The beautiful Kent seaside town just 16 miles from Margate but without the crowds

-Credit: (Image: Getty Images/Patrick Donovan)
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images/Patrick Donovan)


The quaint seaside town of Deal is renowned for its picturesque shoreline, historical landmarks and charming town centre. Offering an ideal destination for a day out without the throngs of tourists, Deal is just 16 miles away from the bustling Margate beach, yet remains relatively undiscovered.

Often referred to as 'Margate's little sister', this coastal gem sits on the county’s east coast overlooking the waters of the English Channel. Nestled about eight miles northeast of Dover and roughly 15 miles south of Ramsgate, Deal is celebrated for its striking coast, heritage sites and welcoming town atmosphere.

The high street is dotted with unique independent stores, boutiques and lively markets that underpin the town's economy. It offers a variety of recreational activities, including walking along the beachfront, exploring historical sites, and enjoying water sports.

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Beachside charm: Tranquil evening in delightful Deal
Deal is a charming coastal town in the county of Kent -Credit:Getty

Offering more than just scenic views, Deal's vibrant culture, storied past and stunning vistas form its irresistible allure. Adding to its charm, the town flaunts an array of eateries, cafes and watering holes, many serving up fresh seafood and local produce.

Back in July, the seaside town was hailed as one of the most stylish places to live in all of Britain. Furniture Box named the historic town as one of Kent’s “most stylish” and tipped the coastal hideaway among the country’s top three spots for aesthetes.

It said it took into account the beauty of the buildings; the stunning scenery; how "Instagrammable" the location is; and their popularity with artists and filmmakers. Meanwhile, CNN Traveller once called Deal ‘England’s best-kept beach secret’, adding: “The unsung seaside town has long been a destination for those in the know.”

And the Guardian recently named it one of Kent’s “most charming”. The publication also highlighted the gastronomy of the area, saying it offers a “perfect flavour-filled break”.

Where to eat and drink

Deal is among Kent’s greatest places to visit for a meal out, with enough variety to suit any taste. If you’re in the market for a dining experience you won’t soon forget, you may very well be enticed by Deal’s own Michelin-recommended restaurant: Frog and Scot.

Described as a "lively French bistro", this critically-acclaimed spot specialises in small plates and bar snacks in a "fun and relaxed environment". Ideally situated within Deal’s conservation area a short distance away from the main beach, it features a modern cocktail lounge, a heated outdoor terrace, tables for dining at the bistro and a trendy bar area.

Other highly-praised eateries in Deal include the Goose On The Green Café, which ranks among Kent’s top 20 restaurants on TripAdvisor, with a perfect five-star rating from more than 500 reviews. Little Harriettes of Deal Tea Rooms has also seen impressive praise and is known for its homemade cakes, while Victuals & Co, regarded for its casual and contemporary dining experiences, has landed a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.

Among Deal’s other most popular choices for a drink are Queen Street Tap, The Plough And Harrow Tilmanstone and The Ship Inn.

A day at the beach

Aerial seaside view of Deal
Aerial seaside view of Deal -Credit:Getty Images/iStockphot/MaxLebedev

Of course, the main reason many would want to head to Deal would be to make the most of its stunning beach. A long expanse of shingle that’s just as perfect for a stroll as it is for a picnic by the waves, it might not be the best place to build a sandcastle but it’s still well worth a visit.

Punctuated by Deal Pier, which dates back to the 1950s and is internationally recognised as a great spot for angling, it also features a glass-walled café providing some of the best scenery you could ask for while tucking into lunch. Speaking of lunch, no beach trip would be complete without stopping by a chippy, and Sea View offers just that, found just a stone’s throw from the seafront on the corner of Beach Street and King Street.

Plus, the beach is backed by the charming and historic town centre, giving easy access to plenty of handy amenities. Accessing the beach couldn’t be easier either, with plenty of parking spaces available at Beach Street Car Park, costing £3.60 for two hours.

A traveller who recently soaked up the sun at Deal's Beach shared on TripAdvisor: "Just a lovely place to enjoy the vast sea, even though it's actually the narrow part of the English Channel and the North Sea. Lots of coffee shops, ice cream parlour, watering holes, restaurants and shops galore with unique items," reports the Express.

Another user chimed in: "The beach and promenade at Deal provide great views of the channel and France on good days. It is good for a long stroll." They added: "Deal town has narrow roads full of small cottages. It is a genuine old-fashioned seaside resort which is refreshing to visit."

What to see by the sea

Deal Castle was built on the orders of Henry VIII and so has become the finest example of Tudor artillery castles -Credit:English Heritage
Deal Castle was built on the orders of Henry VIII and so has become the finest example of Tudor artillery castles -Credit:English Heritage

Whether Deal is a place you're considering visiting or planting your roots a little more permanently, there are plenty of attractions to be found in the town when you're there that are all well worth checking out. Perhaps one of the most notable is of course Deal Castle, a jaw-dropping historical relic that dates back to the reign of Henry VIII.

The castle is open throughout the year for the public to explore and learn of its fascinating history, with the underground tunnels also open to roam and plenty of activities to get stuck into. Keeping with the history theme, the Deal Timeball Tower Museum is also very popular.

The Deal Timeball is a Victorian maritime Greenwich Mean Time signal located on the roof of a waterfront four-storey tower, with a museum inside featuring numerous exhibits on maritime history and the importance of the tower itself. Other popular attractions include the stunning Astor Theatre, the Kent Museum of the Moving Image and Deal’s Old Town, full of quirky shops and places to grab a bite or drink.

A place to live

With a fantastic dining scene, a gorgeous beach, amazing attractions, affordable homes and handy transport links, there's so much to love about Deal -Credit:Getty Images/iStockphoto/GordonBellPhotography
With a fantastic dining scene, a gorgeous beach, amazing attractions, affordable homes and handy transport links, there's so much to love about Deal -Credit:Getty Images/iStockphoto/GordonBellPhotography

Perhaps you want to make your stay at Deal a bit more permanent and actually move to the town? Rightmove reports that properties in the town sold for an overall average price of £367,033 over the past year - a noticeable bump below the wider Kent average of £441,764 in the same period.

Taking only around an hour to get to London from here, Deal is an ideal spot for commuters, plus there is easy access to major roads such as the A2 and A256. Nearby popular coastal destinations such as Dover and those on the Isle of Thanet are also easily accessible via both car and public transport.

For families, the town features five nurseries, four primary and two secondary schools. They have been highly rated, with Warden House Primary School currently boasting an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted, while Brewood Secondary School has been rated ‘good’.