Sandwich to Deal Walk [Complete Guide + Map]

Starting in medieval Sandwich and finishing on Deal’s seafront, the Sandwich to Deal Walk is an easy 6 km coastal route linking two historic seaside towns along the Kent coastline. It’s flat, straightforward, and follows a mix of beach and promenade, making it ideal for a relaxed half-day walk from London.

One day, I asked Chat GPT for advice on underrated coastal walks accessible from London, and this is what I got: Sandwich to Deal! Hands down, Chat GPT, you are my new hiking buddy.

Logistics of the Sandwich to Deal Walk

Map of the Sandwich to Deal Walk

Do you want to do this walk? Download the GPS map for free by clicking on the button below. Learn how to upload the map onto your navigation app by following my guide here.

Highlights of the Sandwich to Deal Walk

Sandwich to Deal Walk

So now we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the walk!

A Little History of Sandwich

Tucked away on the east coast of Kent, Sandwich is one of England’s best-preserved medieval towns, with roots reaching deep into the early history of the country. The Romans likely began their invasion of Britain close to this area in AD 43, giving Sandwich strategic importance from the very beginning. By 1086, the town appeared in the Domesday Book, already established as a thriving settlement. By the Middle Ages, it had become one of the key Cinque Ports, supplying ships to the Crown and benefiting from trade across the Channel. Its strategic position also made it a focal point in national events, including the decisive Battle of Sandwich, which helped secure English control of the seas during the First Barons’ War. Even kings passed through here, most notably Richard the Lionheart, who landed in Sandwich in 1194 after his release from captivity.

The town’s prosperity continued into the Tudor period, when waves of Huguenots and Walloons settled here, fleeing religious persecution in mainland Europe. Their arrival transformed Sandwich into a centre of textile production, bringing new weaving skills that boosted the local economy. Although the harbour eventually silted up, shifting Sandwich inland and ending its days as a major port, its historic fabric remained remarkably intact.

Walking Through Sandwich

We start our walk at Sandwich Station. From there, we walk towards the Toll Bridge, passing by St Peter’s Church. Much of the church building dates back around 800 years to Sandwich’s medieval peak, though traces of an earlier Norman church can still be spotted today. The addition of its distinctive tower, crowned with an unusual onion-shaped dome, took place in the 17th century when Flemish Protestant refugees brought architectural influences from their homeland to Sandwich. The church also preserves a unique local custom: every evening at 8pm, the curfew bell rings, a tradition once used to signal residents to safely cover their fires.

The Sandwich Toll Bridge has been a vital crossing over the River Stour since the early 14th century, when it was first constructed to replace an unreliable ferry service. The crossing was rebuilt several times: first in 1773 using Portland stone, then replaced by a wooden bridge in 1856, before the distinctive three-arch iron swing bridge was installed in 1892 to allow river traffic through. The bridge later became part of the A256, but growing traffic turned it into a bottleneck by the 1960s. It was granted Grade II listed status in 1976, and tolls were abolished in 1977. Despite the opening of a bypass in 1981, the bridge remains a historic and functional landmark of the town.

After the Toll Bridge, you arrive at the Sandwich Medieval Centre. Come inside, it’s free. And if you dare, why not try the pillory?

River Stour & Fields

You finally reach the River Stour. It stretches for about 47 miles (76 km), rising near Lenham in the North Downs. It flows east through towns like Ashford and Canterbury before reaching the sea at Pegwell Bay, near Sandwich.

After Sandwich Playground, as the towpath heads north, we leave the bank of the River Stour and continue East towards the fields. Here, we walk through farmlands and encounter cows grazing in peace.

We finally arrive at the Royal St George’s Golf Club. Founded in 1887 and granted “Royal” status by King Edward VII in 1902, this golf course is set among dramatic coastal dunes. It made history in 1894 as the first course outside Scotland to host The Open Championship.

Crossing through the golf club is our last hurdle before reaching Sandwich Bay and the Prince’s Drive.

Sandwich Bay

The route is straightforward, simply follow the coastline all the way to Deal. The beach here is mostly pebbled, so the paved promenade offers a more comfortable alternative underfoot. From Sandwich Bay to Deal Pier, where the walk finishes, the distance is around 6 km.

Since 19 March 2026, this section has formed part of the King Charles III England Coast Path, an ambitious 2,689-mile (4,328 km) route tracing the entire English coastline, making it the longest managed coastal trail in the world.

Related Content: Margate to Ramsgate Walk

Deal

The coastal town of Deal has long been shaped by its strategic position along the English Channel. It was recorded in the Domesday Book as a village. Deal also found itself caught up in national events, most notably in 1495 when the pretender Perkin Warbeck landed here in an attempt to claim the English throne, only for his rebellion to quickly collapse.

By the 16th century, Deal had grown into an important maritime centre, prompting Henry VIII to strengthen England’s coastal defences here. He commissioned the construction of Deal Castle in 1539, part of a chain of artillery forts designed to protect against invasion. The town later played a key role during the Napoleonic Wars, when additional fortifications such as Walmer Castle were built. Over time, as the threat of invasion declined and maritime patterns changed, Deal evolved into a quieter coastal town.

Our walk ends at Deal Pier, designed by Sir W. Halcrow & Partners and officially opened on 19 November 1957 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. There’s a very good reason to finish here: right at the end of the pier sits the popular Deal Pier Kitchen. Don’t be put off by the queue, it moves quickly and is well worth the wait. One dish you shouldn’t miss is the crab sandwich. You start in Sandwich and end with a sandwich… that’s the Deal!

Bon appetit!

Final Thoughts on the Sandwich to Deal Walk

The Sandwich to Deal Walk is one of those routes that proves you don’t need to travel far from London to get proper coastal scenery.

If you’re keen to explore more like this, I’ve rounded up my favourite seaside routes in my guide to the Best Coastal Walks near London, perfect for when you’re ready to plan your next trip.

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