The Kent deal has become a popular place with Londoners for many years, looking for a day at the beach or a cozy weekend getaway. I live there and it's certainly a great way to escape the bustle of the city, whilst you have access to a bunch of great pubs, shops, supermarkets, restaurants and bars. However, due to its growing popularity, the deal has become a somewhat tourist hotspot. The weekend is packed with faraway Londoners and tourists, and will somewhat challenge the small high streets and the front of the ocean.
Most cafes look at the lines through the door, so even a latte and pastries can be difficult to pinch. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that you're busy. Deal's local high street is bustling with great independent businesses worthy of all the customers they can get. But there are days when you just want to escape from the crowd.
If you are heading to Kent this summer, we highly recommend visiting Kings Down Village. It is just 10 minutes' drive away, and an hour's walk away offers stunning views of the charming pubs and France on sunny days.
On a sunny day, I traveled to Kings Down on foot via the coastal sidewalk. It's a lovely walk through Walmer all the way to Kings Down. Along the way, you will see a kids' paddling pool while enjoying views of Deal Castle and Walmer Castle, Walmer Adventure Golf and the Iron Beach.
You can also stop by for a picnic, snacks and coffee at Hat 55 on the beach between Deal and Walmer.
King's Down itself consists of a shiny beach, a shop in the village of Dell, a post office, a church, butcher, an elementary school, several pubs, golf clubs and a holiday park.
Part of the village is built on a shiny beach, while the others are behind it and on cliffs and hills. Several properties dotted along the Single Beach are beautiful and New England style architecture. The rest are smooth and modern. Then there is a cute pastel coloured terrace on North Road, with stone throws from the beach.
According to RightMove, Kingsdown's home prices averaged £488,340 from last year, but it's hardly surprising given how beautiful it is.
One of the main reasons people, including myself, visit Kings Down is the pub. Such a pub, Zetland Arms, is famous for its beachside location.
Located just off Kings Down Beach, it is a great place to stop and pint after completing a 2.7 mile walk from the deal. On sunny days, you can see France in the distance, watching the boats waft into the past. It is a coastal treasure and I always take my friends and family with me when they visit the deal.
In addition to the refreshing pints, you can enjoy delicious bar snacks and a three-course dinner. White baits are my special favourite.
Right next to Zetland Arms is Rising Sun, a more traditional pub with a warm and charming atmosphere. Zetland can get busy, especially on weekends, so knowing there's another pub 150 yards away, that's just as good as the bonus.
The rising sun is not the beach, but in summer there is a lovely beer garden that is the sun's crap.
If you really feel brave, you can walk along the top of the cliff to St. Margaret in Cliff. Coastal roads run along the top of a white chalk cliff, offering spectacular views of the English Channel and the French coast.
The walk takes about 3 miles and takes about 75 minutes to complete. Before embarking on this ambitious walk, it's worth checking out the weather forecast as this coastline can have strong winds.
If you're heading to Kings Down Village, you can also visit Kings Head, a pub in another village. A typical British 18th century pub, Kings Head has everything from quiz nights to Sunday roasts to curry nights.
The pub is rated 4.7 out of 5 on Google, with many visitors ecstatic about the pub's food, atmosphere and Sunday lunch. I haven't personally visited Kings' head yet – it's on my list! -But I've heard something great.
While King's Down may not be bustling with neighbouring contracts or activities like Dover, this seaside village is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the finest coastal scenery of England while nursing a pint of Kentish Ale.
