For my birthday this year I set out to do one thing and one thing only (okay, maybe a few things- I love milking, but I wanted to do this one thing). And that, dear friends and readers- it was a visit to the seaside! A few nights at the beach with my family; a selfish desire for annual leave to be used at my company and an excuse to dust off my gel boots and march down to one of my favorite British seaside towns.
This time of year it feels like nowhere is more beautiful. Seeing the sea glisten in the sunlight, sitting on a pebble beach- arms around your knees and cardigans pulled by hand when it’s cold. Chopping weighty bags of vinegary chips back into carrier bags for dinner, or finally leaving half of them on the beach as hungry seagulls threaten to eat them first. Tall, blooming hollyhocks outside yellow-hued houses and bursts of wildflowers line the coastal paths. First-dip-in-the-sea-squeals and sand shoes, socks and toes. All before catching a sunset (if you’re lucky) or simply being woken up by the whisper of seagulls- it’s not peaceful, but it’s not London traffic.
And of course, one of my favorite places to go is Deal. Just over an hour and a half from London, it’s the perfect British seaside town for me. The perfect balance of peace and quiet (although, admittedly, if you go to the first part of the week a lot of thingsthe willclosed), charming, colorful and plenty to do on a night out on the town. A traditional hum with a small arcade in front with a small shop for buckets, spades and fishing nets at the entrance to the pier. As well as lots of great contemporary shops, cozy restaurants and window shopping to enjoy an afternoon stroll.
Anyway! I thought I’d put together a little tour of some of the things we got up to during our time there – you can totally stretch it out if you want, and if you’re driving, there are so many other beautiful beach towns a stone’s throw away too – magic!
Monday
Residence: Spindrift
I found a great Spindrift on Air BnB, and it really was the perfect beach bolthole. It had an open, airy kitchen and living area (which provided ample inspiration for decorating; tiles! plates!), great attention to detail (I was looking at the Green Money prints) and a heavenly retro tiled bathroom and bedroom for the kids (which made for great recess study with me and little A). Additionally, it was a stones throw from everything we could want and it was very easy to find parking, which can sometimes be a hassle in busy seaside areas! What a gem!
Lunch: Deal Pier Kitchen
This cozy lunch spot is located at the end of a rough fishing area; which I truly believe would be as good on a rainy day (although the walk down might be a little sketchy) as it would be with the sun dripping. Not only that, but the food here was delicious. Delicious cakes, eggs for breakfast and offerings for the little ones too.
Pier, Beach St, Deal CT14 6HY
Afternoon
Between lunch and the important birthday cake in the afternoon, we spent time exploring the city and enjoying some quiet beach time in early June. Although most things are closed on Mondays, we managed to snoop on Smugglers Records with an impressive selection (and beer on tap, if you’re into it that way, too).
Dinner: Updown Farmhouse
When it came to places for a special occasion dinner in and around Deal, I knew the amazing Rosie would be the person to ask for any places that weren’t on my radar. With Rose and Blue Pelican coming up (Blue Pelican has a lovely private dining room too); it was Updown Farmhouse (where we went a few years ago when I was 30) where we ended up booking a table; and trust me when I say this place is really something else. I actually wrote a post about it here before; but now that they’ve heard the critical wisdom that they’re opening an outdoor pool this summer (!!) this special place is about to get even more amazing.
Updown Farmhouse, Updown Rd, Betteshanger, Deal CT14 0EF
Tuesday
Lunch: Deli Deli
For the perfect picnic lunch, including homemade bagels and delicious posh crisps, make a note to make an early pitstop at Deal Deli. They also have shelves full of lovely labeled goods, which will make you crave that one flavor of jam and spice that you’ll need to make room for in your suitcase.
High St. Deal. CT14 6BE
Morning-afternoon: Excellent cycling
One of my favorite things we did in the few days we spent in Deal was rent bikes for a cycle along the coast. I had passed by Hut 55 several times in the past (and they do yoga classes, delicious cakes and homemade picnics) but the thought of going on a family cycle with Arlo was something I was really looking forward to. With baby seats and bicycles on offer, it’s a great way to explore the city and walk around without taking a car. They are also amazing at recommending routes, so if you need inspiration the people there were brilliant.
Deal Beach, Marine Road, CT14 7DN
Dinner: Sea View
Our first plan was to get fish and chips at Middle Street Fish Bar who do amazing traditional fish and chips, but alas- it was closed! After asking the girls at Hut 55 for their best chippy suggestions- we picked up dinner at Sea View, and it was delicious. I can definitely see why the locals love it so much!
69 Beach St, Deal CT14 6HY
Wednesday
Breakfast: The Rose
No visit to Deal is complete without a stop at The Rose; whether that’s for breakfast, an afternoon cuppa and cake or a pre-dinner cocktail. A very well designed hotel and restaurant and every time I come I am totally inspired by their interiors and menu (just browse their Instagram, or this blog post for more)! They also opened The Pelican Rooms for beachside treatments (which sounds like a dream), and are the team behind The Blue Pelican, which is also meant to be fun.
91 High St, Deal CT14 6ED
Afternoon – Much moch
Before we left we naturally had to take the opportunity to pop into a few great shops, so we popped into some of these great ones below:
Bark: A wonderful gem of a store that includes gifts, women’s clothing and a great *selection* of things for your four-legged friend.
Hoxton Store:Great selection of clothing, candles, soaps and gifts.
Will and Yates:I loved the care, craftsmanship and items in this store. The kind of store you both want to go into and spend a lot of money on.
Kilometers:I was *very* sad that this shop was closed when we arrived, as we saw some really nice lamps and window paintings – but if you’re planning to buy antiques (or just like A* browsing) I can’t recommend this place enough.
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