Deal Pier Guide
Deal Pier is one of the town's most distinctive landmarks and the only surviving pier in Kent.
Stretching 1,026 feet into the English Channel, it offers sweeping views of the seafront and remains internationally recognised as one of the UK's top angling venues. The pier is also home to the award-winning Deal Pier Kitchen, a stylish café-restaurant at the far end with glass walls and panoramic coastal views.
Whether you're fishing, strolling, or dining, Deal Pier is an essential stop on any visit to this historic seaside town.
Deal Pier in the Summer.
The History of Deal Pier
Deal has had three piers across its history. The current pier was completed in 1954 and officially opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in November 1957. Built from reinforced concrete, its design has endured as both a practical fishing platform and a much-loved public space.
The First Pier (1838): A 250-foot wooden structure, destroyed by storms and washed away in 1857.
The Second Pier (1863): An 1,100-foot iron pier that thrived until 1940, when the Dutch vessel Nora collided with it, destroying 200 feet of ironwork. It was later demolished.
The Present Pier (1954-present): A reinforced concrete structure 1,026 feet long, praised for its design and durability. Named Pier of the Year 2008 by the National Piers Society, it remains the last surviving open pier in Kent.
Today, Deal Pier is owned and maintained by Dover District Council and continues to serve as a hub for leisure, fishing, and dining.
Things to Do at Deal Pier
Fishing
Deal Pier is world-renowned as a premier angling destination, attracting fishermen from across the UK and beyond. The lower deck provides excellent sea angling conditions, though it may close during severe weather for safety.
Deal Pier Kitchen
At the far end of the pier, Deal Pier Kitchen offers brunch, lunch, and drinks with some of the best sea views in Kent. Featured in The Times Top 30 Best Beach Cafés and Restaurants, it’s a must-visit for food lovers. The nearby takeaway shack serves snacks and refreshments for visitors enjoying a stroll along the pier.
Walking and Views
The pier is ideal for a leisurely walk, offering panoramic views across the Channel and the Kent coastline. On clear days, you can even see France. The Walmer and Deal Seafront Parkrun passes the pier, offering a scenic route for runners along the promenade.
Deal Pier Kitchen and Takeaway
Restaurant: Monday - Thursday 10am - 4pm | Friday - Sunday 9am - 5pm
Takeaway Shack: Daily 9am - 5pm
Why Visit Deal Pier
Deal Pier is more than just a walkway into the sea - it’s a historic landmark, a celebrated fishing venue, and a place to unwind with food, drink, and sea air. Whether you're enjoying a family stroll, casting a fishing line, or dining at Deal Pier Kitchen, this iconic structure is an unmissable part of any visit to Deal.
Visitor Information
| Location | Beach Street, Deal, Kent, CT14 6HY |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Dover District Council |
| Opening Hours |
April - November: Sunday - Thursday 8am - 10pm, Friday & Saturday 8am - midnight December - March: Sunday - Thursday 8am - 6pm, Friday & Saturday 8am - midnight |
| Facilities | Café, restaurant, takeaway shack, toilets, angling decks |
| Accessibility | Main pier walkway is flat and accessible. Lower decks may have restricted access. |
| Nearby Attractions | Deal Castle, Deal Seafront, Walmer Castle |