SUMMERSTAYCATION
KENT ’ S COASTAL CORNER CONT .
ROCKPOOLNG AT VIKING BAY ST MARGARET ’ S BAY
© Visit Kent
THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER
Broadstairs – Viking Bay
The cherry on top of the archetypal beach town of Broadstairs comes in the horse-shoe shape of Viking Bay . Lined with stripey beach huts and coming complete with a harbour , life-guard service , deck chair rental , and even a surf school , there is plenty to keep everyone amused for hours on end at Viking Bay . As well as beachside shops , cafés and kiosks , the town of Broadstairs sits right behind , offering fresh gelato from Morelli ’ s Ice Cream Parlour ( www . morellisgelato . com ) and award-winning fish ‘ n chips at The Seafarer ( www . facebook . com / seafarerbroadstairs ). A favourite of Charles Dickens , the sandy bay , cliff-top promenade and boardwalk make Viking Bay a place of timeless beauty and excitement for all .
Sandwich & Pegwell Bay
If you are craving a peaceful and serene day of relaxation on what comes closest to your very own private beach , look no further than Sandwich Bay . To access Sandwich Bay by car , visitors will have to pay a small fee , this entrance cost perhaps maintaining its secluded quietness all year through . A residential area , admire the beautiful houses on the private road that takes you down to the bay and remain stress free knowing that you will be able to effortlessly park right next to the shore . This factor also makes it the perfect beach for those with their own kayaks and other water-sports equipment , which can easily be carried across the shingle down to the water . This saltmarsh beach is also a haven for nature lovers , as Kent Wildlife Trust ’ s largest reserve , it is home to a variety of bird populations and therefore is of international importance . If you are lucky enough , you might even spot a seal basking in the water or sunbathing on the beach . Lay back , breathe in the salty air and listen to the waves roll onto the shore as you soak up the tranquillity of Sandwich Bay .
Hythe Bay
If you are wanting to take in the sea air away from the hustle and bustle of thriving seaside towns yet still be close to cafés , shops and other amenities , we recommend a visit to the large , yet quiet stretch of shoreline in the form of Hythe Bay . This completely unspoiled pebble beach which sits between Sandgate and Dymchurch , slopes down into waters which quickly become deep when the tide is in . With plenty of benches for those not wanting to sit on the pebbles ,
stare out to France and spot boats on the horizon or wander down the nostalgic high street which consists of quirky shops and cute places to eat . On rainy days visit The Crypt at St Leonard ’ s Church , ( www . slhk . org ) the largest and best-preserved collection of ancient skulls and bones in Britain .
St Margaret ’ s Bay and the White Cliffs
A round up of Kent ’ s beaches would not be complete without a mention of one of Britain ’ s world-famous landmarks ; The White Cliffs of Dover . The best way to appreciate this breath-taking mass of scenery is by hiking the St Margaret ’ s At Cliffe Coastal Walk . Start off at St Margaret ’ s Bay , a sheltered , shingle beach enclosed by the spectacular cliffs themselves . With fantastic views across the channel , this is the ideal location to spot boats on the horizon or even glimpse France on a clear day . Make your way from here to the cliffs above and wander past historic monuments such as South Foreland Lighthouse , The Dover Patrol Monument and the Coastguard Station – now a £ 3.5 million pound home . Not only will you enjoy glorious panoramic views of chalk white cliffs against blue ocean , but nature lovers can also appreciate rare insects and plants specific to this unique habitat and its rugged charm .
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