Deal Beach
At the heart of the town lies Deal Beach, a long stretch of traditional pebble shoreline overlooking the English Channel. With Deal Pier extending out into the water and colourful fishing boats resting along the shore, the beach here has a timeless seaside atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy sea swimming, paddleboarding or simply a stroll along the promenade before stopping at one of the many nearby cafés or restaurants. In the evening, Deal beach becomes especially magical as the sun sets across the water and the seafront takes on a wonderfully relaxed feel.
Walmer Beach
Just a short walk south from Deal lies Walmer Beach, where the coastline feels quieter and more spacious. The beach stretches gently between Deal and Kingsdown, offering wide views across the Channel and plenty of room to enjoy the sea air. The promenade walk between Walmer and Deal is one of the most enjoyable seaside strolls in Kent, passing Deal Castle and offering uninterrupted sea views the entire way. Nearby Walmer Green provides a lovely place to pause for coffee, while families often enjoy the paddling pool and crazy golf beside the beach.
Kingsdown Beach
Continuing along the coast brings you to the charming village of Kingsdown, where the beach feels wonderfully relaxed and unspoilt. Here the shoreline is lined with colourful beach huts and small fishing boats, giving the village a timeless coastal charm. The beach is popular for sea swimming, paddleboarding and rock pooling, while the calm waters often make it ideal for gentle seaside adventures. Kingsdown is also home to the much-loved Zetland Arms, a pub sitting right beside the beach where visitors can enjoy lunch or drinks with the sea just steps away.
Sandwich Bay
For those looking for wide open beaches and dramatic coastal scenery, Sandwich Bay offers something truly special. This vast stretch of coastline sits within a private coastal estate and forms part of an internationally important nature reserve. At low tide, huge sand flats appear along the shoreline, creating miles of open beach perfect for walking. Sandwich Bay is known for its tranquillity, wildlife and sense of space, making it one of the most peaceful places to experience the Kent coast.
St Margaret’s Bay
One of the most spectacular beaches near Deal is St Margaret’s Bay, tucked beneath the towering White Cliffs of Dover. The beach sits within a dramatic chalk cove surrounded by cliffs, creating a wonderfully sheltered and picturesque setting. At low tide, rock pools appear along the shore, making it a favourite place for families exploring the coastline. A short walk up the cliffs leads to South Foreland Lighthouse, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the Channel — and on clear days even glimpse the coast of France.
Exploring the Kent Coast
One of the joys of this coastline is how easily the beaches connect to one another. Visitors can walk between many of them along scenic coastal paths or cycle the quiet roads linking Deal, Walmer, Kingsdown and Sandwich Bay. Each location offers its own character, from lively seaside towns to peaceful stretches of wild coastline.
Stay by the Sea on the Kent Coast
If you’re planning a visit to explore these beaches, Foreland Cottages offers a carefully curated collection of holiday homes across Deal, Kingsdown, Sandwich Bay and St Margaret’s Bay. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront house, a quiet coastal retreat or a stylish cottage near the sea, our properties provide the perfect base for discovering the Kent coast.
Wake up near the beach. Spend your days exploring the coastline. Return to a beautiful space designed for rest, recharge and coastal living.
