Rose Garden

The Rose Garden sits just outside Deal, a proper labour of love that rewards a casual visit if you're already in the area. It's exactly what it says - rows of heritage and modern roses in various stages of bloom depending on when you visit, with the sort of informal layout that feels like someone's actually tending the place rather than following a corporate blueprint. Summer is obviously the time to go, though even in late spring there's colour about.

You're looking at maybe an hour here, possibly ninety minutes if you're the type who reads every label and takes photographs of every bloom. It's not a massive expanse - more of a genuine garden than a sprawling park attraction - so families with young children might find it a bit limited unless the kids are already into plants. Older children and teenagers will almost certainly lose interest quickly. Walkers and gardeners, though, will get genuine pleasure from it.

It works well as part of a Deal trip - combine it with a wander through the town itself, which has proper charm without feeling touristy. If you're staying at Kingsdown Camping just down the road, it's an easy morning visit. Worth noting that opening times and admission fees aren't entirely clear online, so ring ahead before making the trip. You don't want to arrive on a Monday to find it's shut. The other holiday parks nearby - Hawthorn Farm, St Margaret's Bay, Ham Hideaway - are all within spitting distance for a rainy-day backup plan.