Trains to Deal

With its unspoiled seafront, award-winning high street and wealth of history to uncover, Deal is well-established as one of the UK’s most vibrant coastal towns. Once you’re done at the beach and pier, the majesty of Deal Castle and local history museum make for fascinating exploring. Add to that the glorious, surrounding Kent Downs countryside and you’ve found a one-off treasure.

Getting here: Take highspeed Southeastern trains to Deal, in under 1 hour 30 minutes, from London St Pancras International.

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Explore a notorious past

Deal is drenched in history. Once a major port – its old town is a renowned 18th century smugglers’ hive – the weight of Deal’s nautical past is superbly documented within the walls of the Deal Maritime & Local History Museum. You could easily lose a morning here, with special exhibitions, displays of real and model boats, local life and pieces of social history.

Discover a shopping secret

Deal’s charming and innovative high street landed the Telegraph’s coveted High Street of the Year Award, and has since gone from strength to strength. Heralded for its “dazzling array of one-off local retailers”, it’s a triumph of independent food, craft and homeware purveyors – its Georgian-style and proximity to the seaside making it a huge pull for Londoners as well as those further afield.

Brush up on national heritage

One of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England, Deal Castle was built by the order of King Henry VIII and is now yours to explore. From its enticing dark passages to the first floor captain’s residence, discover fascinating secrets about this genuine national treasure through interactive exhibitions and an inclusive audio tour.

Interact with stunning scenery

Outdoor type? There’s no beating the opportunities presented by Deal and its surrounding countryside, particularly when it comes to gorgeous coastal trails and exquisite cycle paths. Follow the Cliffs and Castle Route from Deal to Sandwich or explore the beautiful slopes of the North Downs landscape between Deal and Shepherdswell on The Miner’s Way Cycle Trail.

Sights and sounds of the sea

Wrapped up warm, the crisp winter breeze makes for a pleasant walk along the pier. Although Deal pier has a 1950’s concrete style it is Kent’s only remaining leisure pier and is actually longer than the Titanic. Take a walk along the promenade and see all of the fishing boats that have been pulled up onto the pebbled beach. To quench your thirst, stop by a local cafe for a hot chocolate or to the pub if you fancy something a little stronger.