insideKENT Magazine Issue 52 - July 2016 | Page 119

DAYSOUT

KENT’S BEST BEACHES
Aren’t we the lucky ones here in Kent? Amongst the UK’s incredible range of
beaches, the Kent coast boasts some of the very best. Not so long ago, our beautiful
coastline was the summer holiday of choice for many Londoners, and, thanks to
the ever-present spectacular scenery and excellent amenities, those long, carefree
holidays are still enjoyed today. Kent’s beaches never get old, they never get boring,
and they always welcome newcomers and return visitors with equal pleasure.

Botany Bay

Sunny Sands

BOTANY BAY, Broadstairs

SUNNY SANDS, Folkestone

Winner of a Blue Flag Award for 2016, Botany Bay is a haven for families,
explorers, photographers and those looking for somewhere peaceful and
serene to relax for a day – or more. Tucked away between beautiful chalk
stacks, this tranquil beach is said to have been given its rather wonderful
name due to the many smugglers in the area. If they were caught (as they
often were), the sentence was transportation, and the landing place in
Australia was called Botany Bay.

Sunny Sands has the distinction of being one of the very few sandy beaches
that can be found within an hour’s travel of London – a rare thing indeed.
And although that can mean that Sunny Sands itself can get fairly busy on
nice days, that shouldn’t put you off from visiting – especially if you or the
kids love to build sandcastles. There is an annual sand castle building
competition that takes place here, which is testament to just how perfect
the golden sand actually is.

The sandy beach at Botany Bay is an excellent place for fossil hunting when
the tide is out, and there are plenty of rock pools around that will give
children and adults alike many a happy hour of exploration.

Located next to Folkestone harbour, there are plenty of amenities here that
mean your day out can be one of completely uninterrupted enjoyment.
There are cafés, restaurants and pubs within walking distance, including
fish and chip shops and the Pleasure Beach café. There are toilets too, as
well as a fun gift shop. Parking is easy and convenient with two long term
car parks close to the beach itself and another a short walk away.

Amenities include a nearby café and pub, deckchair hire, seasonal toilets,
seasonal lifeguards, and a first aid point. Dogs are not allowed on the beach
between 10am and 6pm from 1st May until 30th September.

Sat nav: CT19 6AU
Sat nav: CT10 3LG

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