Now is the ideal time to discover new places. Yet, you don't have to leave Britain far to encounter a beautiful and lesser-known coastal gem. Deal, nestled on Kent's eastern shoreline, boasts spectacular vistas of the English Channel and is four and a half hours from Nottingham.
On days when the sky is clear, the shores of France are visible from Deal's golden sands . The town delights visitors with its array of pastel-painted fishermen's cottages, grand Georgian houses, and the imposing presence of a Tudor castle, which stands sentinel over the coastline. The Guardian has lauded Deal as Kent's "most charming" town, while Restless magazine describes it as a "quirky yet underrated town with gorgeous sea views year-round.
" CNN Traveler has named Deal as England's "best-kept beach secret," popular among those who are in the loop. Deal Castle is the town's most distinguished feature, reports the Mirror . Commissioned by King Henry VIII in 1540 as a fortification against potential French and Holy Roman Empire invasions, the castle is steeped in history.
It was pivotal during the English Civil Wars of the 17th century and acted as a line of defence against German forces in World War II. Today, visitors can wander through its battlements, enjoy leisurely picnics on its grounds, and marvel at the expansive Channel views offered by this historic seaside fortress . Just a short distance from the castle, you'll find Deal Castle Beach, home to a 300-metre promenade - one of only two in K.