Deal Music & Arts Festival

Calling all classical connoisseurs, folk fans, opera aficionados and general appreciators of the arts – Deal Music & Arts Festival runs from 4 to 14 July and has a packed programme of world-class entertainment. Local venues across the district will be hosting a wealth of performers with something for all ages, with several events free to attend.

The theme this year is French Connections with special guest artists from France, a dedicated French mini-film series and French music galore. Head to the festival website for full details. (Photo © Deal Music & Arts)

Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival

This family-friendly annual celebration of music, culture and community takes place in the heart of the picturesque town of Sandwich at a variety of venues, including local pubs and outdoor stages, from 1 to 7 July.

Established with a passion for preserving the rich traditions of folk music and the art of brewing, this free festival brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy a memorable week. Performers this year include Gentlemen of Few, The Old Country Crows and Ed Tudor Pole.  Find all you need to know on the festival website. (Photo © Funk Dooby)

Seafood Street Food

Deal’s much-loved and award-winning fishmonger and poulterer Jenkins & Son has moved to new premises at 77-81 High Street and now boasts a fantastic seafood street food bar in addition to its impressive fresh fish counter. Choose from a menu of hot eat in or takeaway street food from 10.30am to 2.30pm and buy fresh fish from 6.30am to 3.30pm. Don’t forget to ask for catch of the day and dish of the day. Also available are ready meals cooked on site to takeaway and heat up at home. (Photo © Chris Mansfield 2024)

White Cliffs Walking Week

Explore the area by joining guided walks organised by the White Cliffs Ramblers during their White Cliffs Walking Week from 15 to 21 July.

Daily walks are designed to showcase the scenic coastline and beautiful countryside of Kent; most walks include a visit to a local hostelry, place of interest or a theme. Walks include three new Royal Kentish Camino walks and two legs of the Via Francigena, both initially starting from Canterbury, but taking in several scenic parts of the Kentish countryside on the way to the south coast.

Walks are free and for most walks you do not have to book, just turn up. Food, drinks and entry into places of interest will be at your own expense. All details and the programme of walks are available on the White Cliffs Ramblers’ website.

Go Team GB!

Soak up some English seaside charm before heading to the French capital or cool off after the heat of the games. If you’re heading this way to catch the ferry to France to watch the Olympics in Paris later this month, why not stay here en route. With a wide variety of lovely places to stay near the port, it’s easy to extend your trip by arriving a couple of days early or staying here afterwards to explore the area.

From camping and glamping sites in the countryside or clifftop to self-catering cottages and luxury hotels by the sea, there’s something for every budget. Browse our website to find out more and book soon to avoid disappointment.

Deal Pride

Join the crowds for the second-ever Deal Pride on Saturday 13 July. The March will start at 11am from Alfred Square, making its way through Deal town to the promenade, past Deal Castle and ending on Walmer Green. The Party on the Green will start at about 12pm once the March arrives. A whole host of performers will entertain the audience for the afternoon with the party finishing at 5pm. Enjoy food and drink from the various vendors on site and browse community groups and stalls. Come dressed in plenty of colour and enjoy the party. (Photo © Chris Mansfield 2024)

Solar ice cream

Solley’s Farm in Ripple in the beautiful Kentish countryside near Deal uses milk from neighbouring farms and other locally sourced ingredients to make their delicious ice cream. The south east’s largest independent producer of real dairy ice cream and Kent’s first solar-powered ice cream, Solley’s deliver daily across the region, as well as selling direct from the farm in summer and offering home delivery throughout Kent.

Visit the parlour on the farm where you can choose from over 20 flavours to create a sundae or have your favourites in a cone. Open daily from 10am to 4pm, they also serve breakfasts, lunches and tea and cake. Take a tractor ride around the farm during the school holidays and at weekends during term time or visit the onsite Pub at Solley’s for a pint.

**You can now buy mini takeaway tubs of Solley’s ices (including vegan) at the Visitor Information Centre and shop in Dover Museum, Market Square, Dover.**

Paddling Pool now open

A firm favourite with local and visiting families with young children, Walmer Paddling Pool next to Roman Landings Adventure Golf on the seafront at Walmer has been refurbished and is now open for the season between 10am and 5pm. Entry is free. There’s a beach hut kiosk at the main adventure golf entrance serving hot and cold drinks and snacks, a Kids’ Karts track (£3 per session) and, of course, the brilliant adventure golf course to keep everyone entertained.