I visited a seaside village 2 hours from London that's better than its crowded neighbour

Deal in Kent has become a popular spot with Londoners over the years, looking for a day by the seaside or a cosy weekend getaway. I live there and it is indeed the perfect way to escape the bustle of the city while still having access to a plethora of fabulous pubs, shops, supermarkets, restaurants and bars. However, due to its increased popularity, Deal has become somewhat of a tourist hotspot. The weekends are packed with Londoners and tourists from further afield which makes navigating the small high street and sea front somewhat of a challenge.

Even nipping out for a latte and a pastry can be difficult with most cafés seeing queues out the door. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad it's busy. Deal's local high street is bustling with brilliant independent businesses that deserve all the customers they can get. However, there are days when you just want to escape the crowds.

If you're heading to Kent this summer, I highly recommend visiting Kingsdown village. Located just 10 minutes from Deal by car and an hour on foot, it's a peaceful oasis home to some charming pubs and stunning views of France on a clear day.

On a sunny day, I've travelled to Kingsdown on foot via the coastal footpath. It's a lovely walk that goes through Walmer all the way to Kingsdown. Along the way, you'll see Deal Castle and Walmer Castle, Walmer Adventure Golf and a children's paddling pool while enjoying views of the shingle beach.

You can even stop off for a picnic or a snack and a coffee at Hut 55 which is nestled right on the beach between Deal and Walmer.

Kingsdown itself consists of a shingle beach, Del's village shop, a post office, a church, a butcher's, a primary school, a couple of pubs, a golf club and a holiday park.

Some of the village is built on the shingle beach, while other parts are behind it and on the cliffs and hills. Some of the properties dotted along the shingle beach are beautiful and have New England-style architecture; others are slick and modern. Then there are the pretty pastel-coloured terraces located on North Road, just a stone's throw from the beach.

According to Rightmove, house prices in Kingsdown have an overall average of £488,340 over the last year, which is hardly surprising considering how beautiful it is.

One of the main reasons people, including myself, visit Kingsdown is the pubs. One such pub, The Zetland Arms, is famous for its beachside location.

Located right on Kingsdown Beach, it's the perfect spot to stop and have a pint after completing the 2.7-mile walk from Deal. On a clear day, you can see France in the distance while watching boats drift past. It's a coastal treasure and one I always take my friends and family to when they visit Deal.

In addition to a refreshing pint, you can enjoy a delicious bar snack or a three-course dinner. The whitebait is a particular favourite of mine.

Just around the corner from The Zetland Arms is The Rising Sun, a more traditional pub with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Zetland can get busy, especially on weekends, so knowing that there's another pub 150 yards away that's just as good is a bonus.

While The Rising Sun isn't on the beach, it has a lovely beer garden that is a sun trap in the summer.

If you're really feeling brave, you can walk along the top of the cliff to St Margaret's at Cliffe. The coastal path runs along the top of the white chalk cliffs, offering spectacular views of the English Channel and the French coast.

The walk is roughly three miles and will take you around 75 minutes to complete. The wind can be strong on this stretch of coastline, so it's worth checking the weather forecast before embarking on this ambitious walk.

If you're heading into Kingsdown village, you could also visit another village pub, the Kings Head. A quintessentially British 18th-century pub, the Kings Head has everything from a quiz night to Sunday roasts and a curry night.

The pub has a rating of 4.7 out of five on Google with many visitors raving about the pub's food, atmosphere and Sunday lunch. I haven't personally visited the Kings Head yet — it's on my list! — but I've heard great things.

While Kingsdown may not be buzzing with activity like neighbouring Deal and Dover, this seaside village is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some of Britain's best coastal views while nursing a pint of Kentish ale.