It's the week we've all been waiting for - The 149th Open is coming to Kent on the 11th July 2021, and we're ready to celebrate the historic Championship coming to our lovely county again. There’s plenty to enjoy in your time with us, from street food festivals to long walks along the rugged coastline and plenty of spots to sit and soak up the atmosphere, drink in hand. Our friends in White Cliffs Country have gathered all the info you need for planning your week with us - welcome to Kent! We're so happy to see you...
As you’ll appreciate, circumstances can change, so please check with individual venues before attending any events or experiences.
Baypoint Club is the leading luxury multi-sport, social and business facility in East Kent working with and within the community to offer opportunity to all. The Open will be shown in the sports bar between Thurs 15th – Sun 18th Jul, with discounts on various drinks and the light bar menu
Location: Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, CT13 9QL
Date and time: Thurs 15th – Sun 18th Jul, 9am – 10.30pm.
Cost: Free entry to the bar
The Breakwater Brewery aims to brew world class beer from only the finest Kent chalk filtered water straight from the ground. A Taproom is on site where the mash tun and Copper can be viewed. There is also a pizzeria offering stone-baked pizzas. The brewery is running private tasting sessions which includes 6 tasters (each a third of a pint).
Location: St. Martins Yard, Lorne Road, Dover, CT16 2AA
Date and time: Every second and last Thursday of the month, including Thu 8th Jul, 12noon-2pm
Cost: £15 per head, including nibbles. Minimum of 10 people needed, maximum of 20 per group.
How to book: Send a message via the Breakwater Brewery FB page or call 07427 304551 / 07866 198075
Daisy Green is a garden-based Skincare Studio located a few minutes walk from Deal Castle offering a variety of holistic treatments including organic facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures. Between 12th -17th July all facial and body treatments booked will automatically be upgraded to include a free Rose Quartz Eye Revive treatment.
Location: 45 Gilford Rd, Deal CT14 7DJ (between Tides and Deal Castle)
Date and time: Mon 12th - Fri 16th Jul, 9am - 8pm, Sat 17th Jul, 9am – 2pm
Cost: Various
How to book: Via Facebook or Instagram or call 07504 023 086
Learn how Richborough was once a busy Port and the landing site of the Claudian invasion during AD43. It was first a supply base and then developed into a busy bustling town incorporating an Amphitheatre, and one of the largest Monumental Arches in the Roman Empire. It then became an impressive Roman Saxon Shore Fort with walls up to 3.3m thick and up to 10m high -much of which are still standing today.
Location: Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9JW
Dates and times: 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th July – 5pm for 5.30pm Tour. The tour lasts around an hour.
Costs: Adults £10. Concessions £8.00. Child £6.00 payable on the day
How to book: Booking is essential. Telephone the Site directly on 01304 612013
Phillip Hoyler
Deal Music & Arts Festival has been bringing the best of arts and culture to East Kent for nearly 40 years. Come and enjoy world class music and art in this beautiful and historic corner of England.
Location: Various venues in Deal
Date and time: Thu 1st – Sat 17th Jul, various times
Cost: Various – from free events to £26
How to book: https://dealmusicandarts.com/festival-2021-at-a-glance/
Deal Museum is opening its doors for the first time since 2019, to give a warm welcome to visitors to the golf. There are a range of exhibitions including photos and historical lifejackets of the famous lifeboat men, old photos of Deal promenade, a cabinet of curiosities, and peep boards depicting famous scholar Elizabeth Carter and early lifeboat men. Stick your head through the peephole to get a truly Instagrammable snap!
Location: 22 St George’s Road, Deal, CT14 6BA (between St George’s Church and the town hall)
Date and time: Thu 15th – Mon 19th Jul (then every week Thu– Mon until Oct), 1pm – 4pm
Cost: Free
ijclarkphoto
England Plus Tours specialises in half-day and full-day excursions. On their Kent Coastal Tour enjoy a guided walk on the White Cliffs from Kingsdown to picturesque St Margaret´s Bay and after lunch, visit the unique Samphire Hoe nature reserve, where we have an illustrated talk by a ranger, followed by a walk along England´s newest section of coastline. Or follow in the footsteps of 007 on the James Bond tour, taking in some of Kent’s most beautiful areas while stopping off at some of the lesser-known places associated with Ian Fleming.
Location: Pick up and drop off anywhere in the Sandwich/Dover/Canterbury/Folkestone/Ashford area (transfers from further afield at an extra cost)
Date and time: Both tours 9.30/10am – 2.30/3pm (depending on drop off point)
Cost: Half-day tours tours £130 per person with 2 on the tour, £75 per person with 4 people, £60 per person with 6. Tours can also be provided for 1,3 or 5 people – price on request.
How to book: Via the website https://www.englandplustours.com/index.html email info@englandplustours.com or call 07540 736411
Betteshanger Park have teamed up with the hugely popular City Feast to bring you the Golf & Street Food festival. Come and watch the golf on the biggest screen in Kent while enjoying some delicious street food, craft beer or even a cocktail In the beautiful surroundings of Betteshanger Park. There’s also plenty of fun for all the family, including a crazy golf course, golf simulators and live music!
Location: Amphitheatre at Betteshanger Park
Date and time: Fri 16th – Sun 18th Jul, 11am – 8pm
Cost: Free
Enjoy a walk and tile-making session in rural Temple Ewell hosted by Kent Craft Hive. You’ll start by collecting some plant material from local hedgerows and woodland, learning about the history of the village and habitats. The materials will be used to design your own unique plaster and clay tiles, with the art works reflecting the beauty of nature.
Location: 1 Pond End Cottages, London Road, Temple Ewell, Dover CT16 3DQ
Date and time: Fri 16th and Sat 17th Jul, 10am – 3pm
Cost: £60
How to book: Via the website https://kentcrafthive.net/
@Bbirchley
The area outside the Kings Head, Port Arms and Dunkerley’s is hosting a great line-up of outdoor music to help everyone celebrate The Open! The Strydes Band (plus support) will play on Wednesday, ABBA Chique (A tribute to ABBA) will feature on Thursday, the BRUNO MARS Tribute (Jeff Dingle as Bruno Mars) will play on Friday and the Miami Vice 80’s Band will feature on Saturday.
Location: Beach Street, Deal, CT14 7AH
Date and time: Wed 14th – Sat 17th Jul, 7pm – 9.30pm
Cost: Free
How to book: No need to book.
Busking in aid of the local RNLI, Kellet Gut Shantyman will be at St Peter's Gardens in Sandwich on Saturday 17 July with singalong songs of a Nautical Nature.
Location: St Peter's Gardens, Sandwich, Kent
Date and time: Saturday 17th July, 10.30am – 12pm.
Cost: Free but voluntary contributions for the RNLI welcomed
How to book: No need to book
Primal Roots is a social enterprise that believes in the restorative power of fitness and nature. Take part in fantastic walking and trail-running tours of the surrounding area, as well as early morning pop-up fitness sessions (and/or yoga), with an outstanding body-fix therapist for massage or alternative therapy treatments. Longer retreats are also available, with accommodation.
Location: Various - Primal Roots may be able to meet you at your accommodation
Date and time: Sun 11th – Sun 18th Jul, flexible times
Cost: Minimum of 5 people needed - £25 per person for a 2 hour session
How to book: Call 07521 251403 or email retreats@primalroots.org.uk
This museum in the heart of the town is holding a special exhibition to mark the return of The 149th Open to Sandwich – find out more about Sandwich Bay, the golf clubs and social history of the town. The Museum also holds the Charter of the Forest dating from 1300.
Location: Cattle Market, Sandwich, CT13 9AH
Date and time: Wed 14th – Sun 18th Jul, 10am – 4pm
Cost: Free
How to book: Please book in advance on the website https://www.sandwichguildhallmuseum.co.uk/ or by emailing museum@sandwichtowncouncil.gov.uk
Sandwich is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Britain - step back in time to see live crafts being demonstrated such as calligraphy, blacksmithing, print making, woodworking, bread making, and wheat weaving.
Location: The Quay, Sandwich, CT13 9EN
Date and time: Thu 8th-Sun 11th Jul, 10am -4pm. Wed 14th – Sat 17th Jul, 12pm – 7pm and Sun 18th Jul 10am – 4pm
Cost: Free
How to book: No booking needed
Join ‘Admiral Nelson’ for this evening tour of Deal, taking you all the way from the arrival of Julius Caesar through to the town’s smuggling history, and stop off at a traditional pub to take some refreshments.
Location: Meet at the entrance to Deal pier, Beach St, Deal CT14 6HY
Date and time: Sun 11th Jul – Sun 18th Jul, start time 7pm (walking tour lasts one hour, or one hour 40 mins including a visit to the pub)
Cost: £8 per person
How to book: Email thehistoryproject@yahoo.com or call 01304 371057
Time & Tide Brewing specialise in juicy, hoppy IPAs, with a range of lagers, stouts and sours too that are all brewed and packaged on site; delivered to your door! They are extending their deliveries to all CT postcodes for The 149th Open, and will be open for pre-ordered collections from Monday – Friday.
Location: Statenborough Farm, Felderland Lane, Deal, CT14 0BX (next to Gladwells).
Date and time: Daily deliveries to CT postcodes, brewery open Mon 12th – Fri 16th Jul, 9am – 5pm (check the website for possible weekend opening times).
Cost: Various
How to book: Order via the website www.timeandtidebrewing.co.uk or email sales@timeandtidebrewing.co.uk
The Old Pharmacy is renowned for its amazing hand-mixed cocktails with a loyal customer base across East Kent and further afield. The contemporary bar also serves beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks in a gorgeous environment, with a focus on making guests feel each visit is special. Opening hours are being extended for the week of The 149th Open.
Location: 39 King Street, Sandwich, CT13 9BL
Date and time: Mon 12th – Sat 17th Jul, until 10pm
Cost: Various
How to book: Booking is strongly advised – email bookings@theoldpharmacysandwich.co.uk or call 01304 274819
Come along with your bike for this Tour de Forage golf special! Forage on the beach; enjoy woodland tea, herb cheese scones, rose petal cakes & botanical cocktails. Gather plants along the Ancient Highway, the 17th Century smugglers’ route to Deal, and finish your journey at Sandown Castle (1.4 miles from Deal train station). Find out how to hire a bike in the ‘Getting around White Cliffs Country’ section.
Location: Sandwich train station CT13 9RA, Platform 1, Exit.
Date and time: Tues 13th Jul, 2pm-6.30pm
Cost: £95 per person (please bring your own bike)
How to book: http://www.thewildkitchen.net/
Located at the end of Deal Pier, Deal Pier Kitchen enjoys wonderful views over the water and back towards Deal seafront, with historical buildings lining the shoreline. In the daytime the Kitchen serves brunch and lunch, while in the evenings it transforms into a Steak & Lobster restaurant, always using the best locally-sourced ingredients. Opening hours are being extended to welcome visitors to the golf.
Location: Deal Pier, Beach St, Deal, CT14 6HY
Date and time: Sun 11th – Sun 18th Jul, 9am – 5pm for brunch & lunch, Tues 13th Jul – Sat 17th Jul, 6pm – 11pm
Cost: Brunch and lunch, £7 - £15 per person. Dinner, £20-£40 per person.
How to book: To book for dinner, please visit www.dealpierkitchen.com. There is no need to book for brunch or lunch.
Chequers Kitchen is a cookery school and restaurant located on the Ancient Highway, alongside Royal Cinque Ports Golf Course. Their mission is to enable everyone to create their own inspiring kitchen story. Enjoy a delicious meal with live cooking at the in-restaurant cooking station for a bit of theatre!
Location: Golf Road, Deal, CT14 6RG
Date and time: Wed 14th, Thu 15th, Fri 16th Jul, 7.45pm – 10.30pm
Cost: £44
How to book: https://chequersdeal.co.uk/dining-events/
Cin Cin Bar and Restaurant offers live music, great food and an extensive drinks selection. It’s extending its hours throughout The Open. There will be jazz on Wednesday evening, acoustic sessions on Thursday and Friday evenings and live music on Saturday. Tuck into a hearty roast dinner at lunchtime on Sunday!
Location: 15A South Court, Deal, CT14 7AF
Date and time: Mon 12th – Fri 16th Jul, open from 5pm- midnight for cocktails, plus full bar tapas and small plates menu (with Bottomless option available). Sat 17th Jul, 12pm – midnight. Sun 18th, roast dinner 12pm – 3.30pm. Wed 14th - Sat 17th, music starts at 8pm and Sun 18th, 4pm.
Cost: Drinks and meals, various. Free entry to music events but donations are welcome.
How to book: Booking is recommended on https://cincinbardeal.co.uk/contact-us or by calling 01304 239489 or 07970 669506
Hut 55 is a coffee and snack shack set by the sea on Deal beach that serves up great coffee, massive sausage rolls, offensively large Scotch eggs and lashings of homemade cake out of a wooden beach hut, all to be enjoyed in a deckchair with a view. For the Open, pre-order a gloriously British picnic to enjoy on the beach, or an individual lunch box to take with you to fuel a day at the golf.
Location: Packed lunches & picnics will be available to collect from Hut 55, Deal Beach, Marine Road, CT14 7DN or at Deal train station, Queen Street, Deal, CT14 6HD
Date and time: Thurs 15th – Sun 18th Jul. Lunches to go will be available to collect at the Hut or from Deal train station on the way to the golf.
Cost: From £10
How to book: www.hut55.co.uk
This family-run fishmongers and poulterers sells locally sourced fresh fish and seasonal game. Why not treat yourself to one of their Lobster Salad Boxes, with half a local lobster, luxury salad and a homemade Marie Rose dressing? They will also be offering seafood platters, lobster baguettes, crab sandwiches and fresh-chucked oyster trays.
Location: 118 High Street, DEAL, CT14 6BB
Date and time: Pre-order and collect Lobster Salad Boxes, Thurs 15th, Fri 16th, Sat 17th July, 5am-3pm. Other items mentioned also available Thu 15th, Fri 16th, Sat 17th Jul. Shop is open Tues 13th Jul – Sat 17th Jul, 6.30am – 3.30pm.
Cost: £15.95
How to book: Via the website www.jenkinsandsonfishandgame.co.uk or by emailing jenkinsansonfishmongers@live.co.uk
Enjoy a special Ice Cream Sundae in celebration of the golf – “The Hole in One”! With three scoops of Solley’s delicious dairy ice cream, home made on Solley’s Farm near Deal. Look out for Solley’s by the scoop at The Open, too!
Location: The Dairy, Church Road, Ripple, Nr Deal, CT14 8JL. (Sundaes available only at the Ice Cream Parlour.)
Dates and times: Sun 11th – Sun 18th Jul, open daily from 11am – 4pm
Cost: Admission to Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour is free of charge, “The Hole in One” Sundae will be available for £5.80 each.
The Kings Arms Hotel is a traditional English inn, built around 1580. The original charm and character have been retained over the years leaving it unspoilt and an ideal place to relax and unwind. The hotel is extending its dining hours to cater for visitors to The Open.
Location: 63-65 Strand Street, Sandwich, CT13 9HN (opposite St. Mary's church)
Date and time: 11th – 18th Jul, food served all day from 12pm with last orders at 10pm
Cost: Various
How to book: Call 01304 617 330
The Meatball Company operates out of Wellingtons Bistro. It offers fresh, restaurant quality food delivered hot to your door. Choose your meatballs from a selection of vegan, cheesy, pork, lamb or beef and add a sauce and a side, plus burgers and wraps and desserts and an alcohol menu. To celebrate The Open, there will be a 10% discount on takeaways - Code OPEN10.
Location: 27 Beach St, Deal, CT14 6HY
Date and time: The Meatball Company, Thu 15th – Sun 18th Jul, 4.30pm – 9pm
Cost: Various
How to book: Download The Meatball Company app, order from the website www.themeatballcompany.co.uk or call 01304 361777.
Wellingtons is a seaside bistro serving all day British and American breakfasts and delicious lunches - from pancake stacks and corned beef hash to eggs benedict and light lunches of paninis or traditional lunches of jacket potatoes and burgers and chips! To celebrate The Open, Wellingtons Bistro will be opening early each day,
Location: 27 Beach St, Deal, CT14 6HY
Date and time: Wellingtons Bistro - Sun 11th – Sun 18th Jul, 8am – 3pm.
Cost: Various
How to book: No booking required. To order a takeaway for collection call 01304361777 or message the Facebook page Wellingtons, Deal
To find out about more places to eat and drink, go to https://www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk/eat-drink
If The 149th Open inspires you to play a round of golf yourself, there are plenty of opportunities to do so!
The neighbour of Royal St George’s, and a host of Local Final Qualifying for The Open Championship from 2018 to 2022, Princes Golf Club offers 27 holes of Championship Links golf on the stunning Kent coast.
Location: Sandwich Bay, Sandwich, CT13 9QB
Date and time: 11th – 20th July inclusive
Cost: £600 a tee time
How to book: Call 01304 611118, email office@princesgolfclub.co.uk or visit the website office@princesgolfclub.co.uk
Enjoy playing 18 holes on this Championship Links venue, with free TV coverage of The Open available in the clubhouse and free transfers to and from Royal St George’s.
Location: Golf Road, Deal, CT14 6RF
Date and time: 12th – 19th July, golf from 9am or golf from 4.30pm until dusk
Cost: Golf from 9am, £980 a fourball, Golf from 4.30pm, £640 a fourball
How to book: Email office@royalcinqueports.com or call +44 1304 374007
Perched high up on the famous White Cliffs this unique location offers stunning sea views across the Channel and a fantastic course with challenges for all abilities. There will be a variety of tee times and individual tee times available each day – please check the website for details.
Location: The Leas, Kingsdown, Deal, CT14 8EP
Date and time: Sat 10th – Tues 20th July, various start times each day
Cost: £250 - £300
How to book: Email golfops@kingsdowngolf.co.uk or on the website. Green fees will need to be paid when booking and are non-refundable.
This chart-topping indie rock band and Mercury Prize nominees will be performing at the Quarterhouse in Folkestone as part of their UK tour.
Location: Quarterhouse, 49 Tontine St, Folkestone CT20 1JT
Date and time: 16th Jul 2021, 7pm
Cost: £17.60
How to book: www.seetickets.com/event/british-sea-power/quarterhouse/1494934?aff=id1thelist
The Dreamland Summer Social is the ultimate open–air pub experience, bringing together delicious street food, amazing live DJs and a variety of sports coverage on the large screen. Eight specially selected amusement park rides will be open to enjoy from Saturday 10th July and throughout the summer holidays.
Location: Dreamland 49-51, Marine Terrace, Margate CT9 1XJ
Date and time: From Thu 27th May – Fri 27th Aug (8 park rides available from Sat 10th July)
Cost: Various
How to book: www.dreamlandsummersocial.co.uk/
There’s plenty to see and do for the whole family - from military and vintage vehicles, re-enactments and re-enactors campsite, arena events, a large variety of vintage stalls, a real ale bar, NAAFI wagon, BBQ and refreshment stalls to choose from.
Location: Quex Park, Manston Road, Birchington-On-Sea, CT7 0HR
Date and time: Sat 10th – Sun 11th Jul, 10am – 5pm
Cost: £7.50 a day, £15 weekend ticket (includes camping), under 13s free
How to book: https://battlesforvictory.com/index.html
Enjoy another fantastic Monster Truck showcase in 2021 - crushing cars, pulling tearing them in half and lookout for further caravan carnage too! Watch two real Monster Trucks at work jumping over and crushing cars and caravans. Seeing metal beasts jumping 15ft in the air is an impressive sight!
Location: Quex Park, Manston Road, Birchington-On-Sea, CT7 0HR
Date and time: Sun 18th Jul, 11am - 5pm
Cost: Various
How to book: www.monsterslam.co.uk/tour
Dress up, pack a picnic, grab a blanket and come and celebrate community and diversity with Folkestone Pride!
Location: The Leas, Folkestone
Date and time: 17th Jul, 2pm – 2am
How to book:
@mykindascapes
Ramsgate Week is widely recognised as the 'friendly regatta' and the alternative to Cowes. Even if you are not competing it is still a great time to visit as the town is buzzing!
Location: Ramsgate Harbour
Date and time: Sun 18th - Fri 23rd Jul
Cost: Free for visitors
How to book: No need for visitors to book
Enjoy your Saturday Night Fish and Chip Takeaway! It will start at 6pm at New Romney Station (TN28 8PL) for departure at 6.30pm for the journey to Dungeness and the End of the Line Restaurant. Passengers are welcome to spend the 40 minute stop over exploring the area, eating in the garden at the End of the Line Restaurant taking in the landscape views or eating their supper in their carriage compartment.
Location: Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. Departure from New Romney TN28 8PL.
Date and time: Sat 17th Jul, 6:30pm.
Cost: £35 per adult, £18 per child.
How to book: https://www.rhdr.org.uk/
Find out about more experiences in the wider Kent area.
With only a 38 minute travel time from the Capital with Southeastern, Kent is also home to the fastest domestic and international rail links in England. From glorious greenery and beautiful beaches, to military history and fascinating tales, with one foot in the past and the other in the future, start planning your next adventure today by checking out what's on for the rest of 2021.
