Daniel Defoe once called it a “sad smuggling town” – and evidence of Deal’s clandestine past exists in the narrow network of streets off the seafront.

However, it now attracts both tourists and city-dwellers and, with it, a cafe culture has sprung up with splashes of colour emerging from galleries and the arts.

A vibrant range of independent shops led to the town winning the crown of the Telegraph’s High Street of the Year 2013 and as more places open, there is an ever-increasing range of things to see and do.

Don’t miss: The Marines on the Green concert by the HM Royal Marines Band Service on Walmer Green on Sunday, July 9. Once a base of the Royal Marines School of Music and training centre for commandos, Deal has a long history with the marines until 1996 when the school left the town and moved to Portsmouth. It was nine years after the IRA bombed the Walmer barracks, killing 11 musicians. The concert, on the second Sunday of July, is organised by the Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust in memory of the 11 men. For more information visit dealbandstand.org

Take time to explore: No visit to Deal would be complete without a stroll on the pier. You’ll meet anglers who will tell you about their catch of the day or try a light bite at the cafe at the end of the pier. In traditional British seafront style is Deal Beach Parlour, still true to its 1950s design and always with a queue for ice-cream-craving customers. Try Skardon’s fish and chips in Middle Street – take out or sit down, and enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace of the Royal Hotel. If you’re here for the weekend, burn off the calories with a walk or cycle around nearby Betteshanger Country Park, man-made on the spoil tip of a former colliery and return to town for a Sunday roast at the Waterfront. We can guarantee you won’t leave hungry.

Best-kept secret: Tucked away in a quiet road off the High Street in the shadow of St George’s Church is Deal Maritime and Local History Museum. Every piece of space is used in homage to brave lifeboat men, Royal Marines, dignitaries and veterans. Take tea in the yard among boats that tell tales of war rescues, peruse the latest display in the converted stable or experience life in a trench through the eyes of a Deal Tommy.

Getting there: Much of Deal’s charm lies in its tucked away location – and for that reason you will never be driving past the town, only to it. From most parts of Kent, head to Dover and then follow the A258 for another 10 minutes or so. The town also has a mainline station.