Royal St George's Golf Club sits on the links coastline just outside the medieval town of Sandwich in Kent, one of the most storied golf venues in England and a regular Open Championship host. Families visiting the area find themselves between the historic Cinque Port of Sandwich, the seaside town of Deal, and the chalk coastline stretching toward Dover - a genuinely varied base that works well beyond a single round of golf. This guide covers eight family-friendly hotels within reach of the course, from Deal's beachfront high street to Ramsgate's clifftop, to help you choose the right base for your stay.
What It's Like Staying Near Royal St George's Golf Club
The area surrounding Royal St George's is defined by flat Kent links landscape, with the golf club sitting on the coastal edge between Sandwich town and the sea. Sandwich itself is a compact medieval town where most facilities - pubs, restaurants, a small supermarket - are within a 10-minute walk of the town centre, but the club sits around 2 km from those amenities, meaning a car or bike is a practical necessity rather than a convenience. Deal, roughly 8 km south, offers far more accommodation variety, a proper high street, and direct beach access, making it a preferred base for families who want seafront access alongside golf proximity. The rhythm of the area is unhurried - this is rural coastal Kent, not a resort town - which suits families with younger children but may frustrate those expecting resort-style infrastructure.
Pros:
- Direct access to Royal St George's with minimal traffic or urban congestion en route
- Deal and Sandwich together provide medieval castles, beaches, and independent cafés within a short drive
- The flat coastal terrain makes cycling between Sandwich, Deal, and the golf club practical for families
Cons:
- No walkable cluster of hotels immediately beside the club - all options require a short drive
- Limited public transport connections after early evening, making a car essential
- During The Open Championship, accommodation within 20 km books out weeks in advance and prices spike sharply
Why Choose Family-Friendly Hotels Near Royal St George's Golf Club
Family-friendly hotels in this part of Kent tend to be characterful independent properties - pub-hotels, converted coaching inns, and seafront guesthouses - rather than chain hotels with dedicated kids' clubs. That means family rooms are typically larger than standard doubles, often including a sofa bed or twin configuration, but purpose-built facilities like pools or play areas are rare. Rates at family rooms here average noticeably below comparable coastal options in the South East, particularly outside Open Championship weeks. The trade-off is that most properties in Deal and Sandwich are historic buildings with narrow staircases and limited lift access, which matters if you're travelling with pushchairs or young children with mobility considerations.
Pros:
- Independent hotel restaurants in this area consistently prioritise locally sourced Kent seafood and seasonal menus, which is a genuine differentiator from chain hotel dining
- Bicycle rental availability at select properties lets families explore the coastal path to Royal St George's without needing additional cars
- Family rooms at Deal and Sandwich hotels frequently include river or sea views at no supplement, adding practical value
Cons:
- Most properties are in listed historic buildings, limiting room accessibility and buggy storage options
- Around Open Championship weeks, minimum stay requirements of 3 nights or more are common
- The area lacks large hotel chains, so loyalty points and standardised family room layouts are not available
Practical Booking & Area Strategy
For families prioritising beach access alongside Royal St George's, Deal's seafront along Beach Street and the surrounding Queen Street area puts you within 300 metres of the shingle beach and around 8 km from the club by car - a 15-minute drive on the A258. The medieval town of Sandwich itself is worth a half-day on foot: the Sandwich Guildhall, the Barbican Gate, and the River Stour walk are all within the town walls. Deal Castle, an artillery fort built by Henry VIII, is a strong family visit within walking distance of seafront hotels in Deal. Ramsgate sits around 12 km north of the golf club and offers a working harbour, clifftop walks above Pegwell Bay, and slightly lower nightly rates - viable if you're happy with a 20-minute drive to the course each morning. Book at least 8 weeks ahead for any summer school-holiday stay; the area sees significant Kent staycation demand in July and August entirely separate from golf events.
Best Value Family Stays
These properties deliver strong family practicality - beach proximity, family rooms, and accessible local dining - at rates that represent solid value for the Kent coast.
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1. The Kings Head
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Check-infrom 13:00 until 23:00Check-outuntil 10:00Hurry – almost gone at this price!
from£ 93
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2. The Rose
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Check-infrom 15:00 until 22:00Check-outuntil 11:00Just a few rooms left at the best rate!
from£ 201
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3. Queen Street Tap
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Check-infrom 15:00 until 22:00Check-outfrom 09:00 until 11:00Best price guarantee
from£ 72
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4. The Falstaff Ramsgate
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Check-infrom 15:00 until 20:00Check-outuntil 11:00Just a few rooms left at the best rate!
from£ 82
Best Premium Family Stays
These properties offer stronger room quality, elevated dining, or standout settings - suited to families wanting a more complete stay experience close to Royal St George's.
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5. The Bell Hotel
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Check-infrom 14:00 until 23:59Check-outuntil 11:00Just a few rooms left at the best rate!
from£ 96
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2. Royal Hotel
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Check-infrom 14:00 until 21:30Check-outuntil 11:00Rooms filling fast – secure the best rate!
from£ 125
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3. The Pegwell Bay Hotel
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Check-infrom 15:00 until 23:59Check-outuntil 11:00Hurry – almost gone at this price!
from£ 100
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8. The St Crispin Inn
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Check-infrom 15:00 until 20:00Check-outuntil 10:00Rooms filling fast – secure the best rate!
from£ 93
Smart Travel & Timing Advice for Royal St George's
The Kent coast around Sandwich and Deal sees its busiest period from late June through August, driven by school holidays and UK staycation demand - but the single biggest pricing event is The Open Championship, held at Royal St George's periodically (most recently in 2021, with future editions expected). During Open Championship weeks, rates at Deal and Sandwich properties can multiply several times over, and properties within 15 km sell out entirely. If your visit is golf-motivated but not tied to a specific tournament, late April through early June offers the most favourable combination of playable weather, lower rates, and uncrowded local attractions. Families visiting for general tourism rather than golf will find September an underrated month - school holidays have ended, the coastal weather remains mild, and Deal's independent restaurants and cafés are still fully operational. Book a minimum of 8 weeks ahead for any July or August stay regardless of golf scheduling. A two-night stay is the realistic minimum to cover the golf club, Deal town, Deal Castle, and a day trip toward Dover or Ramsgate - three nights makes the pace considerably more relaxed.
