DAYSOUT from the elements , a safe place to store your belongings and a comfortable place to rest , it ’ s no wonder that there are around 20,000 across the UK . In Kent particularly , beach huts stretch across the coasts of Margate , Herne Bay and Whitstable to name a few .
Hiring a beach hut is one of the most luxurious ways to enjoy the beach , bathing in the seclusion and relaxation of a room right up against the coast . Watching the sunsets and tide changes as temperatures drop and we become acquainted again with the British rain , a seaside escape to one of Kent ’ s beach huts sounds better than ever .
Whitstable Oyster Farm Tour Experience , Whitstable whitstableoystertours . co . uk
The Whitstable Oyster Company is one of the oldest companies in Europe , with a long and rich history of farming Whitstable ’ s famous oysters tracing back to the 1400s . For an educational and unforgettable event this autumn , why not try a two-hour farm and tasting tour of the Whitstable Oyster Company ?
After meeting their guide at The Horsebridge arts centre , guests walk over to the farm to learn all about oyster harvesting and the importance of responsible aquaculture . After discovering what makes Whitstable ’ s oysters so unique , guests can sample the freshly shucked shellfish with a glass of local bubbly or Whitstable Brewery beer . For an opportunity to learn how Whitstable ’ s world-renowned oysters go from ocean to plate , book online (£ 45 adults , £ 25 children ).
Sunrise or Sunset Paddles with Local Hospitality , Ramsgate visitramsgate . co . uk
With activities across the Ramsgate coast from walking trails and cycling routes to kitesurfing and scuba diving , Active Ramsgate encourages locals and visitors to enjoy outdoorsy days on the Kentish coastline .
One of their best activities is a sunrise or sunset paddle , where visitors paddleboard along Ramsgate ’ s coastline , taking in the sights while learning a new skill . After an hour on the ocean , a BUSUPA-certified instructor takes the small group to a local eatery or pub for a debrief - with the sunrise paddle including a delicious breakfast , while the sunset paddle comes with a refreshing drink . Visitors will be glad to know that waves are often bigger and better this time of year due to changing winds , so a paddleboarding trip with Active Ramsgate will be even more thrilling .
Geocaching , Ramsgate geocaching . com / play
A modern version of treasure hunting using GPS coordinates to discover ‘ caches ’ located all across the country , geocaching makes for an exciting outdoor activity at the beach this autumn . Simply download the app and search for clues on nearby cache locations while exploring some of the very best locations in Ramsgate . From coastal trails and open beaches to secluded woodlands , the real treasure is a memorable adventure .
While you ’ re in the historic seaside town , you can also head down to Ramsgate Main Sands , explore the Ramsgate Tunnels or find a quaint cafe to unwind in on the Royal Harbour and marina .
Turner Contemporary , Margate turnercontemporary . org
Situated on Margate ’ s famed seafront , the Turner Contemporary gallery is a regenerative catalyst of the Kentish art scene . Since opening its doors in 2011 , it has been at the forefront of artistic discovery in Kent , inspiring and featuring contemporary artists and designers . With a rotating programme of temporary exhibitions , learning opportunities and events , there is something for everyone at the Turner Contemporary .
From tours and activities to a relaxing drink in the cafe , visitors can immerse themselves in the local arts culture of Margate . With free entry to the gallery and exhibitions , the Turner Contemporary is a great place to explore throughout any season , but especially when bathed in the autumnal colours that Turner himself so often celebrated .
Whitstable Boat Trips , Whitstable whitstableboattrips . co . uk
Explore Kent ’ s stunning coastline this season with a boat trip perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers . If you ’ re visiting Whitstable for a weekend , you can take a quick trip around the bay for £ 10 per person , or head out for a more lengthy , tailored experience .
Whitstable Boat Trips also offer rides to the Maunsell Forts , situated at the mouth of the Thames Estuary . With a short stop via the Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm , there are plenty of opportunities for photos and learning about the wartime history of Whitstable . For nature enthusiasts , their See The Seals boat trips take visitors from Whitstable Harbour to The Swale , where you can see firsthand a colony of rare brown seals . Private booking is available on all trips , though you can check the Whitstable Boat Trips ’ website for individual pricing .
The Zetland Arms , Kingsdown zetlandarms . co . uk
When it ’ s not quite the weather for fish and chips on the sand , you might want to find somewhere indoors to dine . Luckily , on Kingsdown ’ s coast you won ’ t have to venture far to find The Zetland Arms , a picturesque pub right on the shingle beach . With stunning views of the White Cliffs , the beloved Zetland Arms has been serving pints to locals since 1863 . With a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere , it ’ s the perfect spot to enjoy a bite to eat after a long day exploring the shore .
Their autumn menu displays a variety of options from mussels with Kentish cider and red chilli to beetroot and halloumi burgers with salty fries . With locally caught fish and seafood cooked to perfection , guests can enjoy excellent service and seaside views alongside a meal at this much-loved pub .
Capture Kent , Margate visitkent . co . uk
If you ’ re looking to learn about Kentish beaches this autumn , why not join a local historian and professional photographer on a two-hour photo walk across the Margate coast ? Including stops for refreshments at Rosie Lea ’ s and the Turner Contemporary ’ s cafe , you ’ ll learn all about the rich history of the seaside town and , most importantly , how to take some great photos of it . The lighting this time of year is unmatched with the low sun casting golden light across the shoreline , so a guided walk of Margate is sure to provide some breathtaking views . If exploring the natural beauty of Kent ’ s chalky white cliffs appeals to you more , Capture Kent also offers a photography walking experience in Dover ; enquiries can be made by emailing capturekent @ gmail . com .
Goose on the Green Cafe , Walmer gooseonthegreen . com
As the weather changes from blazing sunshine to clouds and drizzle , you ’ ll likely find yourself on a beach day out needing something to warm up with - and what better choice than a decadent hot chocolate ?
The Goose on the Green Cafe is only a stone ’ s throw from Walmer Beach , a pebblefilled and dog-friendly expanse on the southern coastline . This trendy cafe makes a great respite from the chilly sea breeze , serving a variety of comforting hot drinks . In fact , their drinks menu offers three kinds of hot chocolate : Italian , Belgian White and Ultimo , with the option of added syrup shots . Visitors often claim that the cafe serves one of the best cooked breakfasts on the coastline , and for those with a sweet tooth , the chocolate-hazelnut French toast is also a customer favourite . With indulgent hot chocolates , friendly service and stylish shelter from the coastal elements , Goose on the Green Cafe is a must-visit this season .
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