The seaside town of Deal is hailed for its “gorgeous” sea views and earned a reputation as a best kept beach secret.
Named Kent’s “most charming” town by the Guardian newspaper and as a “beautiful” but “underrated” spot by Rest Less, Deal is also said to be “unsung” by CN Traveler.
The town in White Cliffs Country boasts a pier, waterfront bistros and a thriving arts scene, including Deal Festival of Music and the Arts. It’s been gentrified to some extent over the years, but still retains much of its erstwhile charm.
Deal’s narrow streets and alleyways are home to independents including Hoxton Store, which offers vintage prints, ceramics and household bits and pieces, as well as Barkened, where you can find handmade products for both people and dogs.
There’s also Deal’s Saturday market, which bustles with stalls offering food, artisan produce, and vintage nick-nacks.
Visitors to Deal should also visit The Farsim Collection, a boutique on Beach Street, where there’s a technicolour array of men’s and women’s wear.
Deal has a good selection of eateries as well, with 81 Beach Street among the recommendations. It celebrates local, seasonal produce, with its current winter menu including oven-baked cod, catch of the day and grilled seabass.
Another option is The Lane, which is just off the High Street. Its specialities include homemade burgers, afternoon teas “with a twist” and “banging breakfasts”. It hails itself as a relaxed venue which is family and dog friendly.
The Court Yard also has a laid-back feel and offers a wide selection of dishes, including smoked beef brisket, rolled pork belly, smoked haddock, and mushroom risotto.
There’s a range of accommodation in the town to suit various budgets, from The Rose, where one night for two adults costs about £180, to the Waterfront Hotel. A room at this venue, which overlooks Deal’s pier and is close to the town centre, costs £65.
The Royal Hotel, which is on the seafront, and Dunkerley’s Hotel and Restaurant are listed as “very good” options on Booking.com, with a night for two adults costing £120 and £90 respectively at the time of writing.
Attractions in the town include Deal Museum, Timeball Tower Museum, Deal Castle and Walmer Castle and Gardens, built during Henry VIII’s reign.
Walking along Deal’s coastline is also well worth it, with Sandwich walkable to the north and Kingsdown within walking distance to the south. It takes about two and a half hours to reach Deal by car via the M2 and A2.
There is also a high-speed train service to Deal from London St Pancras International, which takes less than 90 minutes.
A standard ticket costs around £75, but prices will, of course, vary depending on the time and date of travel.