DAYSOUT
KENT’ S BEST BEACHES cont.
HYTHE BEACH, HYTHE
Hythe Beach is actually three different pebble beaches joined together. They consist of the main beach itself, Fisherman’ s Beach and Foreshore Beach. Fisherman’ s Beach, as the name suggests, is a real working beach with plenty of fishing boats and fishermen using it at all times. Rather wonderfully, this is where you can find the Fishmongers’ Café which sells the catch of the day – and it doesn’ t get fresher than having been brought to shore within metres of the café itself. Foreshore Beach is sometimes closed as it is close to the MOD Hythe firing range. When the range is active, the beach is closed to the public, but when it is open it is part of a lovely walk that takes you all the way to Tankerton.
Hythe Beach is accessible by steps or via concrete slopes, and it is split into zones depending on what it is you want to do there – there is a swimming area, and a boat launch area. And if you want to launch a personal craft you can do so at the fabulously named Smuggler’ s Slipway.
Hythe Beach has a number of different car parks within a short walk, as well as a café and restaurant. The toilets at Hythe are open from Easter until October.
Sat nav: CT21 6DE
DYMCHURCH BEACH, DYMCHURCH
© heromneymarsh. net
Dymchurch’ s lovely wide sandy beach is the ideal spot to take some time to yourself to unwind, or to take the family for a fun, traditional day out on Kent’ s spectacular coast. Perhaps the most famous element of Dymchurch Beach – certainly the one that seems to be most well remembered by visitors past and present – are the donkey rides, and they are still there for everyone to enjoy today. Since the beach is flat and stretches for over three miles it is the most wonderful and safe place for children to play in the golden sands, for sunbathing, and for swimming. And since the beach is so close to Dymchurch itself, there is a good choice of places to be entertained and to eat – you can even bring your own picnic if you prefer.
Plus, if sea fishing is something you’ re particularly keen on, Dymchurch’ s reputation as the best beach on the south coast for that sport is well deserved; find out more from the Dymchurch and District Sea Angling Club.
Sat nav: TN29 0TJ
ST MARGARET’ S BAY, NR DOVER
St Margaret’ s Bay near Dover is a pretty little shingle beach that is absolutely ideal for rockpooling. It’ s also a great place to enjoy some watersports, so whether you prefer to sit and relax in the sunshine or to get out there and enjoy the sea itself, you’ re in the right place. St Margaret’ s is found in White Cliffs country, and as such it has some fascinating and far-reaching history behind it. It is even mentioned in the Domesday Book( although it was called Sancta Margharita back then). It has been a popular holiday destination since the Victorians realised how lovely it was, and none other than James Bond creator Ian Fleming could also see its numerous charms.
Dogs are allowed on the beach at St Margaret’ s Bay which is something of a rarity on Kent’ s beaches during the summer months, and there are bins dotted around to help owners keep the shingle clean. Walking up from the beach along the coastal path brings you to a café which used to be the old coastguard station, and the views from there are stunning.
Sat nav: CT15 6DX
© Dover District Council
WHITSTABLE WEST BEACH, WHITSTABLE
This gorgeous pebbly beach is divided into section by groynes, giving it the look and feel of a truly traditional British beach. Which it is. Backing onto the beach itself is a lovely row of cottages( Martine Terrace) which is both iconic and nostalgic. There are beach huts here too, all of which evoke a sense of summer’ s past; it’ s just a lovely place to be. You can enjoy sailing and wind surfing here, and there are numerous cafés, bars and restaurants just a short walk away in the town centre itself.
Sat nav: CT5 1FB
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