A Complete Guide to the Kent Coast: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
A Complete Guide to the Kent Coast: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
The Kent coast is one of England’s hidden gems: full of history, beautiful beaches, charming towns, and plenty of places to eat and drink. Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a longer seaside holiday, there’s something here for everyone.
Here’s our complete guide to the Kent coast: where to stay, where to eat, and what to explore.
Where to Stay on the Kent Coast
-
Deal: A relaxed, stylish seaside town with a friendly atmosphere and plenty to see and do. With its beach, pier, castle, and buzzing high street, it’s the perfect base for exploring the rest of the coast. The House in Deal is a cosy holiday home just minutes from the seafront and town centre: your home-from-home by the sea.
-
Whitstable: Just 50 minutes by car from Deal, or an hour 10 by train, Whitstable is famous for its oysters and food scene. A a foodie’s dream with colourful beach huts and a creative vibe.
-
Margate: About 45 minutes by train or car, Margate is cool and vibrant mix of sandy beaches, vintage shops, and art galleries, including the Turner Contemporary. Perfect if you want a more bustling seaside break.
-
Sandwich: A medieval town full of winding streets and historic charm, ideal for a slower pace of holiday. It’s a 15 mins car ride or a 6 minute one stop train ride from Deal Station, which is less than 2 minutes from The House in Deal
- Folkestone: A harbour town that’s reinvented itself with a buzzing creative quarter, independent shops, and the vibrant Harbour Arm with food stalls, open air cinema and live music. Great for culture lovers and day-trippers, and just half an hour from Deal.
Where to Eat on the Kent Coast
Foodies are spoilt for choice along the Kent coast. Some favourites include:
-
Fresh seafood in Deal, from fish and chips at SeaView on the beach to fine dining restaurants like Victuals, Frog & Scot and amazing seafood in Jenkins & Son.
-
Whitstable oysters, famous across the UK. Try the oldest restaurant in town, Wheelers Oyster Bar or The Whitstable Oyster Company both of which are wonderful!
-
Artisan cafés and bakeries scattered throughout coastal towns. The coffee is great in Market Square in Folkestone, try a branch of Staple Stores in Ramsgate or Broadstairs, and you can’t beat the coffee and the brunch in Deal Pier Kitchen!
-
Traditional Kentish pubs serving hearty Sunday roasts and local ales. One of our faves is The Lantern Inn in Martin which is 15 minutes by car from The House in Deal. A pretty country pub which gorgeous decor and amazing roasts!
- Street food stalls and pop-ups at Folkestone’s Harbour Arm, perfect for a relaxed evening or a fun afternoon on a sunny day. And don’t miss Rocksalt perfect for a special occasion (our daughter said she had the best mussels there she’d ever had!), or its little sister on the beach Little Rock where the brunch is delicious!
Wherever you stay, you’ll find plenty of local produce and independent businesses to support.
Little Rock on Folkestone Beach
What to Explore on the Kent Coast
There’s no shortage of things to see and do:
-
Castles: Explore Deal Castle, Walmer Castle, and the impressive Dover Castle for a step back in time.
Walmer Castle Gardens
-
Beaches: From Deal’s pebbly seafront to the golden sands of Broadstairs and Margate.
Botany Bay
-
Coastal Walks: The England Coast Path offers miles of breathtaking scenery, including the dramatic White Cliffs between Dover and Folkestone.
-
Art and Culture: Visit Margate for galleries or head to Folkestone’s Creative Quarter and Harbour Arm for exhibitions, food, and live entertainment.
The Turner Art Gallery in Margate
Final Thoughts
The Kent coast really does have it all: beaches, castles, great food, and charming seaside towns. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, there’s plenty to discover.
Make The House in Deal your base and enjoy everything this special stretch of the English coast has to offer.
Book your stay at The House in Deal
Category: The Kent Coast, Things to do in Deal