Kent, the picturesque county in South East England, is home to over 50 beautiful beaches stretching along its stunning coastline. From the seaside town of Whitstable to the historic Botany Bay, Kent offers a diverse range of coastal experiences for every type of beach-goer. Whether you’re seeking a long stretch of golden sand, a peaceful shingle cove, or a bustling bay beach with plenty of amenities, the beaches of Kent have something for everyone.
Join us as we explore some of the most captivating beaches across Kent and East Sussex, from dog-friendly spots to family-friendly bays, and discover why the Garden of England is also a seaside paradise.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Kent 💎 :
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: The Duplex Margate with Deck, Mini Bar & Air Conditioning
- 🏨 4-Star: Yarrow Hotel
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Botany Bay Hotel
- 💸 Cheap: The Ship Inn
- 🏢 Apartment: Manhattan Loft
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Seabreeze @ Romney Sands
- 🏩 For Couples: The Marine
🌞 Top 10 Best Beaches in Kent
1. 🏖️ Botany Bay, Broadstairs – Best for Natural Beauty and Fossil Hunting
Secluded sandy beach with stunning chalk cliffs. Blue Flag status for cleanliness and water quality. Excellent for fossil hunting at low tide. Impressive chalk stacks create a picturesque landscape. Popular for photography, especially at sunset. Rock pools and caves to explore during low tide. Limited facilities, perfect for those seeking natural beauty. Parking available at the top of the cliff. Nearby cafes in Broadstairs for refreshments. Best visited outside of peak summer months for a quieter experience.
Best Hotels Near Botany Bay 🏨
- Designer Duplex - Deck 47 Drinks & Breakfast – This stylish duplex is located in Broadstairs, just a short walk from the stunning Botany Bay. It offers a unique stay with a private deck, perfect for enjoying drinks and breakfast. The property’s proximity to one of the best beaches in Kent makes it ideal for a coastal getaway.
- The Fayreness Hotel – Situated near Botany Bay, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations with sea views. It features a restaurant, bar, and easy access to the beach. The hotel’s location allows guests to explore the picturesque Botany Bay and other nearby attractions in Broadstairs.
- Fort Road Hotel – This charming hotel is located in Margate, just a short drive from Botany Bay. It offers cozy rooms and a restaurant serving local cuisine. The hotel’s convenient location provides easy access to both Margate’s attractions and the beautiful Botany Bay.
2. 🎡 Viking Bay, Broadstairs – Best for Family-Friendly Fun and Traditional Seaside Charm
Main beach in Broadstairs with classic British seaside charm. Gently sloping sandy beach ideal for families. Colorful beach huts line the promenade. Traditional seaside amusements and ice cream parlors nearby. Surfing and paddleboarding lessons available for all ages. Charles Dickens connections in the surrounding town. Lifeguards on duty during summer months. Excellent facilities including toilets and changing rooms. Wide range of cafes and restaurants along the seafront. Easily accessible from Broadstairs town center.
Best Hotels Near Viking Bay 🏨
- The Yarrow Hotel – This elegant hotel is located just a short walk from Viking Bay, a lovely sandy beach in the heart of Broadstairs. It features luxurious rooms, a restaurant, and a spa. The hotel’s prime location allows guests to easily enjoy the beach and explore the charming town of Broadstairs.
- Royal Albion Hotel – Overlooking Viking Bay, this historic hotel offers stunning sea views and direct access to the beach. It features traditional rooms, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel’s beachfront location makes it perfect for those looking to stay close to the beach and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Broadstairs.
- Artfuls – These stylish apartments are located in the heart of Broadstairs, just a short walk from Viking Bay. They offer a comfortable stay with fully equipped kitchens and modern amenities. The apartments’ central location provides easy access to both the beach and the town’s attractions.
3. 🏄♂️ Joss Bay, Broadstairs – Best for Surfing and Water Sports
Kent’s best surfing beach with consistent waves. Long stretch of golden sand perfect for sunbathing. Joss Bay Surf School offers lessons and equipment rental. Stunning views of the North Foreland Lighthouse. Wide, sandy beach ideal for picnics and sandcastle building. Dog-friendly during off-peak months. Parking available but can get busy in summer. Basic facilities including toilets and a small cafe. Popular with both beginners and experienced surfers. Beautiful coastal walks in both directions from the beach.
Best Hotels Near Joss Bay 🏨
- Suites at Number Ten – This luxurious bed and breakfast is located in Broadstairs, just a short walk from Joss Bay. The property’s proximity to Joss Bay, a popular spot for surfing and beach activities, makes it perfect for water sports enthusiasts.
- Shorley Wall – Situated near Joss Bay, this charming guesthouse offers comfortable rooms and a peaceful garden. It provides a quiet retreat close to the beach. The guesthouse’s location allows guests to easily access Joss Bay and explore the scenic coastal walks in the area.
- Dog House Margate – This unique property offers a comfortable stay in Margate, just a short drive from Joss Bay. The property’s location provides a good base for exploring the beaches and attractions of the Thanet coast, including the popular Joss Bay.
4. 🌊 Minnis Bay, Birchington – Best for Watersports and Family Activities
Blue Flag beach offering a mix of sand and shingle. Excellent for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to consistent winds. Vast expanse of sand exposed at low tide. Children’s play area and other family-friendly facilities. Popular spot for coastal walks with stunning views. Tidal pool provides safe swimming options. Well-maintained toilets and changing rooms available. Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie nearby for meals with sea views. Large car park with easy access to the beach. Great for both relaxation and active water sports.
Best Hotels Near Minnis Bay 🏨
- Holiday Inn Express Ramsgate - Minster, an IHG Hotel – This modern hotel is located in Minster, just a short drive from the beautiful Minnis Bay. It offers comfortable rooms, a bar, and free parking. The hotel’s convenient location provides easy access to both Minnis Bay and other popular beaches in the area.
- Bay Lodge – Situated close to Minnis Bay, this charming lodge offers a peaceful stay with views of the sea. It features comfortable rooms and a garden. The lodge’s proximity to Minnis Bay allows guests to enjoy the long stretch of sandy beach and the various beach activities available.
- LG104 – These modern apartments are located in Birchington, just a short walk from Minnis Bay. They offer a comfortable stay with fully equipped kitchens and sea views. The apartments’ location provides easy access to the beach and the opportunity to explore the charming village of Birchington.
5. 🎨 Margate Main Sands – Best for Retro Seaside Atmosphere and Cultural Attractions
Epitome of a traditional British seaside resort. Golden sand beach with vintage amusements nearby. Tidal pool for safe swimming at all times. Turner Contemporary art gallery within walking distance. Dreamland amusement park offers retro rides and entertainment. Quirky shops and cafes in the nearby Old Town. Excellent transport links including train station close by. Wide range of accommodation options in Margate. Regular events and festivals throughout the summer. Perfect blend of nostalgia and modern seaside cool.
Best Hotels Near Margate Main Sands 🏨
- Westbrook Lodge Guest House – This cozy guesthouse is located in Margate, just a short walk from the popular Margate Main Sands. The guesthouse’s proximity to the beach and Margate’s lively town center makes it a great base for exploring the area.
- No. 42 Margate – Situated near Margate Main Sands, this stylish guesthouse offers a unique stay with individually decorated rooms. The guesthouse’s location allows guests to easily enjoy the sandy beach and the various attractions in Margate, such as the Turner Contemporary art gallery.
- Manhattan Loft – This trendy apartment is located in the heart of Margate, just a short walk from the beach. The apartment’s central location provides easy access to both Margate Main Sands and the town’s vibrant art and music scene.
6. 🏰 Dymchurch Beach – Best for Long Sandy Walks and Historical Interest
Over three miles of flat, sandy beach. Perfect for long walks and sandcastle building. Gently sloping shore ideal for safe swimming. Amusement park and donkey rides for children’s entertainment. Historic Martello Tower nearby for history enthusiasts. Great for kite flying due to open space and sea breezes. Dog restrictions in place during summer months. Dymchurch village offers shops and amenities. Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway nearby for scenic rides. Popular with families and those seeking vast open spaces.
Best Hotels Near Dymchurch Beach 🏨
- The Ship Inn – This charming inn is located just a short walk from Dymchurch Beach, a long stretch of sand and shingle beach popular with families. The inn’s proximity to the beach and the nearby Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway makes it a great base for exploring the Kent coast.
- Willow Cottage – This cozy cottage is situated in the heart of Dymchurch, just a short stroll from the beach. The cottage’s location allows easy access to the beach and the town’s amenities, making it perfect for a seaside getaway in Kent.
- The Ship Hotel – Located in nearby New Romney, this historic hotel offers easy access to Dymchurch Beach, just a few miles away. The hotel’s location in the charming town of New Romney provides a great base for exploring the beaches and attractions of the Romney Marsh area.
7. 🪁 Greatstone Beach – Best for Tranquility and Kitesurfing
Long stretch of sandy beach backed by dunes. Popular for kitesurfing and land yachting. Dog-friendly year-round, great for pet owners. Nearby Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway for scenic rides. Excellent birdwatching opportunities in the area. Less crowded than many Kent beaches, perfect for tranquility. Beautiful sunsets over the English Channel. Limited facilities, bringing own supplies recommended. Ample free parking along the beach road. Great for nature lovers and those seeking a quieter beach experience.
Best Hotels Near Greatstone Beach 🏨
- Sea Shells – This beachfront property offers direct access to Greatstone Beach, a vast expanse of sand and shingle beach. It features modern apartments with sea views, fully equipped kitchens, and balconies. The property’s location is perfect for a beach holiday, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks.
- Westwinds 422 – These holiday apartments are located just steps from Greatstone Beach, offering stunning sea views. They feature fully equipped kitchens, lounges, and some have balconies. The apartments’ proximity to the beach makes them ideal for families or groups looking to enjoy a seaside break in Kent.
- Seabreeze @ Romney Sands – This holiday park is situated near Greatstone Beach, offering a range of accommodations including caravans and lodges. It features an indoor pool, a playground, and easy access to the beach. The park’s location and facilities make it a great choice for families seeking a fun-filled beach holiday in Kent.
8. 🦪 Tankerton Beach, Whitstable – Best for Unique Coastal Features and Seafood
Shingle beach with colorful beach huts. Famous for “The Street” – a natural walkway at low tide. Proximity to Whitstable town and its famous oysters. Gentle slope into the sea, good for swimming. Popular for windsurfing and sailing. Excellent coastal walk to Herne Bay. Dog-friendly areas available year-round. Cafe and toilet facilities on the beach. Stunning sunsets over the Thames Estuary. Less crowded alternative to Whitstable’s main beach.
Best Hotels Near Tankerton Beach 🏨
- The Marine – This elegant hotel is located on Tankerton Cliffs, overlooking Tankerton Beach, a popular shingle beach in Whitstable. The hotel’s location provides stunning views of the Thames Estuary and easy access to the beach and the charming town of Whitstable.
- Hotel Continental – Situated near Tankerton Beach, this family-run hotel offers comfortable rooms, some with sea views. The hotel’s location allows guests to easily explore the beach and the nearby attractions of Whitstable, including its famous oysters.
- The Jolly Sailor – This traditional pub with rooms is located just a short walk from Tankerton Beach. It offers cozy rooms, a restaurant serving British pub classics, and a beer garden. The pub’s location in the heart of Whitstable provides easy access to the beach and the town’s independent shops and art galleries.
9. 🏜️ Dungeness Beach – Best for Unusual Landscapes and Wildlife Spotting
Vast shingle expanse with otherworldly atmosphere. Rich wildlife, including rare birds and plants. Historic lighthouse open to visitors. Excellent for beach fishing and birdwatching. Photogenic landscape popular with artists and photographers. Famous fish and chip shop for fresh seafood. Miniature railway offers scenic rides around the area. Nuclear power station provides a unique backdrop. Derek Jarman’s Prospect Cottage nearby. Perfect for those seeking an unusual and memorable beach experience.
Best Hotels Near Dungeness Beach 🏨
- Beautiful Spacious Holiday Home with Large Decking – This spacious holiday home is located in Dungeness, known for its unique shingle beach and nature reserve. It features a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge with a fireplace, and a large decking area with views of the sea.
- 26 Coast Drive – This holiday home is situated in nearby Lydd-on-Sea, just a short drive from Dungeness Beach. The property’s location provides a peaceful base for exploring the unique shingle beach and lighthouse of Dungeness.
- Comfy Cosy Caravan - Romney Sands – This cozy caravan is located in the Romney Sands Holiday Park, near Dungeness Beach. The caravan’s location allows easy access to the unique landscape of Dungeness, as well as the nearby beaches of Greatstone and Dymchurch.
10. 🐚 St. Mildred’s Bay, Westgate-on-Sea – Best for Quiet Relaxation and Swimming
Small, sandy beach ideal for a quieter seaside experience. Sheltered position makes it perfect for swimming and paddling. Less crowded than nearby Margate beaches. Beautiful cliff-top walks in both directions. Charming beach cafe for refreshments. Tidal pool visible at low tide. Family-friendly with gentle slope into the sea. Colorful beach huts add to the traditional seaside atmosphere. Westgate-on-Sea town nearby for amenities. Stunning sunsets over the sea in the evenings.
Best Hotels Near St. Mildred’s Bay 🏨
- Garden Oasis – This charming bed and breakfast is located in Westgate-on-Sea, just a short walk from St. Mildred’s Bay, a sandy beach popular with families. The property’s location allows guests to easily enjoy the beach and explore the nearby attractions of Margate.
- Margate Seaside Retreat – This stylish apartment is situated in Westgate-on-Sea, just a few minutes’ walk from St. Mildred’s Bay. It features a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge, and a balcony with sea views.
- The Bolthole Kent – This cozy holiday home is located in nearby Birchington, just a short drive from St. Mildred’s Bay. It offers a comfortable stay with a fully equipped kitchen, a garden, and a lounge. The property’s location provides a peaceful base for exploring the beaches and attractions of the Thanet coast, including Margate and Ramsgate.
🌊 Beach Activities and Water Sports
🏊♀️ Swimming and Sunbathing: Viking Bay in Broadstairs offers a lovely sandy beach perfect for families. Dymchurch Beach provides a long sandy stretch ideal for a day out in Kent. Margate Main Sands combines swimming with a retro seaside atmosphere. Hythe Beach offers a peaceful shingle beach with clear waters. Eastern end of Hythe Beach is less crowded with stunning coastal views.
🏄♂️ Surfing and Paddleboarding: Joss Bay in Broadstairs is Kent’s best surfing beach with consistent waves. Minnis Bay in Birchington ideal for beginner paddleboarders with calm waters. Tankerton Beach in Whitstable great for paddleboarding, especially at low tide. St. Margaret’s Bay offers paddleboarding with white cliff backdrop. Equipment rentals available at most popular beaches.
🐚 Rock Pooling and Fossil Hunting: Botany Bay in Broadstairs excellent for rock pooling and fossil hunting. Folkestone’s Lower Leas Coastal Park combines beach activities with park exploration. Dungeness Beach offers unique shingle landscape for unusual finds. Samphire Hoe near Dover perfect for nature walks and bird watching. Always check tide times before exploring.
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks and Cycling: Saxon Shore Way follows much of Kent’s coastline with stunning views. White Cliffs of Dover walk offers iconic and breathtaking scenery. Ramsgate to Broadstairs walk passes several sandy bays. Herne Bay to Reculver route ends at dramatic ruins. Viking Coastal Trail provides 32-mile cycling route around Isle of Thanet.
🪁 Kitesurfing and Windsurfing: Greatstone Beach popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing with long sandy stretch. Minnis Bay especially good for windsurfing with consistent winds. Littlestone Beach less crowded and great for beginners in both sports. Whitstable offers kitesurfing and windsurfing opportunities with equipment rental.
📅 Best Time to Visit Kent Beaches
1. ☀️ Summer Season (June to August)
Peak season with warm, sunny weather perfect for beach activities. Beaches bustling with families and water sports enthusiasts. Arrive early to secure spots on popular sandy beaches like Viking Bay. Book accommodations in advance, especially in seaside towns like Whitstable. Be prepared for crowds at beach attractions and facilities. Consider exploring less-known beaches for a more relaxed experience.
2. 🍂 Shoulder Season (May and September)
Pleasant weather for beach walks and brave swimmers. Thinner crowds compared to peak summer months. More space on popular beaches like Botany Bay. Easier parking at busy spots such as Folkestone Beach. Better chances of finding quiet stretches along Kent coast. Relaxed atmosphere in seaside towns like Broadstairs and Whitstable. Lower rates for beach facilities and rentals available.
3. ❄️ Off-Season (October to April)
Beaches take on a new character with dramatic skies and crashing waves. Perfect for bracing walks along shingle beaches like Dungeness. Cozy pubs in Whitstable ideal after winter beach strolls. Quieter streets and more local feel in seaside towns. Many beaches become dog-friendly or have relaxed restrictions. Stunning photo opportunities with moody winter seascapes. White Cliffs of Dover particularly impressive in winter light.
4. 🏊♀️ Best Time for Specific Beach Activities
Swimming and sunbathing best in July and August for warmest temperatures. Water sports ideal from May to September for consistent winds and warmer water. Beach walking enjoyable year-round, especially beautiful in autumn and winter. Wildlife watching peaks in spring and autumn for bird migrations. Photography best early morning or late afternoon year-round for optimal light. Rock pooling most rewarding during spring and autumn low tides.
🏙️ Coastal Towns and Attractions
1. 📚 Broadstairs: A Dickensian Delight
Charles Dickens’ favorite holiday spot with Victorian charm. Home to Dickens House Museum and Bleak House. Viking Bay offers a lovely sandy beach for a perfect day out. Quaint Broadstairs Harbour great for watching fishing boats. Annual Dickens Festival in June brings characters to life. Numerous ice cream parlors and fish and chip shops along the promenade.
2. 🎨 Margate: Retro Cool Meets Contemporary Art
Transformed from faded resort to hub of retro cool and art. Turner Contemporary gallery showcases world-class art with sea views. Dreamland offers reimagined vintage amusement park experience. Mysterious Shell Grotto features underground shell mosaics. Margate Main Sands perfect for traditional seaside fun. Vibrant Old Town filled with quirky shops and cafes.
3. 🦪 Whitstable: Oyster Paradise
Famous for oysters and seafood on the north Kent coast. Working harbour and fish market offer authentic coastal experience. Tankerton Beach boasts peaceful pebbles and colorful beach huts. Annual Whitstable Oyster Festival celebrates local culture. ‘The Street’ natural spit accessible at low tide. Charming high street filled with independent shops and galleries.
4. 🏰 Deal: Hidden Gem of the Kent Coast
Charming mix of history, beaches, and local culture. Deal Castle provides fascinating Tudor fortress exploration. Deal Pier perfect for leisurely strolls and fishing. Vast shingle beach ideal for peaceful coastal walks. Conservation Area features colorful Georgian seafront. Lively Saturday Town Market offers local produce and antiques.
5. 🎭 Folkestone: Art and Architecture
Reinvented as hub for art and culture with seaside charm. Creative Quarter filled with artist studios and quirky shops. The Leas offers mile-long clifftop promenade with sea views. Folkestone Harbour Arm features renovated pier with food stalls. Sunny Sands Beach one of few sandy beaches in area. Regular cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
🌟 Facilities and Amenities
🍽️ Food and Drink Options: Variety of food choices available at Kent’s beaches. Fish and chips popular on Folkestone Beach. Ice cream parlors abundant along Broadstairs’ Viking Bay. Fresh seafood available near Whitstable’s pebble beach. Dymchurch Beach perfect for picnics on vast sandy expanse. Secluded beaches like Isle of Sheppey ideal for packed lunches.
🏪 Beach Shops and Rentals: Many beaches have shops selling beach essentials. Promenades in Broadstairs and Margate offer various beach-related items. Equipment rentals available at several beaches. Joss Bay provides deckchair and windbreak rentals. Minnis Bay offers kayak and paddleboard rentals. Beach hut rentals available at Tankerton Beach in Whitstable.
♿ Accessibility Features: Many Kent beaches strive for accessibility. Viking Bay and Margate Main Sands have ramps to the sand. Beach wheelchairs available for hire at some locations. Accessible toilets present at most major beaches. Level promenades at beaches like Hythe and Deal for easy walking. Always check specific beach websites for up-to-date accessibility information.
🅿️ Parking Facilities: Most popular Kent beaches offer parking facilities. Dymchurch Beach has large car park next to long sandy beach. Arrive early at popular beaches, especially during summer weekends. Park and ride options available in busy seaside towns like Margate. Some residential streets near less popular beaches offer unrestricted parking.
FAQs about Trip to Best Beaches in Kent, UK ❔
Is Kent worth visiting?
Yes, Kent is definitely worth visiting. It offers beautiful coastlines, historic towns, cultural attractions, and is known as the “Garden of England” for its picturesque landscapes.
Is Kent beaches clean?
Many Kent beaches are clean and well-maintained. Several have been awarded Blue Flag status, which indicates excellent water quality and cleanliness.
What is the best seaside town in Kent?
This is subjective, but popular seaside towns in Kent include Whitstable, Margate, Broadstairs, and Deal. Each offers unique attractions and charm.
Is it safe to swim in Kent beaches?
Generally, yes. Many Kent beaches have good water quality and are safe for swimming, especially those with Blue Flag status. However, it’s always advisable to check local conditions and any warnings before swimming.
