Deal House

Deal is a charming town 8 miles north east of Dover and 8 miles south of Ramsgate. With splendid architecture, a wonderful shingle beach, an excellent range of independent shops, 2 weekly markets, 2 castles, a pier, 3 museums and some outstanding restaurants, the town is very popular. It is a former fishing, mining and garrison town with history closely linked to the anchorage in the Downs. You can explore the lovely shops and cafes or take the coastal cycle path to Kingsdown via the historic Deal castle.

Deal’s Maritime and Local History Museum portrays the fascinating changing history of Deal, Walmer and the surrounding area. There is an interesting collection of boats including the 1891 Saxon King. The Timeball Tower Museum also explores and explains the nautical history of Deal. It is a great and good value activity. The Kent Museum of Moving Image is a not-for-profit museum that explores the deep history of the moving image from the days of candlelit magic lantern performances and hand-painted slides through to the modern cinema. It is wonderful and well worth a visit.

Deal is very close to Walmer, a possible location for Julius Ceasar’s first arrival. You can explore more than eight acres of award-winning gardens in the grounds of the picturesque Walmer Castle. It was once a Tudor artillery fortress that became a stately home for the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports, including the Iron Duke of Wellington. The formal and informal gardens are a delight with herbaceous borders, vivid colourful planting, an impressive cloud hedge, a kitchen garden, wild flower meadows, shaded woodland, a sunken glen and the glorious Queen Mother’s garden. Further away you can visit Ramsgate which has become very fashionable or the many glorious vineyards, orchards and gardens of the wonderful Kent countryside.

Read more about Kent

Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Kent

Welcome to the bloomin' marvellous "Garden of England", Kent! Sprinkled with Oliver’s Travels cute cottages, bee-shaped lodges, mansion houses, seaside wonders and colossal party houses, you will find just the perfect place to stay to discover this wonderful county. So, gather up your favourite friends or your family or whisk away your special someone for a romantic getaway. Thanks to Oliver’s Travels, your adventure in this flowery haven is just a booking away!

Kent is home to some real showstoppers. First up is Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Archbishop of Canterbury's favourite hangout. With its Gothic glam and incredible history, it is a must-visit for history buffs and spiritual seekers alike. Leeds Castle, named the "loveliest castle in the world", is surrounded by a moat and stunning gardens that make you question if you have stepped into a fairy tale. The White Cliffs of Dover stand tall and proud, like the bodyguards of Britain. These chalky wonders have guarded this fine land for centuries and a trip to Dover not only treats you to panoramic views of the English Channel but also a chance to explore the historic Dover Castle.

Nature lovers adore The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a green haven of rolling hills, woodlands and charming villages. It feels like Mother Nature threw a garden party and you are invited! You can lace up those hiking boots, hop on a bike or just bask in the countryside tranquility. If you are looking for beachside bliss, Margate and Broadstairs have sandy shores and a lively arts scene. You should check out the Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate.

Canterbury is a living, breathing medieval postcard with cobbled streets, timber-framed buildings and the River Stour snaking through. Tenterden and Faversham, the market towns, are like stepping into a scene from a quaint British movie. Markets, boutique shops and historic architecture blend together in a beautiful way. Chilham, the village with a Tudor-style square, is practically a movie star. You might have seen it in period dramas, it is that photogenic.

There are plenty of festivals that take place, including The Canterbury Festival of music, theatre and art. The Rochester Dickens Festival offers Victorian-themed events, parades and street performances. It is like stepping into a Dickens novel. Get your taste buds ready for a dance because Kent is the "Garden of England" for a reason. Featuring orchards, hop gardens and vineyards, it is a feast for the senses. You can visit farmers' markets, cider houses and wineries to savour the local delights. Kentish cherries and apples are the celebrities here and you are the VIP guest at their flavour-packed party.

Kent is a whirlwind of history, natural beauty and culture. You will fall head over heels and the memories will linger like the scent of summer roses. So, whether you are storming medieval castles, sauntering through charming towns, lazing on a beach or feasting on oysters in Whitstable, a trip to Kent guarantees an adventure. Cheers to Kent where every moment is a bloomin' good time!