The ‘charming’ British seaside resort with a beautiful beach among the best ‘hidden’ places to eat

Nestled in the heart of White Cliffs Country, Deal is one of Kent’s most picturesque coastal towns. With its rich history, charming streets and beautiful coastline, Deal offers a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie or an art lover, Deal has something for everyone. Picturesque and quirky, visitors come to stay for the day or take their time getting to know the area, with many choosing to relocate from London in recent years. It was also named one of the best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times in 2022.

Most visitors come to soak up the sun on the beach. A beautiful stretch of shingle, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a quiet seat by the sea.

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The beach is home to one of Kent’s two piers, a structure dating back to the 1950s that extends impressively out to sea. It also offers excellent views of the coast and is home to the glass-walled Deal Pier Kitchen café.

The beach is also conveniently located near the picturesque and historic city centre, giving you easy access to a wide range of amenities.

It’s not all sandcastles and boulders here though, visitors taking a leisurely stroll along the pier can gaze back at an incredible view that has not changed in over a century. Famous for smuggling in the 18th century, Deal is home to a maze of narrow streets and alleys, restored houses and a range of independent shops and traders.

Art lovers can enjoy the vibrant art scene with its many galleries and exhibitions. There are also numerous events, including Deal’s Festival of Music & the Arts, a popular two-week festival featuring everything from street music to opera.

A foodie’s paradise, Deal has also been named one of the UK’s best “hidden” foodie destinations. The Guardian recently praised the historic gem, naming it one of the country’s top five “lesser-known spots” for foodies.

The seaside town was celebrated for offering a “perfect tasteful getaway”, the publication said, which also described Deal as one of Kent’s “most charming” towns. It’s not just about the scenery; Deal is making waves on the gastronomic scene, following in the footsteps of Margate with its thriving food scene.

Anyone planning a stay should definitely pop into The Rose, a quirky boutique hotel that was once a pub. It has eight uniquely decorated rooms, a mix of retro and contemporary decor and an excellent restaurant led by Nuno Mendes, formerly of the Chiltern Firehouse, Kent Live reports.

Deal is home to not one, not two, but three castles. The rich history is still noticeable throughout the city.

Deal Castle is a magnificent historic monument from the time of Henry VIII, open to the public for guided tours all year round. History buffs can delve into history with the castle’s underground tunnels and fascinating activities.

And then there’s Walmer Castle, one of England’s finest Tudor artillery forts. It was built to protect the Downs, a sheltered stretch of water between the coast and the Goodwin Sands, and of course Henry VIII.

Finally, the ancient ruins of Sanddown Castle, which have been eroded by the sea, are now maintained as a community garden.

Other attractions include the Astor Theatre, the Kent Museum of the Moving Image and the charming Old Town, full of unique shops and places to grab a bite to eat or a pint.

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