Hidden seaside town is a foodie’s paradise and ideal for a weekend escape
- UK Hidden Gems
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Often overlooked in favour of its busier coastal neighbours, this charming seaside town has now been named one of the best in the UK.
With temperatures reaching up to 30C, many Brits are heading to the seaside to cool off by the water.
But instead of flocking to Brighton or Margate, there are lesser-known towns full of character that are perfect for a summer escape.
In a new ranking of the UK’s best seaside towns, Time Out highlighted one hidden gem that often slips under the radar.
That town is Deal in Kent. Blending old-fashioned charm with incredible sea views and a buzzing food scene, it’s become a favourite spot for those in the know.
Time Out described it as a “proper seaside town with a creative community and really great food.”
The travel guide added: “It’s smaller and less well known than its ever-popular Kent neighbours, Margate and Whitstable, but overlooking Deal would be a mistake. With its long seafront and huge pebble beach, Deal is a real gem.”
Often described as quaint and quirky, Deal is one of Kent’s most characterful coastal towns. Steeped in history, it’s home to the Deal Museum, the Timeball Tower Museum, and even its own castle, making it a must for history lovers.
A stroll along Deal’s historic pier offers the same scenic view visitors would have seen more than 100 years ago. The town’s narrow lanes once hid smuggling activity in the 18th century, a past still remembered today, according to Visit South East England.
Instead of golden sand, Deal’s beach is a long stretch of pebbles with clear blue waters. On TripAdvisor, it currently holds an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 from visitors.
One reviewer wrote: “Lovely clean beach… all shingle, not sand. Great for swimmers and families. The seafront is very flat and easy to walk on, with lots of benches and a pier that’s perfect for wheelchairs and buggies.”
Another local shared: “I live in Deal, just 500 yards from the beach, so I can’t fault it. The beach is huge and stretches for miles between Kingsdown and Sandwich. Even in summer it never feels crowded.”
They added a word of caution: “The beach is stony and slopes steeply into the sea. When the tide is moving, the current can be strong and you can quickly find yourself out of your depth.”
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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