Deal has been listed as one of the top 30 best places to visit for a weekend retreat by The Times newspaper.

Ranked at number 17 by property experts, it is the top destination in Kent.

The Times commented on the town’s view of France on a clear day and its award-winning High Street as voted by the Daily Telegraph, with a busy Saturday market and numerous bars, cafes and restaurants.

It also mentioned the cottages in Middle Street, a conservation area, just metres from the beach and picked up on Smugglers Cottage in Dolphin Street, a two-bedroom property currently on sale for £249,500.

Deal is known as one of London weekenders favourite places to visit with St Pancras only an hour and a half by train.

The town has recently announced its high speed services to London will continue with new plans to introduce high speed stops in Martin Mill and Walmer.

Deal town mayor Marlene Burnham said: “After Deal won the High Street of the Year award out of the whole country, then to hear that Deal was 17 out of 30, well, what an accolade.

“It’s the real Deal, that’s what they’re getting. It’s splendid news and extremely exciting.

“I’m very interested in tourism for the town and it seems Deal is on the up and up. Perhaps next year, we’ll be in the top three. Well done everybody.”

Peter Jull, chairman of Deal and Walmer chamber of trade, said: “It is pleasing that Deal keeps coming up top in a number of these polls.

“Earlier in the year it was the High Street and now it’s a great place for the weekend.

“Our members will be pleased that their dedication to good customer service has been recognised.”

Broadstairs also made it on to the list, featuring at number 21. The town has been long primed as the next Whitstable with its cliff top promenade and was once described by Dickens as “our English watering-place.”