insideKENT Magazine Issue 76 - July 2018 | Page 84

DAYSOUT
MAKE THE MOST OF THE
Sunshine
WE DON’T GET MUCH SUNSHINE IN THE UK – NOT COMPARED TO OTHER
COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD, ANYWAY. LAST YEAR, THE UK AVERAGED 1,493
HOURS OF SUNSHINE, WHICH EQUATED TO AROUND 62 DAYS, SO WE NEED TO
MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY DAYTIME HOUR OF SUN AND GET OUT AND ABOUT
A BIT MORE. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE PLACES IN KENT WHEN IT
COMES TO ENJOYING YOUR TIME OUTDOORS.
BEACHES
IF THERE’S ONE THING THAT KENT DOES WELL, IT’S BEACHES. WE HAVE 350 MILES OF COASTLINE, SO THERE IS SURE TO BE SOMETHING THAT
SUITS YOU, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR PREFERENCE WHEN IT COMES TO SANDY, ROCKY, OR FOSSILY PLACES TO ENJOY THE WARM WEATHER.
Joss Bay
Margate Main Sands
Joss Bay // Broadstairs
Joss Bay is a lovely sandy beach about 30
minutes’ walk from Broadstairs itself. There
are chalk cliffs to explore and the swimming
is safe due to the shallowness of the bay. In
July to September, when it is particularly
popular, there is even a lifeguard on duty for
added safety. Surfers love Joss Bay and there
is a surf school here should you want to try it
out. Nearby you’ll find shops, cafés and lots
of coastal walks.
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Viking Bay // Broadstairs
Viking Bay was the 2015 Seaside Award
winner, which shows just how lovely this
particular Broadstairs beach really is. It’s a
gorgeous spot for family days out thanks to
the tidal pool which makes keeping an eye on
the little ones a much easier task. There are
two different ends to Viking Bay; one where
you can enjoy a traditional day out at the
seaside with swimming and playing in the
sand and the other where you can indulge in
more adrenalin-inducing activities such as
surfing and belly boarding.
Margate Main Sands // Margate
When you think of a traditional Kentish (or
even British) seaside, Margate Main Sands is
probably the one that pops into your head,
even if you don’t know it. This massive curve
of golden sand, backed by restaurants, bars
and shops selling beach-friendly toys is both
beautiful and fun. The added benefit of the
amusements, children’s rides and the
opportunity to go surfing makes this a superb
choice for a family day out.