SUMMERSTAYCATION
KENT ’ S COASTAL CORNER insideKENT ’ s Roundup of the County ’ s Best Beaches
FROM BLUE FLAG AWARD-WINNERS TO HIDDEN COVES , THOSE GREAT FOR SPORTS TO COASTAL PATHS WITH A DIFFERENCE , WHATEVER YOU WANT FROM A DAY AT THE SEASIDE , KENT ’ S BEACHES HAVE IT ALL .
© Visit Kent
DUNGENESS
With over 50 beaches to choose from , the hardest part of a stay in Kent might be deciding which one to spend your time at . That ’ s why we have put together our top ten favourites to help you get to know their quirky characters and what makes each of them unique and special . Whoever you might be and whatever you might be looking for , there will be a beach for you to fall in love with .
Dungeness
Lying at the southernmost point of the county is the fascinatingly weird and wild seascape of Dungeness . A shingle beach teeming with wildlife , Dungeness has an artistically apocalyptic feel to it , its stunning strangeness heightened all the more by the converted WW2 buildings , fisherman ’ s huts and lighthouse that stand like chess pieces upon its diverse landscape .
Sometimes referred to as the UK ’ s only desert , this surreal and desolate place is surprisingly home to a vast amount of rare plant and animal species that visitors might glimpse as they walk the wooden boardwalk or as they crunch upon the flint shingle down to the shore .
Nature and unusual scenery go hand-in-hand with the dreamlike casting of light in this environment , making it the perfect place for artists to create and feel inspired . Appreciate sculptures of driftwood and washed up materials created by those inspired by the likes of Derek Jarman and even the cover art of Pink Floyd , as you explore this other-worldly hinterland .
Sandgate
You are likely to be familiar with Folkestone and its newly generated ‘ creative quarter ’ as well as its trendy ‘ harbour arm ’ lined with bars and bistros but just a little way along the coastline is Folkestone ’ s smaller , quieter , quainter neighbour – Sandgate . With a high street that runs parallel to the seashore , visitors to Sandgate can take their pick between lounging on the long stretch of spacious and tranquil pebble beach or exploring the pubs , restaurants and cafés that thrive with activity in the summer and offer a welcoming invite in the winter . Have brunch or take away a strong coffee from independent café LOAF (@ loaf _ sandgate ) or , if warmer weather permits , pick up an ice-cream from the beach-front vendor and get your perfect insta pic against the backdrop of the pretty row of beach huts . No matter which way you look in Sandgate you will be met with a stunning view . If you are not looking out across the ocean , look inland and you will see beautiful houses and architecture that stack up the hillside looking out to sea . From modern luxury beachfront pads to traditional Victorian grandiose mansions with whitewashed walls and green lead roofs , don ’ t be alarmed when you feel a touch envious of those who live here .
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