Pubs, vintage markets and more: Why Deal, Kent, should be your next long weekend location
If you were to describe your ideal weekend staycation, the chances are Deal would tick every single box. We're talking brilliant pub gardens with draft beer on tap. A Saturday morning market with antique glassware and vintage leather jackets. Long beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see - in both directions.
So next time you're planning a long weekend away (but are keen to jump in the car rather than go anywhere near an airport) consider this quaint coastal town in Kent - which is so lovely, we almost didn't want to tell you about it.
While hotels have their place and B&Bs come with the added bonus of someone frying your eggs for you, nothing comes close to having your own place during a weekend away with friends. Step forward: Keepers Cottages, a selection of hand-picked places in the county, perfect for making yourself at home.
We stayed at Farrier Beach Cottage, a beautiful Grade II listed building situated between the seafront and the town centre. It had two well sized bedrooms, and all of the charm you'd hope for from a mid-1600s cottage, but with a Soho House-styling twist.
We're talking a wood burner, exposed beams and panelling, as well as comfy armchairs you can squish into as the evening draws in. It also has a secret weapon in the shape of an enclosed courtyard out back - the perfect sun trap if you get lucky with the Kent weather.
The cottage comfortably sleeps four, and has the perfect kitchen/dining set up for your own cooked meals. Although when you see what's on offer on the restaurant front, that maybe doesn't matter so much...
Farrier Beach Cottage is available from £755 for seven nights, or £575 for two nights. Find out more information here.
A charming spot set back from the beach, you'll be hard pushed not to order one of everything from Frog and Scot's sharing plates menu. A mix of Asian / British-inspired dishes, we genuinely could've eaten everything on offer - we're talking crispy tempura scallops, a melt-in-the-mouth katsu pork dish, crab arancini balls and homemade foccacia. The decor is equally photogenic, while we were blown away by the whisky soda cocktail. Another round, please!
The Port Arms
Truly, what is nicer than an afternoon spent sat by the sea, with a cold pint in hand, watching the world go by? The picnic tables in front of The Port Arms - but also served by a couple of other pubs - is a great place to settle in and enjoy some great British weather (read: try not to blow away in the wind.)
A shabby chic pub slap-bang in the middle of the high street, which serves exceptionally good cocktails and food. The decor mixes together high and low - think farmhouse table with velvet banquette - while the menu ticks all the right boxes, whatever you're in the mood for. From a pan-roasted rack of lamb, to charred leeks, fat chips and skate wing, to a cherry and almond tart. Wash everything down with a dirty martini or two and a classic negroni - go on, we insist.
For your morning caffeine fix, head to Popup Cafe - a great spot with a Scandi vibe and incredible coffee and pastries. We had an almond croissant to write home about, as well as a piece of banana bread and two iced oat lattes. Yes please.
Whether you hit up Deal Castle or Walmer Castle and Gardens, be sure to carve out some time for a bit of history within your weekend. Walmer was an artillery fort originally constructed by Henry VIII, and has gorgeous and well kept gardens, while both castles overlook the sea.
If you're lucky enough to have beautiful sunshine during your weekend away, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to coastline. The pebble beach stretches for three whole miles between Kingsdown and Sandwich, so whether you settle down with a picnic blanket or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade, this is not an activity to be missed.
It's a well known fact that you can't go to a British seaside town without heading to the arcades. And thankfully, Deal has enough 2p machines to see you through a whole afternoon.. So indulge in some good old fashioned nostalgia and see if you can win enough raffle tickets to take home a cuddly toy.
If you happen to be in Deal on a weekend, the Saturday market is a great way to start your way. Whether you fancy a sausage roll or a Flat White, be sure to browse the various different stalls after you've fuelled up. There's an amazing selection of vintage leather jackets (very Hailey Bieber) as well as antiques and homeware. Also, a flea market sometimes takes place in the village hall.
See you there!
Dusty Baxter-Wright is an award-winning journalist and the Entertainment and Lifestyle Director at Cosmopolitan, having previously worked at Sugarscape. She was named one of PPA's 30 Under 30 for her work covering pop culture, careers, interiors and travel, and oversees the site's Entertainment and Lifestyle strategy across print, digital and video. As a journalist for the best part of a decade, she has interviewed everyone from Louis Theroux and Channing Tatum to Margot Robbie and Ncuti Gatwa, while she has also spoken on Times Radio and BBC Radio. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram here.
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