If you want to see Deal properly without a car, there are now two new guides to help you plan. One covers recommended walks, the other cycle routes. Both are limited to Deal, Walmer and Sholden, and both are on the website's Walks and cycle routes page, where you'll find the maps and the directions links.

The walks range from an easy stroll to a longer loop with a village stop. Times are approximate, so allow a little extra if you plan to stop for a coffee or a look round the castles.

Three walks to start with

The pier, Middle Street and Church Path. About 3 miles, taking 1½ to 2 hours. Start at the pier, head into town to Middle Street with its Georgian lanes, then continue past Caxton House (now Lloyd Court) to Church Path and return to the seafront.

The pier to Sholden. About 3½ miles, taking 2 to 2½ hours. Follow Church Path to the village of Sholden, then walk back along the seafront to the pier.

Castle to castle along the seafront. Two miles, one way, from Walmer Castle to Deal Castle, with about 3½ hours allowed including visits. It's easy and flat with no steep cliffs, which makes it suitable for families and wheelchair users. Dogs must be on a lead, and you should check English Heritage opening times before you set off.

Cycling along the coast

The cycle guide centres on National Cycle Route 1, which runs traffic-free along the seafront from Deal Pier. It's mostly flat. Heading north it leads towards Sandwich and Canterbury; heading south it leads towards Walmer and on to the White Cliffs and Dover.

For something gentler, the guide also points to the Discover Deal Ride, a short ride through the streets and pathways of Deal and Walmer, with its route map and cuesheet on Ride with GPS. Deal Town Council's cycle and walking map shows the cycle paths, footpaths and green spaces across the three villages.

Maps and printable guides

The maps on the website are simplified. They join the main points with straight lines, so they show the general shape of each route rather than exact paths. Use the directions links on the page for the detail, or an Ordnance Survey map for walking off the beaten track.

Both guides are also available as printable PDFs, with the same routes and details, so you can take them out without a phone.

Heritage trails and longer rides

The walks page also lists heritage trails, including the Blue Plaque Trail, the Royal Marines Heritage Trail and the Historic Town Trail, with links to where each one is described. Routes that leave town, such as the Pier to Park ride to Betteshanger Country Park and the Kingsdown Cruise, are listed on the Cycle Friendly Deal page.

For more ideas on what to do once you've arrived, see our things to do page.