RAMSGATE
© Visit Kent
HERNE BAY
Ramsgate
The third place which turns Broadstairs and Margate into a joyful trio of neighbouring seaside towns is Ramsgate . Taking a slightly more nautical approach to beach life than the other two , visitors to Ramsgate will delight at its picture book marina and the large collection of boats that happily bob around waiting to venture out to sea . Separated from the marina by the largest and most impressive Wetherspoons in the UK , with spectacular ocean views and beachfront access , you will find Ramsgate Beach . Awash with golden sands and echoing some of Margate ’ s cheerful tradition , this beach offers a seamless combination of family fun and adventure . The irresistible waters are also perfect for kitesurfing , with Ramsgate laying claim as the location in which kite surfer Lewis Crathan , broke the UK record for highest kite jump .
Herne Bay
A true seaside hit since the beach-obsessed Victorian era , the characterful town of Herne Bay is the embodiment of a typically traditional English coastal destination . Complete with a bandstand and what was once the UK ’ s longest pier , visitors will feel as though they have stepped back in time when visiting this charming town . Beachfront arcades adorned with hanging bags of candy-floss line the promenade and sit beside traditional fun-fair rides including a helter-skelter , making Herne Bay any child ’ s paradise in which to create cherished family memories . Go crabbing on the pier or walk down to the striking Reculver Towers , a famous ancient landmark that can be seen for miles around . On hot days , relax on the shingle beach and know that when it is time for lunch there are plenty of cafés serving fresh sandwiches and tasty ice-creams to choose from . Visit long established gelato parlour Mackari ’ s ( www . makcaris . com ) who are just as passionate about coffee as they are ice-cream and feel satisfied that you have embraced all the traditions of a day on the Kent coast .
Whitstable and Tankerton
Whitstable has been a seaside town of rapidly growing popularity over the last ten years , experiencing a welcome influx of the accurately coined phrase DFL ’ s ( Down From Londoners ) who come to appreciate the artistic beauty of this Kentish gem with its working harbour , plethora of independent cafés , award winning restaurants , galleries , and quirky shops .
Whether you choose the Tankerton Slopes or Whitstable Beach itself to set down your picnic blanket and relax , space allows for tranquillity and the wooden groynes separate out the shoreline into reassuring partitions creating the perfect place for children to play happily in the water . There is also the opportunity to rent one of the large colourful beach huts ( www . beachhuts4hire . co . uk ) for the day , providing a base for the perfect family beach party .
If you are feeling brave enough , try the town ’ s speciality of oysters from The Whitstable Oyster Company ( whitstableoystercompany . com ) or order a refreshing pint of Whitstable Bay made by local Kent brewers Shepherd Neame .
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