NOTHING SAYS BRITISH SUMMERTIME LIKE A DAY OUT AT THE BEACH . LUCKILY FOR US , THE STUNNING KENTISH COASTLINE HAS OVER 50 TO CHOOSE FROM .
DAYSOUT
KENT ’ S BEST BEACHES
NOTHING SAYS BRITISH SUMMERTIME LIKE A DAY OUT AT THE BEACH . LUCKILY FOR US , THE STUNNING KENTISH COASTLINE HAS OVER 50 TO CHOOSE FROM .
Whether you want to build sandcastles , bathe in the afternoon sun or find a bite to eat along the shoreline , each of Kent ’ s beaches has something unique to offer . From landscapes of golden , outstretched sands to colourful shingle and dramatic cliffsides , here are the best Kentish beaches to visit this summer .
The Warren Beach , Folkestone Best for fossil hunting
The Warren Beach is a prime spot for both collectors and the curious to amble over its sands . Situated along the sunken white cliffs , this beach is a favourite of fossil hunters with everything from thick vegetation inland to rock pools scattered closer to the sea .
The Warren Beach is dog-friendly throughout the year and you can find free parking on Wear Bay Road , which is a 30-minute scenic walk away . Following the meandering pathways , you ’ ll find an open stretch of sand , sea defences and a concrete promenade that ’ s frequented by fishermen .
There are over 400 ammonite species to find at The Warren and the beach is a prime spot for collecting sea glass and shells , too , so remember to bring an empty jar with you . Fossil hunting was popularised in Victorian and Edwardian times and you can head over to the Folkestone Museum after your coastal adventure to learn about the local history of the practice . The museum boasts an extensive collection of fossils , rocks and butterfly specimens from The Warren Beach itself for visitors to see .
Before heading into the town , you could also visit The Warren Country Park ; a chalky cliffside of the Kent Downs and Heritage Coastline , the park is home to more than 150 species of rare wildflowers , bird species and butterflies , all of which overlook The Warren Beach .
Viking Bay , Broadstairs Best for foodies
When most of us think of a seaside day out , we think of fish and chips on the beach or ice cream van queues - at least back when Mr Whippys were 99p ! A food-faring beach that might not come to mind is Viking Bay , a spot in the centre of Broadstairs ’ seafront . The golden sands themselves have a lifeguard service , changing huts and a clifftop promenade , but wander through the town and you ’ ll find some fantastic restaurants and cafes .
A spot well-loved by locals is Kebbells Seafood Bar & Restaurant , located on Victoria Parade ( kebbells . com ). Rated Tripadvisor ’ s Travellers ’ Choice 2023 , the dine-in restaurant has a vintage interior and outdoor terrace to enjoy during warm summer days . Their menus change seasonally and have daily specials with plenty of vegetarian options and a good choice of gluten-free dishes .
If you ’ d rather eat on the harbour overlooking the beach , the Jetty Broadstairs bistro offers fresh , locally sourced food and drink ( jettybroadstairs . co . uk ). For something sweet , you can head south to the Broadstairs Bandstand Cafe ( broadstairsbandstand . co . uk ) and enjoy an afternoon tea or ice cream overlooking the charming Viking Bay .
St Margaret ’ s Bay , St . Margaret ’ s at Cliffe Best for peace and quiet
For those seeking a little serenity , this secluded cove is the perfect place along the Kentish coastline . St Margaret ’ s Bay is a shingle beach to be enjoyed by nature lovers and introverts alike , with an inspiring landscape that makes a great place to bring a notebook or easel . There are plenty of spots for picnics along the beach , lounging in the British sunshine or watching boats pass across the English Channel .
The clifftop features the St Margaret ’ s Bay Circular , a well-signposted circular 4.8-mile walk along public footpaths and fields with great views of the cliff ’ s edge . The route passes Pines Garden , a beautiful and biodiverse garden managed by The Bay Trust , as well as the famous South Foreland Lighthouse . During normal opening hours , there is free access to the historic lighthouse for visitors to climb to its top and look out at the French coastline .
www . insidekent . co . uk • 33