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Things to do in Deal & surrounding areas
The Royal Hotel in Deal is perfectly placed for you to explore many of Kent’s outstanding attractions. The historic town of Deal not only has a lot to offer tourists in the way of historic buildings but also can facilitate plenty of great family days out. Discover some of England's best castles, which have helped to protect our shores for centuries, or, if you'd rather, catch a round of golf at some of our renowned golf clubs.
Whatever your interests, The Royal Hotel in Deal will await your return (with a meal, a drink, and a room if you need one) after a busy day exploring what Kent has to offer.
Deal Pier
When it comes to things to do in Deal, the number one attraction on everybody’s list is a walk along the iconic pier. A significant local landmark, the pier offers mesmerising views of Deal seafront. If you are an aspiring angler or a fanatic fisherman, this pier is an internationally recognised angling venue.
Distance from The Royal: 2 minute walk
Deal Castle
Built during the reign of Henry VIII, this stunning castle is one of many old heritage buildings in the surrounding area. Unique to this castle is its elaborate shape which, when seen from an aerial view, is in the shape of a Tudor rose. Educational yet awe-inspiring, spend a day discovering one of the finest artillery castles in England.
Distance from The Royal: 9 minute walk
Walmer Castle
Another in the line of castles built under the command of Henry VIII, this castle is rich in heritage and history. There are many well-known historical characters who have taken residence within the castle, including Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and the Duke of Wellington.
In recent years, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was a frequent visitor of Walmer Castle. Spend a day exploring the castle and its magnificent grounds and gardens.
Distance from The Royal: 6 minute drive
Dover Castle
One of the most important castles in English history, from its founding in the 12th Century, it has helped to protect our shores from invasion. This is true right up to its use in World War Two as Churchill directed Operation Dynamo from the War Tunnels, which makes up one of the many exciting exhibitions at the castle.
Distance from The Royal: 20 minute drive
Howlett’s Wild Animal Park
Howlett’s Wild Animal Park is a day of wild adventure set in 90 acres of beautiful ancient parkland. As well as being home to many rare and endangered species, the park also offers special experiences that enable you to take the adventure to a new level – like becoming a zookeeper for a day or taking a guided tour to learn more about your favourite wild animals.
Distance from The Royal: 30 minute drive
Wingham Wildlife Park
Visit Wingham Wildlife Park and enjoy a walk on the wild side! Get close access to the animals with free roaming birds and wallabies, walk through enclosures, and enjoy hands-on encounters where you can meet reptiles, insects, and hand-reared mammals.
This charity organisation takes care of hundreds of different species of wildlife and is a great place to teach children about the natural world and the importance of preserving it.
Distance from The Royal: 20 minute drive
Canterbury
If you are visiting Kent then a trip to the beautiful city of Canterbury is a must. Experience its history and heritage, stunning architecture, and world-famous buildings such as the breathtaking cathedral. The city also has a great range of high street and specialist stores.
Distance from The Royal: 35 minute drive
Sandwich
With its ancient buildings, nature reserves, golf courses, delightful country pubs, cafés, and restaurants, Sandwich has something for everyone to enjoy. It is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in England and is a principal Cinque Port.
Distance from The Royal: 14 minute drive
Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre
Evocatively sited amid the East Kent marshes, Richborough is perhaps the most symbolically important of all Roman sites in Britain, witnessing both the beginning and almost the end of Roman rule here. Explore the huge stone walls which mark the site of this Saxon Shore fortress and take a look at the fascinating museum.
Distance from The Royal: 18 minute drive
Golf Clubs
Regarded as one of the world's best, the Royal St. George's Golf Club has a large range of facilities for both the amateur and professional golfer.
Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club is an 118-hole links golf course in a stunning location by the coast.
Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club offers stunning views of the English Channel and the surrounding villages.
The Turner Contemporary
This dynamic visual arts exhibition centre which showcases some of the most talented artists in modern and contemporary art. The Turner Contemporary aims to make art more open, fulfilling and relevant for all, so it's well worth a visit.
Viking Way Bicycle Ride
Whether you are an experienced cyclist or a novice, you will find plenty to enjoy along the 27-mile (43.5km) route on the Isle of Thanet, the location of the first Viking landing in 449 AD.
The inland loop is on quiet lanes, taking in pretty Kentish villages with ancient churches such as St. Nicholas at Wade and passing Minster Abbey, one of England's oldest inhabited buildings founded in 670 AD.
A short detour leads you to the 16-acre Monkton Nature Reserve, an important resource for the protection of wild flowers, including rare orchids.