Staycation
My two girls, aged 5 and 8, absolutely loved it. We often think we need kids clubs and lots of entertainment for children, but they were so happy to paddle, throw stones in the sea and go to the arcade. The only thing my daughter wanted was to put her toes in the sea, and when she did she was over the moon. Be warned, the beach is pebbles, but with the weather not being so great we couldn't exactly sit and make sandcastles anyway. There is a free paddling pool a 15 minute walk away that, on a sunny day, would be brilliant for the kids and if you like a bit of history you have the choice between Deal or Walmer castles to visit. Deal is so beautiful and peaceful, but has plenty of places for you to grab a drink or a bite to eat. As someone with coeliac disease, I thought I would struggle to find gluten free food, but there was so much choice. Kerry's Bakehouse is 100% gluten free, you cant even bring in regular food! Seaview chip shop has a separate fryer for their chips so they are gluten free and Margheritas has gluten free pizza, pasta and CAKE. The Royal Hotel right on the seafront has incredible views of the pier and on a clear day you can see France. The food again was amazing and they happily catered for myself and my daughter who also has coeliac disease. We got the train and the walk from the station took us less than 10 minutes. Deal may not be the busiest or liveliest of towns, but to be honest that what I loved about it. I felt so relaxed and chilled out and have booked to go again in October (this time we will definitely need coats ??)