I’ll admit that I knew very little about Deal until quite recently. Often overshadowed by its popular neighbouring towns of Whitstable, Margate, Broadstairs and Dover, Deal has managed to stay a little under the radar as a tourist destination - and, to be honest, it is all the better for it.

Less than an hour and a half from central London and bursting with history, pretty streets and chic eateries, Deal makes for the perfect weekend escape. Whether visiting as a family, with friends or even as a romantic mini-break, there is something for everyone in this relaxed and picturesque seaside town.

Featuring everything from fish and chips on the beach to sophisticated cocktails; historical sites to river cruises, here is my suggested itinerary for how to spend a long weekend in Deal, Kent.