Deal, on the east Kent coast of England, is brimming with character and charm – and it sits in the shadows of a famous neighbour
When you think of the east Kent coast – a picture of the White Cliffs of Dover is the first thing that springs to mind. But it’s little sister, in the same district, sits pretty and is starting to become a destination for seaside lovers.
The UK is known to have over 6,000 miles of coastline and picturesque seaside towns with a lot of history – but Deal, home to just under 31,000 people has been named “one of the coolest”. With miles of pebbled beach, and a pier with a highly rated cafe at the end, the town comes to life in summer as bars and restaurants spill out into the street, with a real community feel at its heart.
For those living in London, there’s a direct high-speed train from London St Pancras International, operated by Southeastern, taking you directly to Deal in one hour and 30 minutes.
READ MORE: Beautiful Italian region will pay you £83k to move there – but there is a catch
So, what does Deal have to offer? It’s a town with a mix of light-coloured cottages, Georgian townhouses and traditional fishermen’s homes. It has a mixture of vintage charm with a contemporary art scene, offering visitors the best of both worlds. An interesting fact about this town is that its buildings have hardly been modified in over a century, making it feel quintessentially British at best. Walmer, Sholden, and Kingsdown are also under its umbrella, with the Zetland Arms in Kingsdown being a quirky haunt for beach-goers.
Deal’s gastronomy is a must-try, with a lot of fresh, local produce. Offering traditional fish and chips to international cuisine, visitors can expect to have their cravings well-covered. Some of its popular restaurants include The Frog & Scot, The Rose and The Black Pig Butchers.
READ MORE: ‘Happiest place in Britain’ with seven beautiful beaches is top UK holiday spot
Things to do and visit in Deal, Kent:
Deal Castle: A historic site that shows a glimpse of the town’s extended history
Deal Pier: A nice spot for a breath of fresh air, offering sea views
Deal Beach: A long stretch of pebble beach with a promenade
Deal’s Old Town: A spot to find unique shops and restaurants
Kent Museum of the Moving Image: The perfect place for film and television enthusiasts
Deal Timeball Tower Museum: Where to learn the history of Deal’s timeball tower
If you’re looking for a laid-back escape, Deal is your place, and its title of “one of the coolest” seaside towns comes for a reason. Whether it’s to sip a cup of tea or coffee in one of their many local cafés or soaking up the Vitamin D by the beach, Deal is exactly what you need to disconnect from your busy schedule.