Deal (Sandwich) Cinque Port

 A friend of mrs maytrees and sister in law having just moved to Deal my younger brother John, his wife, mrs maytrees and I decided to spend a day there this week. A good choice as it was the hottest day of the year in England so far in 2020.

A longish but easy drive which younger brother willingly took on to drive us all there in his roomy car. We left the girls to chat  to their friend in her new home,  a lovely little cottage, and walked down to the town centre. Amusingly, my map reading resulted in what should have been a 25 minute walk, taking 45 minutes in the sunshine. However this was fine in beautiful sun and breeze as  the roads were relatively deserted. 

In any event, as John had driven down lunch was my treat. Deal itself was quiet compared for example to Whitstaple, which was packed  on the visit there mrs maytrees and I made week or so back. 

Being Friday John decided that fish and chips on the nearby pier would be an enjoyable lunch and so it proved.

The beach sloped steeply into the sea and was formed of  shingles so although some were swimming it is probably not ideal for toddlers or small children's bathing  but great for a long brisk walk. Additionally there is an excellent path at the top of the beach for long walks along the sea's edge.

Perhaps surprisingly there was an attractive open end cafe at the end of the  quiet pier, with some enjoyable chilled  drinks. From the benches at the pier end near the cafe,  the view of the sea shore part of town was thus:

Deal viewed from pier end

The centre of town is well laid out and divided into two sections of traffic free pedestrian shopping streets with fewer of the chain stores that appear to clutter so many towns elsewhere in England. Of course with the pandemic and the rise and rise of Amazon and other on-line warehouses, shops are closing everywhere - sadly

We walked back to meet the girls and briefly take them down to the town and beach.

A great day away.