A historic town nestled on Kent’s southern coast offers the perfect winter staycation – and it’s not yet teeming with tourists.
The quaint town of Deal in Kent is famous for its seamless blend of cool and quirky shops and eateries with historic Tudor-homes.
The top tourist attraction in Deal is Deal Castle, commissioned by Henry VIII.
This castle is one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England, and a must-see on your visit to the quirky seaside town.
You can explore the castle from the tunnels which run beneath it all the way up to the battlements and even visit the exhibition which shows how Henry’s turbulent reign as King shaped England and its defences.
For art lovers, there’s the Linden Hall Studio, just off Deal’s High Street. This contemporary gallery houses visiting artists and masterclasses as well as two floors of gorgeous art to marvel at.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can make your way to the high street and take your pick from dozens of eateries, cafes and pubs, all offering something different from the last.
As you’re at the seaside, you’d be remiss not to sample some of the best fish and chips in town at Middle Street Fish Bar – but get in early this spot is popular and there could be a line.
Although this spot can get busy, visitors to Deal beach have remarked on how quiet it is. “It was warm and the sun was out but where were the crowds?” wrote one visitor on Tripadvisor.
“Deal Beach is a lovely long beach but the day we went it was virtually deserted. It’s a great beach for walking and, OK, it’s a shingle beach, which doesn’t make it wheelchair or pushchair friendly, but there is a promenade behind which is. If you want a drink or a snack, there’s plenty of establishments very close which will cater for your needs.”
“A lovely warm day in September and hardly anyone on the beach,” said another.
If you fancy a weekend away in this gorgeous little town then you’re in luck – it’s easy to get to with a train station sitting within the heart of the town, offering Southeastern trains to connect you with the rest of the country. In one direction, Margate can be reached in 29 minutes, Whitstable in 49 minutes and Rochester in just under an hour and a half.
In the other direction, you can reach Dover in 16 minutes, Folkestone in 28 minutes and Ashford in 43 minutes. The station is also served by a high-speed train to London taking less than an hour and a half – perfect for city folk who fancy a weekend away.
