These three castles became essential parts of Deal’s defences against naval attacks. The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports stayed at the Walmer Castle, his official dwelling.
The ship anchorage known as The Downs served as a battle arena when the Spanish and Dutch clashed in 1639. It was yet again a scene of conflict when the English fought the Dutch in 1666.
The establishment of a naval depot in 1672 aided in bringing supplies, services, and equipment to the vessels harbored in The Downs. This naval yard concluded operations in 1864.
The boatmen of Deal used locally-made boats. Salvage work became a source of income in the anchorage following the validation of the Merchant Shipping Act of 1854. Smuggling activities were most rampant in 1737.
A Royal Marine Depot was built along the road to Walmer in 1861. The depot soon expanded to the army barracks and was later suffered bomb attacks from the Provisional Irish Republican Army
In the 19th century, Deal began prospering as a holiday destination.
Popular things to do in Deal
- Roam around the Deal Castle - https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/deal-castle/
- Take a stroll in the Deal Pier - http://www.dealpier.uk/
- Visit the Deal Maritime & Local History Museum - https://www.dealmuseum.co.uk/
- See spectacular acts at The Astor Theatre - https://theastor.co.uk/
- Enjoy cycling in the Betteshanger Park - https://www.betteshanger-park.co.uk/
Free things to do in Deal
- Explore the Viking Coastal Trail - https://www.visitthanet.co.uk/attractions/viking-coastal-trail/8676/
- Go sightseeing at The White Cliffs of Dover - http://www.whitecliffsofdover.co.uk/
- See elusive wildlife at the Lower Leas Coastal Park - https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/community/parks-and-open-spaces/lower-leas-coastal-park
- Stop by the Whitstable Town Centre - https://www.canterbury.co.uk/info/37/whitstable
- Discover the town’s art and culture at the Westgate Gardens - https://www.canterbury.co.uk/homepage/5/result?resultID=484&indexID=9
Great for kids in Deal
- Play at the Tides Leisure & Indoor Tennis Centre - http://yourleisure.uk.com/
- Grab a bike from Mikes Bikes Deal - http://www.mikesbikesdeal.com/
- Find treasures in the Deal Treasure Hunt Treasure Trail - https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/things-to-do/kent/deal
- Wander through the Walmer Castle and Gardens - https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/walmer-castle-and-gardens/
- Have a treat at the Solley's Ice Cream Parlour - https://www.solleysicecream.co.uk/
Great for dogs in Deal
- Book a journey with your buddy in the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
- Take a ride from the Spa Valley Railway
- Run along Kent's beaches
Dog friendly bars
- The Court Yard Bar and Restaurant
- The Bohemian
- Kings Head
Dog friendly restaurants
- Deal Pier Kitchen
- The Lane
Did you know?
The town claimed that the English journalist and trader Daniel Defoe committed libel for writing about Deal and its losses in the Great Storm of 1703.
Deal appeared in various literary works, too. George Chittenden set his smuggling saga in the 18th-century Deal. Prolific writers Charles Dickens and Jane Austen mentioned the town in their respective books, “Bleak House” and “Persuasion.”
The hidden gems of Deal
The 365-acre Betteshanger Park lies in the former location of the county's largest collieries, Betteshanger Colliery. Previously named Fowlmead Country Park, this tourist attraction is ideal for various activities such as cycling, jogging, and even fossil hunting.
Unique to Deal
Among the notable personalities from Deal are British Royal Navy officer Admiral Sir John Harvey, actor Bruce Montague, musician Edward Francis Fitzwilliam, and writer Elizabeth Carter.
